Morning Daryl, this is the necked up version, not improved. The Highland brass has the thickest necks, why Winchester and Remington brass which is the only brass sold here has been made so thin is a mystery when I compare it to Military and the Highland brass, why redesign - probably costs cutting. I have somewhere between 40 and 50 once fired Highland cases and I've just about convinced my self it is worth the money to buy a few boxes of Ammo and shoot it off in my old Lithgow that I sold to a mate.

I have meet with varying opinions on neck clearence since I started this project. There seems little common ground, some say tight, target spec, others say it's a hunting rifle, thats too tight8 thou is fine. It seems I have middle ground with .385.

I will look into a ball expander but also have looked at Bushing Bump dies and similar products. http://www.forsterproducts.com/store.asp?pid=30223&catid=19938. I have not made any decisions re this. Will wait until I see what the Gunsmith comes up with the dies I've presented. He's a cluey bloke and won't BS me or do work that will let me down.

Since I started this project I have become aware of the 306 Confederate Sabre which uses shortened 30.06 dies, you run your .303 British case through this and you have the 30.06 neck and shoulder. Apparently you rechamber buy running a 30.06 reamer in short. Fireform from there for reduced taper which from what I've read still allows reliable feeding from the Lee Enfield magazine. The same principal can be applied to 25.06 and 35 Whelen. This option would give greater case capacity and longer case life from what little I know of Wildcat cartridge design. I'm happy with what I've commisioned as I've wanted this Rifle and Calibre for 20 odd years but the Confederate Sabre is intriguing option for another day.

regards Jacko