I'd emagine that any belted mag case would work. From the 7mm Rem mag to the 458 Win mag. Once the cases are cut off they are all basically the same.

 

I understand the case similarities...I don't know what else I need to form cases other than a trim die if I can't find pre-formed brass or loaded rounds to outright purchase. does anyone know of a aource for pre-formed brass?

 

All you will need besides however you decide to trim is a standard die set. Any standard belted case once trimmed will only need to be expanded in the expander die and loaded normally.

 

You might give Supieor Ammo a try

 

The 450 Marlin, has a thicker belt, but it could be rechambered and that would be as close to 458X2 as you can get.

 

I recently acquired a custom Ruger No.1 in 458x2" American. I am searching for pre-formed brass and/or loaded rounds. I found Quality Cartridge in Hollywood, MD on the internet and have not been able to get a human on the phone. Or, since I have never formed a case, what do i need other than a trim die for case forming from a standard 458WM? Thanks.

Your going to need a set of reloading dies. For a straight case I would emagine a three die set just like a set of pistol dies. I'd check out RCBS they seem to have the largest selection of wildcat dies on the market.

If you have four fired cases from your rifle Lee will make you a custom set of dies for fifty bucks an for another 15 one of thier fine little trimmers just for your case.

 

According to the 11th edition of Cartridges of the World, by Frank C. Barns, page 220; “This belted cartridge was designed by the author (Barns) in mid-1962. It uses the 458 Winchester Magnum case, shortened from 2 ½ inches to 2 inches.”

Cartridges of the World also list loading data.

For custom dies contact:

RCBS Customer Service
605 Oro Dam Blvd.
Oroville, CA 95965

For more information, call 1-800-533-5000 between 6:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Pacific time, Monday through Friday.

 

I can see using this chambering in a bolt action that could only take this length, but in a #1 I would have it reamed to 458 WM or Lott.

 

Yes, I agree. Chambering for the Lott would seem to make the most sense, since you could then fire the .458 Lott, .458 Win Mag, and the .458x2". Doesn't seem to make sense to be limited to the .458x2"

To save yourself the hassle of trimming brass, why not just have it re-chambered for the .458 Win Mag or Lott, so you can shoot factory ammo (or at least use factory brass and download it to .458x2 power levels)?

 

Yes, I agree. Chambering for the Lott would seem to make the most sense, since you could then fire the .458 Lott, .458 Win Mag, and the .458x2". Doesn't seem to make sense to be limited to the .458x2"

To save yourself the hassle of trimming brass, why not just have it re-chambered for the .458 Win Mag or Lott, so you can shoot factory ammo (or at least use factory brass and download it to .458x2 power levels)?

Because then he wouldn't be shooting a WILDCAT!! There is no practicality in any cartridge in this forum, period. Superior balistic efficiency, balistic ccapability in an action thats not offered comercially, sure. But absolutly no practicality. I recomend he uses win mag cases to make the headstamp as close as possibe, and enjoy his unique rifle.

Ron

 

Cases are probably best made from any magnum brass. Cut them a bit long using a fine toothed hacksaw and then trim them to length in your case trimmer. Half the fun of wildcatting is doing it on the cheap! I wouldnt pay for custom dies either, just use 458WM dies ... they should work a treat except for crimping. I used to use them for a 458Lott as well. I'd also be tempted to take a cheap set of Lee 458WM dies and shorten them to suit ... just to see if they'd work better.
Cheers...
Con

 

I've used a copper tubing cutter to cut off the necks of .30-06 to make 8 Mauser cases. Seems like it would be a good tool to cut ½" off of straight 45 WM cases to make 45x2".

1. Set up a machinist square to a 1/32" over 2", and scribe a cut-off line on your cases.
2. Cut with tubing cutter. Advance the cutter in small increments to avoid crushing this thin-wall "tubing".
3. Size in 45x2 size die.
4. Do final trim-to-length in a case trimmer of your favorite brand.

 

Did you find much loading data on the 458 X 2” Barns?