L Cazador

Not anymore. I've been seeing quite a few for $2K in like new condition. The baby boomer's are not collecting anymore.

What Ernesto C says but I would only do load test with 3 instead of 5. After you get close then shoot 5 to verify. Anneal before sizing. Sounds like you may have a brass issue instead of overexpanding.

Measure at the belt and just forward of the belt since this brass was fired in another chamber. Hopefully that once fired brass is within SAMMI dimensions. I'd back off 2 grains and go up 1/2 grain at time till you see the belt increase in size.

Is the Norma brass new? If it is, back off two grains and fire form. Don't look for a load until you have fireformed brass to your chamber. Most brass is made short of chamber length so it will fit all chambers. Firing a maximum load with brass that is short for your chamber can overstretch not only the head diameter but also the body length. Start with 10 pieces of new brass and be aware of case length, case head diameter, and overall cartridge length. I would not continue using the brass that has loose pockets. Loose pockets create a poor gas seal. Escaping gases can damage bolt and trigger. Not worth it. On your question regarding seating length, I'd start at the cannelure for fire forming then go out further with test loads. Measure head diameter at the belt with a micrometer with .0001" resolution so you have an idea of pressure. Any expansion of more than .001" at the belt is not good. You should be under this number after fireforming. Generally after fire form you should have .0005-.0008" expansion at the belt.

Simply put the cartridge head has expanded due excessive pressure. Back the load off two grains and start over with new brass. Trying to whip a dead horse to life is a waste of time. Look for new node in .5 grain increments. I'm going to say the problem is the Hornady bullet which has a secant ogive and you have it seated a bit too close to the lands. Especially on the first firing you should always shoot a middle load to fire form brass and than try your maximum load. Going to Reloader 19 is not a good idea as it is a much faster burn rate. Buy Norma brass.

I saw that on TV. He must have quite the food supply in his garage! LOL!

Finding a gunsmith with a 257 Ackley 40 degree reamer is going to be difficult. What's wrong with the chamber you have now?

I thought I saw some laying in a plastic box at Brunos in their used stuff. I'm sure there's plenty that get replaced with oversize lugs there.

Briley in Texas. The best!

Midway USA has them in stock for $430. Save yourself some grief and buy new. The problem with used ones is proper packing to prevent damage during shipping.

Your gun was made in 1969 per Blue Book of guns serialization. Made from 1967-1971. It's a single barrel Trap with an extra O/U barrel and an extra single. Belgium guns were the more ornate Pigeon grades and have much higher value.

Are all the barrels 12 guage? I'm assuming the two single barrels are different chokes. Probably full and modified chokes. Check for choke restriction markings. This info is very important to value. Also check manufacturing origin. Belgium made guns are the most valuable.

Frankly a difference of 4 or 5 grains of bullet weight would not show up on paper or field. Over spin is not a factor in this scenario.

Your dilemma is that you have 20 inches of barrel. In order to get the speed up on 160-168g bullets you will need a powder on the faster side like H4895. H4895 is even more difficult to find than Varget. However both of these have temp stability coating where TAC does not. The new Staball has this feature but is a bit on the slower side. Benchmark works well in a 20 inch barrel and has temp stability coating. Slower burning powders will give you higher extreme spread in that 20 inch barrel. Food for thought.

That twist was designed for the heavy 153 grain bullets but it should perform admirably on the 143 bullets.

Different jacket thickness creates a slightly different ogive and bearing surface even though both are VLD. VLD bullets can be very finicky. Hence the reason for the Hybrid bullet success.

Your best chance finding the 404 Jefferies brass is Bertram brass/ Buffalo arms. The Powder Valley site scam has been around for a while.

I've used Starline brass in 222 and 243. I've reloaded cases 6 times and they're still shooting great. I'm sure I'll get 10-12 firings out of the 222 but with all the case stretching, I doubt I'll get that out of the 243. I anneal after fireforming so that may help with the stretching in the 243. Excellent brass!

You PM box is full. Is this unopened?

One mil adjustments?

Drill the seating die stem area that contacts the tip of the bullet out so you prevent any deformation of bullets.

I'll take it. See PM.

What Eddie says above. You will need the triangle black and white hazmat label on the package and you will need a UPS or Fed-Ex account to print a label. You will need to drop off package at hub or schedule pickup. Double box ammo because of weight. Make sure package holds together or they will not deliver or even return. I had this happen with Midway USA. If they ask at hub what's in package, just say 'small arms ammo non'hazardous'. Ground only.

Is the battery underneath?

I think if you state caliber, barrel length, and magazine capacity it might help. It's a great price.