Ok 2nd attempt at a reply.

Homer thank you but I am aware of the Nosler brass and am also aware of the price here in the UK....................... Ł128.92 per 100 pieces

and that's at Midway.UK I will not be buying any.

Plus I made an error on the SAMMI shoulder position dimension, teach me to check the drawings before posting

, the SAMMIfied .280 Rem AI has the shoulder pushed forwards and not back like I said. It's longer so the Nosler brass will not chamber in my rifle. The shoulder is positioned at 2.090" in mine and at 2.0966" according to the SAMMI drawing I have here. Now that might make a 0.010" crush fit which is a trifle tight I am thinking so I'll stick to fire forming std 280 Rem brass for now unless I win the lottery that is

Now I got some sad news. As I had not heard from the smith I phoned him this afternoon and he is not going to Birmingham on Friday and is not sure when he will be going next. He has done no work this week due to an injury. Not sure if you know but the UK has been in the freezing grip of ice and snow for a while. It just thawed and it's again dropped below freezing and has been snowing again here. Malcom it seems slipped on the ice and fell heavily. In doing so he has chipped a bone in his elbow so cannot do much and certainly not my polishing in preparation for the bluing. He cannot drive much either. So I think I will phone him again tomorrow and get him to get the proof house to post my rifle back to him. I can at least get it entered onto my licence and then get on with the bedding of the stock and fitting the sights. I doubt Malcom will be fit to do the polishing and bluing before the end of January now. Might have to spray paint it for now to protect it whilst I get on with the rest of it.

SIGH ................................................. it would appear that either me of the project is jinxed with all that has happened and gone missing. Oh Hum.