ndnchf
02-26-2021, 10:37 PM
I was asked about how I make .32 Ballard Extra Long for my #2 rolling block that was originally 32 XL rimfire. The 32 Ballard XL is simply the centerfire equivalent. I'll say right up front that using 25-20 Single Shot brass is the easiest way to go. But this brass is quite scarce also. So I thought I'd show how I make it from commonly available 327 Federal Magnum brass. I'm sure there are other ways, perhaps better. This is just how I do it.
First trim the 327 to 32 Ballard XL length, say 1.115". Then lube well with Imperial sizing wax and run it into a 32 S&W long sizer, then into a Lee .314" push through bullet sizer (yes, a bullet sizer!, it makes a great sizing die). Working it slowly up and down, rotating the cases as you go. I cut some off the bottom of my .314” sizer die to allow the case to be sized down close to the rim. After it is sized, it will have a belt just ahead of the rim. I make a hollow, press fit plug for the case mouth, then set it in the lathe with a live center in the primer pocket. I turn the belt off and some of the body area so it is a uniform .316” diameter.
The case neck needs to be thinned a little. This can either be done on the lathe or using a neck reamer. I had Forster make me a .299” neck reamer for my trimmer, just for this purpose, so that’s what I use. The bullet’s heel is .150” long, so I ream the case about .175” deep. After this I run it back through the .314” sizer and do a funal trim to length. Then its ready to load.
First trim the 327 to 32 Ballard XL length, say 1.115". Then lube well with Imperial sizing wax and run it into a 32 S&W long sizer, then into a Lee .314" push through bullet sizer (yes, a bullet sizer!, it makes a great sizing die). Working it slowly up and down, rotating the cases as you go. I cut some off the bottom of my .314” sizer die to allow the case to be sized down close to the rim. After it is sized, it will have a belt just ahead of the rim. I make a hollow, press fit plug for the case mouth, then set it in the lathe with a live center in the primer pocket. I turn the belt off and some of the body area so it is a uniform .316” diameter.
The case neck needs to be thinned a little. This can either be done on the lathe or using a neck reamer. I had Forster make me a .299” neck reamer for my trimmer, just for this purpose, so that’s what I use. The bullet’s heel is .150” long, so I ream the case about .175” deep. After this I run it back through the .314” sizer and do a funal trim to length. Then its ready to load.