30-06 case necked down to 7mm?

[Peter_Kirch]

Hey guys, I'm definitley new to wildcatting so don't blame me if this is a popular wildcat.

Is there a cartridge that uses a 30-06 case necked down to a 7mm bullet?

[tammons]

I think that is called a 280 Remington.
Not sure if the case taper is the same.

[Uncle Jack]

Yes, it's called the 280 Remington aka 7mm Remington Express.

uj

[Eric in NC]

Pretty much anything that can be done to the 06 has been done (from necking down to 22 to up to 40 cal). Neither of those two works particularly well, but everything in between does!!! (243 to 375).

[yorketransport]

I believe the shoulder is moved forward slightly on the 280 Rem to prevent it from chambering in a 270. Other than that it's the same as a 7mm 06.

Andrew

[BillPa]

The 06 necked to 7mm is the old wildcat 7mm-06.

The 280 Rem is .050" longer at the shoulder, 2.099" vs 2.049" for the '06 (breach face to datum) The 280 also shares the 270 Win COAL of 2.540" vs the '06's 2.494".

Bill

[Peter_Kirch]

ok so my next question, can I use my 400'ish 30-06 brass and neck them down to fit the 7mm bullet for the 7mm-06? If so, is it any harder than running them through a die and trimming?

Or would you think it better to go with a 280 remington. buying new brass.

[BillPa]

ok so my next question, can I use my 400'ish 30-06 brass and neck them down to fit the 7mm bullet for the 7mm-06? If so, is it any harder than running them through a die and trimming?

Or would you think it better to go with a 280 remington. buying new brass.

Depends on the brass. Yes you can simply run '06 ( or 270 Win) brass into a 7-06 FL die and/or a bushing die then trim them to length. The only change is the neck diameter, the chamber headspace and cartridge head clearance remain the same. If the brass is old/used it might be a good idea to anneal it first.

One drawback is the headstamp, but if you keep the brass/ammo segregated and clearly marked that isn't a problem. If you happen to be one that tosses stuff on a pile its best to stick to the 280! ;D

The only other issue is the dies. Since the 7-06 is a wildcat the die cost is generally higher, CH4D price, 78 bucks and change + shipping, but that could be easily offset depending on the brass cost and use over time. There are a few games you can play with a 270 die set however. The dies for my 338 Federal started life as a 308 set.

Overall, its a good 'cat.

Bill

[Eric in NC]

You could also form your 06 brass to 280 by partially sizing the neck down until it would chamber in your 280 Rem chamber (creating a "false" shoulder). You might even be able to get away with sizing them down, loading the rounds long so that the bullet jams into the lands and fire-forming them that way.

Of course if you have a tight chamber you might have to thin the necks anyway (doubt it going from 308 to 284 but it is possible).

[Peter_Kirch]

ok I'll do some more research then let you guys know which way I go.


Thanks!

-Peter

[JCalhoun]

If you are not stuck on the 7mm you can try a 6.5mm-06. They are blistering fast and not terribly common but there are some long range competition shooters using them. Good alternative to the 6.5-284 Norma.

[Eric in NC]

I have found the 6.5-06 and 6.5-06AI to be much less picky than the 6.5x284. Easier to find good loads, etc. I know it shouldn't be that way (short fat case, more modern design, etc.) but I found the 6.5-06 and AI version to be much more friendly for me.

[Peter_Kirch]

I do believe I will make a 6.5 in the future but right now I'm stuck on repeater actions :) . from what I understand those are pretty tought to load in a mag..right?