[Ron AKA]

I'm looking at the possibility of doing a 6.5mm (.264) wildcat out of a 25 WSSM case. One of the issues is figuring out how I am going to get reloading dies for it, with a minor modification of a standard 25 WSSM die being a possiblility. What I would like to know is what outside neck diameter dimension do they list in your reloading manual for the 25 WSSM? It would have be a quite new manual (my 40 year old Lyman one does not cut it!), as Winchester released this super short cartridge in 2004. So probably need a 2006 or later edition to have it listed? I found this drawing on the net, and it suggests 0.299". Also is your interpretation of these drawings that this neck OD is a loaded cartridge? This is quite interesting as my loaded .264 WM have a neck size in the 0.296 range, so obviously have less brass thickness in the neck. This is leading me to think the standard 25 WSSM has thick brass in the neck, and all I would have to do is size the bore up to .262, and use a neck turner to bring the OD down to .297 or so (before seating the bullet), and then this combination should stretch up to .299 with the bullet in.



Appreciate it if you can check your manuals if you have a new one.

Thanks,

Ron

[rfc357]

Here are the steps in developing your own wildcat:

Decide on your final case dimensions with your gunsmith. He can then get a specialty reamer ground. Once the barrel is chambered and mounted, neck up some cases and fire-form them. Then send a few fired cases to RCBS and they will make you a set of dies.

Oh, by the way, bring money.

[Ron AKA]

I'm at the pre-gunsmith stage and trying to decide the best overall strategy. Started out thinking I would use .243 WSSM cases, but now it is looking like 25 WSSM would be better. They have a slightly different shoulder angle and body/neck length, and I may be able to make use of 25 WSSM dies. I would like to use a stock, or perhaps modified 25 WSSM resizing die, a 25 WSSM seating die that is opened up to take the 6.5 bullet by using the chamber reamer.

Long way from figuring it all out, but thinking of a custom reamer from Pacific Tool and Guage. They have a 6.5-.243 WSSM listed but not a 6.5-25 WSSM. They do however make custom at no extra cost. The objective is to get a tight neck, and a body that is as close as possible to the stock 25 WSSM.

Chamber Reamers - Pacific Tool and Gauge Inc.

Still thinking about dies, but Forster have resizer dies that have interchangeable bushings, and the stock bushings for a 25 WSSM may work, or may not. That is why I'm trying to figure out the SAAMI case dimensions.

Ordering Chart For Forster Precision Plus Dies

Or they have a service where they will hone out the full length or neck resizer for $10. I don't think much would have to be removed from a standard 25 WSSM die, and in fact it may be too big already. Again, why I'm trying to figure out stock dimensions of the 25 WSSM.

"If you're worried about overworking the necks of your case or if you want to size your cases without the expanding ball in place, Forster now offers an optional machining service that's just right for you. For a nominal $10 custom honing fee, we will open the neck area of your full length or neck sizing die to your specified dimension. Remember to allow for about .002" of springback as the brass is withdrawn from the die."

Forster Bench Rest Dies

Sorry for the long explaination, but that is what I am up to.

Ron