Swaging .223 on a Budget

[NZSarge]

Hi, Thought I would share my project in swaging .22 RF cases to projectiles for my Baikal single shot .223.

I have two hand dies.

The first has 4 holes. the two holes on the left are my de-rim and sizing dies. The two on the right are my different shaped pointing dies.

The two on the left are stepped, the top half of each hole has a diameter to fit the .22 rim.
I firstly anneal the jackets with a small prop. torch. I need the whole case and rim soft as.

The bottom half of each hole has two different sizes allowing me to tap the rim out into a cup ( similar to a Lee handloader deprime rod) in the first and then size the new jacket to .224 in the second. The tapping rod has a rounded face so the brass isn't cut or damaged and is the exact size of the internal jacket diameter.
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i427/Sarge8087/223002jpg.jpg
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i427/Sarge8087/223001jpg.jpg
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i427/Sarge8087/223003jpg.jpg
The longer die with seven holes ( below) allows the cups to be seated exactly for lead poring or cold swaging in a lead core. The other side has smaller holes for the hot pour.
So far I am experimenting with tapping no.8 lead shot into the case before pointing. This shot squashes and molds into the case actually forming a solid core.. surprisingly :o
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i427/Sarge8087/223004jpg.jpg
I guess they will be more semi wad than spired but I will use them for reduced loads at around 2300fps using Alliant 2400 powder.
The 2400 works really well at 100m after 30 test shots with commercial 55g.

I Know, I know.. lots of work for small projectiles but I like to do it and rimfire brass is free on the range.
When I finish the lead stage and pointing after the weekend Ill post some pics and let you know how they perform.
At least beer can sized groups I hope at 100m.:-D

[clodhopper]

Wow! amazing how simple the proces can be.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of the process and results.
I do want more production so the press route is the one I will follow

[Lizard333]

Got any pics of a finished product yet??

[NZSarge]

I found it easier to dip the case into hot lead, it doesn't take on the outside of the case but forms molten and solidifies just fine to the top of the rim

Pic of sample using the swaged cup up the other way, similar shape to the lead cast next to it.
Can sized groups at 100m. Ok for plinking with 10g of 2400 ( use at your risk and care).
These are made on a budget, cost me nothing and I can hand produce about 20 and hour.
Its not about cost for me alone, also because I enjoy it and it can be done without spending hundreds of dollars on equipment.
http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i427/Sarge8087/303006jpg.jpg