458X2 American Brass

[condorjohn]

I recently purchased a custom built M98 chambered for 458X2 American. I have a good supply of 300 Win Mag brass.
Question is, without power tools, what is the easiest way to cut the brass to 2 inches? I know I'll have to trim all to the same length, but that first half inch is a problem.
Thanks for any help... Condor John

[45nut]

If you have a drill press you can chuck them up and trim with a hacksaw, Or ,, use a dremel cut off wheel. I had poor results myself trying a pipe cutter but your mileage may vary.
Its a potent cartridge, I use 450 Marlin dies for mine.

[pumpguy]

I can't say from experiene, but, if it were me, I would probably try a plumbers tubing cutter.



Looks like 45nut and I were typing at the same time. Nevermind my suggestion.:oops:

[scb]

John the absolutely easiest way to make 458x2 brass is to buy 350 rem. mag brass, load with 10 gr. unique a little toilet paper, and top off with cream of wheat, a thin pc of paraffin pressed over the mouth to hold it all together. Then fire in the 458 x 2 chamber. NO REAMING needed as there generally is when cutting off any other brass. Still has to be trimmed but very little. No problem with a regular case trimmer. It the way I make mine. Steve

[Bass Ackward]

If you don't have a lathe, then Steve nailed it for ya. A trim die will help too if you want to recycle brass folks give you.

Best brass for me is Norma 458s. Weight will be 191 to 192 grains as opposed to Remington or Winchester at 213 -221. (notice the variance?) Very good anneal too.

[NVcurmudgeon]

A tubing cutter is too much like work. Best is a Dremel with cut-off wheels. To avoid wholesale quantities of broken wheels, make a simple V shaped holding fixture from angle iron or aluminum and lock it in a vise. It will keep the case stable and minimize broken wheels.

[Andy_P]

I use a $25 mini chop-saw. You can rough trim to length in seconds, then finish the last few thou in a case trimmer.

[Mohillbilly]

without power tools I'd drill a custom load block to the approxamate depth I wanted and cut'm off with a hacksaw......Then to the trim op........

[condorjohn]

Thanks for all the help. This, at least, gives me something to start with.

Thanks again CondorJohn...

[redneckdan]

for heavy trimming while making .300 whisper cases I use a tap wrench to hold the case head and a small pipe cutter. Quickest way I've found so far.

[jebb45]

Condorjohn;;;;;;

If you know anyone or a buddy that makes his own aluminum arrows, ask him to use his cut off machine, works fast and is very accurate in cutting. you can make a 100 rounds in about 5 minutes. try it, you will like it !!!!!!!!

jebb45:Fire::drinks::castmine:

[Mayor]

Lyman makes a univesal (no case holders) drill press base that is slick! Then find the appropriate Lee cutter and lockstud. Your mileage may be different but works for me!

[StrawHat]

Another option, non reversible, would be to have a gunsmith rechamber it for the .450 Marlin. Then you can use factory brass.

When I had a 458 2" I used the 350 Remington as suggested earlier. After fireforming it only required trimming when it got too long

[johnly]

A 450 Marlin file trim die and a fine bladed hack saw and you'll be in business.

John in Oregon

[beagle]

I use a small tubing cutter and then an old Lyman case trimmer with an electric drill attached. Takes them right down to length.

Then, I'll neck ream to the length of the seated bullet. That seems to allow the case mouth to expand better and eliminate dirty case mouths.

Been aiming to fire my 458 X 2 up but barn repair has gotten in the way.

Darn fine cartridge./beagle

[JSH]

I found the tubing cutter to work harden the brass when using it for a rough trim tool. It would also "walk" down towards the neck caused by case taper.

[jhrosier]

Put a pair of 2x4s together with a hinge and drill a blind 17/32" hole on the parting line.
Clamp the case in there and run it across your table saw with a carbide blade.
Wear gloves, long sleeves and a pair of safety goggles.

Jack

[Bass Ackward]

Darn fine cartridge./beagle


Absolutely.