25 caliber

[Blammer]

Ok what brass is used to make 257 cal swaged bullets from?

[Hickory]

5.7x 28 FN is the only one that would come close.

[Blammer]

was thinking about a 90gr projectile

[BT Sniper]

I've done it with 22mag or 17hmr brass.

1/4" copper tubing was made for the .257 :)

BT

[DukeInFlorida]

Which is exactly what I suggested in chat, DJ... :)

[lup]

I've made 25 ACP jackets from shotgun primers. Don't think they'll be long enough for rifle rounds though.

[Blammer]

yea, but is the copper tubing "cheap" :)

[BT Sniper]

not unless you can find it cheap. It is about $1 a foot new, and I cut them at 1.25 lengths to make 25 cal jackets with. So about 10 jackets per foot. Now if you can find a supply of it from recycle cheap by the lb. then it will probably be cheaper. ALl depends on what you have access to and what sort of bullet you want. The copper tubing jacket makes a very good looking hunting bullet while the 22mag jacket looks good for varmints.

BT

[Blammer]

I have other bullets for hunting, likely these would be on the cheap for target punching and varmints.

BT, is that a closed or open base bullet with the copper tubing?

[runfiverun]

you have to fold over the base,insert the core, then form the point.
when doing the point or core seating, the base will fold over flat.

[BT Sniper]

Here is some 120 grain .257s

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu87/BTSniper/P1050448-1.jpg

Here is the thread.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=111370





BT

[BT Sniper]

I actually flatten the base with a punch before seating the core but I'm sure flattening during core seating will work too.

BT

[nicholst55]

Corbin recommends using .22 Mag (or .17 HMR) brass for .257 bullets.

[DukeInFlorida]

DJ is looking for 100 grain bullets. I think .22 Maxi-mag brass would work fine.

I'll pick through my collection of raw .22 stuff, and yank any long ones out for ya, DJ.

[Blammer]

BT, nice, how did the base get folded over? That step I don't get.

I think I figured it out, you point form then flatten the "base" right?

Can this be done on a regular C press? Or do you have to have a lot more force?

[DukeInFlorida]

An "O" type press would have enough structural strength to do the job.

A RockChucker would be just about perfect.

DJ, I didn't get to make the post ofice today. But that's actually a good thing because I found some more 22 Maxi-Mag cases. I de-rimmed all but one (so you could see what it started off looking like. There's enough for you to mess with.

They'll go out Tuesday (my understanding is that the post office is closed Monday).

[BT Sniper]

Copper tubing is very soft. Any decent press will easily make copper tubing jackets. I use either my RCBS Supreme or Lee Classic Cast.

To get the point to close up takes a die with a perfectly fitting inner punch that allows the end to fold in to a point. Then in the same die we change the internial punch for a flat one and use a differnt base punch to flatten the base.

It took quite a bit of tryle and error and tollerances have to be pretty darn close.

Corbin charges a small fortune for his copper tubing dies and I know why :)

One can spend a good deal of time with tryle and error and a bit of frustration or purchase the tools. Corbin does offer a bit more info on his sight if you can find it. One hint is the tubbing is cut about 1/4" longer then the desired jacket length.

As for me I would love to post exact pics of what is needed along with all the blue prints but I might have a tough time feeding my family then :)

Keep at it you'll get it, if not I'll happily supply you/anyone with the needed die and tools.

Good shooting and swage On!

BT

[MightyThor]

As others have said, 22 Mag and 17 HMR make decent brass jackets for 257 bullets. Here is the link to the bullets I am making.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=141436

Also got the jacket maker from BT, but been too busy to try it yet.

[BT Sniper]

Also got the jacket maker from BT, but been too busy to try it yet.

Glad you received the package. Let me know if you ever have any questions.

Good Shooting and Swage On!