Forming .222 Rem cases from .223 cases

[pertnear]

ISO info on what dies are needed & where to get them if this is possible. Any help, info or ideas would be most appreciated.

TIA

[Kylongrifle32]

It's been several years since I have done this. But I just used a RCBS 222 FL sizer die. Remove the expander and recapping rod. Lighty lubed the cast with the Hornady paste case lube ( forget the name) and slowly resize the case. Then roughly estimate and cut case down with a dremal cut off wheel. Install the expander rod , deburr the case and go another pass thru the die. Then finished up on the foster case trimmer.
I have no other intermittent die set so this is how I had to have done it. Watch for wrinkles on the shoulder do to excessive lube. The light wrinkles will iron out when fire forming.

[pertnear]

It's been several years since I have done this. But I just used a RCBS 222 FL sizer die. Remove the expander and recapping rod. Lighty lubed the cast with the Hornady paste case lube ( forget the name) and slowly resize the case. Then roughly estimate and cut case down with a dremal cut off wheel. Install the expander rod , deburr the case and go another pass thru the die. Then finished up on the foster case trimmer.
I have no other intermittent die set so this is how I had to have done it. Watch for wrinkles on the shoulder do to excessive lube. The light wrinkles will iron out when fire forming.

Thanks for your reply! Didn't you have to inside ream the case necks on the formed cases?

[pworley1]

I use a 222 file trim die first. run them into the trim die and cut to length. depending on the brass you may or may not have to turn the necks, usually not.

[stubshaft]

I use once fired cases and anneal the necks first, then run them through a 222 FL die and trim to length with a Lee case trimmer mounted in a hand drill.

[Kylongrifle32]

I was firing them in a T/C Contender with out neck turning. I also was only using Commercial brass Remington and Winchester. Mil spec brass my be a different animal.

[Gunor]

Buy a set like this...

275827

RCBS Set
2 - Form dies
1 - trim dies
Shell hold extender

223 into 222

[richhodg66]

I tried this when I first got a .222. I figured it was enough trouble and has a high enough rejet rate that I'd rather just buy .222 brass, it really isn't that difficult to find, at least it wasn't then.

This is a good thing to know you can do just in case but isn't really worth it.

[BK7saum]

I have formed a few hundred 222 from 223. One pass through the full length size die, trim and load. the necks were checked for clearance. No problems and very few (almost none) lost cases. Just make sure you wipe excess lube from shoulder to avoid wrinkles.

[TN/TX99]

I use once fired cases and anneal the necks first, then run them through a 222 FL die and trim to length with a Lee case trimmer mounted in a hand drill.

No problem; I use the same process with good results.

[BrassMagnet]

Do it Different!

Use a File Trim die to size it. File off the brass that sticks out. Trim and Chamfer. Then FL size, trim, chamfer, load.

[BK7saum]

I have sized many 223 rem cases to 222 using only the FL expander. Absolutely no issues using commercial brass. If I needed to purchase an expensive intermediate die, I would just buy 222 brass.

[Three44s]

I fell into the RCBS form and trim set of dies along the way and they certainly work. Then I acquired a healthy batch of original .222 brass.

I am not planning on letting those dies go however because I am thrifty.

As many extoll throwing away any .223 brass away for the smallest of reasons, I see a chance to save a buggered or neck split case and come out a winner!

Around here, a 223 case falling out of favor can become a .222, then ultimately a 7.62 x 25 mm!

Three44s

[Harter66]

I formed enough straight sizing from 223 to have trouble with creases .

I used a 256 Win mag to push the shoulder it was better .

[BK7saum]

I have also formed 17 rem fireball from 223.

Resize to 221 rem fireball
turn necks to 0.011"
resize in 17 fireball FL die.
There are a couple of annealing steps involved, but less than a 10% loss (much less after I got the annealing steps in the right places).

Way I look at it. .223 has been free for me, so if there is a minor loss of cases, it is still a win, win in the long run.

[atr]

I do recommend annealing the case first.


It's been several years since I have done this. But I just used a RCBS 222 FL sizer die. Remove the expander and recapping rod. Lighty lubed the cast with the Hornady paste case lube ( forget the name) and slowly resize the case. Then roughly estimate and cut case down with a dremal cut off wheel. Install the expander rod , deburr the case and go another pass thru the die. Then finished up on the foster case trimmer.
I have no other intermittent die set so this is how I had to have done it. Watch for wrinkles on the shoulder do to excessive lube. The light wrinkles will iron out when fire forming.

and the advice previously given, see quoute, is good!

also remember that if you are re-forming military brass you will have to remove the crimp at the primer location

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I recommend reading through this short thread, and pay attention to GRUMPA's posts.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?302942-Reform-223-to-222
He formed many cases for me, and others...and did a great Job of it...RIP GRUMPA

[Drm50]

My experience was corrugated shoulders taking 5.56 to 222 Rem. Don’t think I ever did 223 to 222.