Quote:

---

Thanks all for the recommendations...I’ve tried sizing w/out shellholder and didn’t have any luck. I’ve ordered a .510 lee bullet sizing die that another guy used with the same problem. Hopefully this will smooth things out enough to chamber.

---

Not sure what a .510” bullet sizing die will accomplish? You do not for sure know that bullet/neck fit is the problem.....

Certainly seems to me that the prudent course of action is either a chamber cast or lampblack a sized case with bullet seated to really determine where the problem is. Otherwise you are flying in the dark.
Base diameter of a .450 3 1/4 from various sources is approximately .544”-.548” depending upon manufacturers tolerances, and if the case head/base diameter is just a skosh too large a machinist could easily make you a sizing ring to swage the offending area down a couple of thousandths.

I personally would not do it to a fine double rifle, but some guys would just get a SAMMI/CIP spec chamber reamer and relieve the chambers so as to fit current Hornady brass.

Just my 2¢

- Mike

EDIT: Just measured the case heads on both new Hornady brass and some 1920’s vintage .450 3 1/4 NfB.
Hornady = .543in front of the rim and .478” at neck with standard .458” jackets bullet seated
Kynoch original “Nitro for Black” = .542” in front of the rim and .490” at neck as factory loaded with original PP bullet.



--------------------
"Will Rogers never met a fighter pilot"
- Anon

“Always carry a flask of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore always carry a small snake."
-- W. C. Fields

Post Extras