I'm trying to resize 221 fireballs in order to reload some 300 whisper rounds. I am having problems with the new brass not doing right. They either crush or once stretched the lip is not even anymore. Does that make sense?

Anyway any suggestions to eliminate my problem would be welcome. Thanks in advance. I'm learning as I go.

Maybe You need LEE-made Unuversal Neck Expander die. It works from.22Hornet to .458Win Mag.

Anneal the neck/shoulder area first.
Regards, Joe

Have you tried fireforming them?

It is an added expense but not if it saves some cases.

quote:

Originally posted by matttt:
I'm trying to resize 221 fireballs in order to reload some 300 whisper rounds. I am having problems with the new brass not doing right. They either crush or once stretched the lip is not even anymore. Does that make sense?

Anyway any suggestions to eliminate my problem would be welcome. Thanks in advance. I'm learning as I go.

If you're going from .224 to .308 caliber the necks are probably way too thin. You may be better off forming the whisper brass from quality unfired 223 brass. You will at least need to invest in a 300 whisper (300-221) trim die. A little bit of work but better off in the long run. Good luck, Paul.

I have used Redding dies to form mine and never had a problem with one pass. What lube are you using? If it isn't Imperial sizing die wax that may be your problem. Also make sure you are using new brass.

First off, you can buy 300 Whisper brass for not too much more than 221 FB (that is, when you can find it for sale)
Secondly, I agree with M16 in that I cut down 223 brass and run it through the Redding die to neck up to 308 usually run in the 90% range of acceptable results doing so.
Stay at 1.355" for case length and watch for thicker than spec necks as you do not want to get the bullet "hung" up in the case upon firing and spike pressures dangerously high.
Last, go over to Quaterbore's forum on 300 Whisper for lots more detail on this nice little round.
I load/shoot/hundreds of rounds per year and have not experienced any real difficulty in fabrication of the cases from 223's although I do use 221/300Whisper cases for my precision work.

Gary