I recently necked down some brass from 30-06 to 6.5, and found that every single case has sustained a ring which measures around 1/4 inch wide about half way down the entire circumference of the case wall. I used mica powder lube as I have in the past, and have had no problems up to this point. I am aware of the intermediate step to get 30 cal down to 6.5, but until now, this has never been a problem.

I was using a Redding Comp neck die on new unfired Federal Gold Medal 30.06. Looking under a jewelers loop, I can see some chards of brass, but it does not appear to have weakend the brass any. Was this the result of not having enough lubrication?

I posted this question on another website without much help, and am looking for comfirmation that this ring did indeed occur as a result of lubrication (or lack thereof). It was recomended that I look to Imperial Sizing Wax instead of the mica lube. Any thoughts appreciated, Jim R

The Redding die that you are using was never meant to do this job. Its design makes it relatively unfit. In addition, mica is not enuff lube.

Get yourself an RCBS file-type trim die in 6.5x'06 and a can of Imperial sizing die wax. Only use RCBS because of their internal design; they work well. I know because I can go from .30-06 to .257 Roberts in one "squirt" when I use this combination and I have seen it recommended elsewhere.

If you use too much Imperial sizing die wax, it will cause you trouble, so lube lightly,

I have used Redding and RCBS dies both for necking down wildcats. The key is in the imperial sizing wax. I use this lube to take my 22 hornet cases down to .17 AH in one step and have yet to lose a case. Hope this helps!

Dave

Good deal! And good info. I never knew that the neck die was not designed for such a job. In fact, the gunny that built this weapon along with the dies assumed I would be necking up and provided a mandrel to do such a job. After consulting several authorities in the neck-down vrs. neck-up issue, I went with necking down.

Thanks for the prompt responses! Jim R

Thats a big step in necking down.I would go from 06 to 270, to 257 and back up to 6.5...Use some good case lube. Trim and check for an inside ring at the shoulder/neck junction, may need to cut that out with an inside neck reamer.