OK OK Im kind of a rimmed cartridge nut when it comes to single shot break actions so I was thinking the rim could only help accuracy and since these two cases are almost identicle why not? what do you think?
I just received a foxridge 257 rob. Imp 15" Encore barrel and was wondering is it worth the trouble or just reload factory brass?

I have 50 pieces of new Norma 7x57R brass if you want to go the rimmed route with your project. I was going to rechamber an Encore barrel to 7x57R AI, but a 30-30 AI barrel came my way.

I think you'd be spending time forming cases for no true gain. True, the 444 is made from the third draw of 30-06 brass, so has the correct body diameter, but with your loading dies properly adjusted, I doubt you could tell the difference on the targets.

I really dont mind forming brass as I have to for just about every thing I shoot but you may be right about the improvment. How should I set up my dies for this cartridge?

Johnly -- if Patncor 2000 doesn't want your 7x57R brass, drop me a PM on how much you want for it. I have a combo gun and brass is a touch difficult to come by. Thanks.

I make my 309JDJ cases from 444 Marlin and size them in a 308 win die, then fireform. It seems to go pretty good, but if I don't anneal the necks after forming, then the necks split just sitting in the box.

Lar45,

The same thlng happens when .444 Marlin is necked to .358
JDJ.I believe the factories omit the final anneal on straight cases.

WC

johnly, Im going to pass on the 7x57 but, thanks for the offer. Sounds like muledeer would like to relieve you of it though. Hey lar45 yeh I had a 309jdj as well and I would anneal it then run it up my 308win die then fireform it. I think I got creases in 4-5 from forming too fast but out of a hundred thats not bad. The 444 and 307/356 are my fovorite cases to use for contender based wildcats and I think over all a rim works very well in break action single shots but, I am going to order the 257 brass and give it a go when I start working up loads this time.