I want to take an RCBS X-Die and convert it to AI

[briannmilewis]

I have finally decided on a combination of features I want in a cartridge.

(1) For long-term time saving I want to file trim my cases and use RCBS X-Dies with my cartridge
(2) I want a rimmed modern cartridge, a 307 Winchester. <-- Personal choice, so I am not interested in alternatives...have already explored a lot of possibilities
(3) I also want an AI chamber.

Can a smith or machinist take a 308 Win RCBS X-Die (the unmodified die will work for a 307 Win as well as the 308 Win as the case dimensions are identical except for the rim) and modify it for the AI chamber?

[Graybeard]

I suggest you just contact RCBS and let them make for you what you want. They do custom dies and likely will do it better and perhaps cheaper than having someone else try to cobble it up.

The inside of dies are quite hard and changing it up as you need isn't so easy once hardened. Companies sell blank dies that can be done by a gunsmith or machinist but not for X dies.

I'm pretty sure RCBS will make it up for you "at a price" of course.

[briannmilewis]

I suggest you just contact RCBS and let them make for you what you want. They do custom dies and likely will do it better and perhaps cheaper than having someone else try to cobble it up.

The inside of dies are quite hard and changing it up as you need isn't so easy once hardened. Companies sell blank dies that can be done by a gunsmith or machinist but not for X dies.

I'm pretty sure RCBS will make it up for you "at a price" of course.

Graybeard: Thanks. Unfortunately, RCBS does not do custom X-dies, I already inquired. Probably not enough demand.

If the X-Die in AI isn't going to fly, I will have to make a decision between which feature to keep - AI or use of the X-Die.

Maybe using an X-Die AND chamber mod to AI, is possibly overkill?

Does the use of an X-Die diminish the need for an AI modification, and would an AI modification diminish the need to use an X-Die?

[Graybeard]

Quite honestly there is no "real need" to use an X die at all. If you are a high volume shooter of high intensity rounds then it can save you some time and that's really it. I am considering one for .223 due to volume of them shot.

You seem to be a person who enjoys thinking about a lot of wild ideas but I think have yet to take one to fruition. Thinking is a good thing but needs to be done with care and you need to be practical. The only thing an X die does "if you believe the hype and I'm not yet sure I do" is to reduce the time spent trimming cases. It's NOT that big a deal really and unless you're into really high volume shooting is just not worth the trouble you seem bound and determined to take yourself into.

[Ladobe]

...You seem to be a person who enjoys thinking about a lot of wild ideas but I think have yet to take one to fruition...

[briannmilewis]

...You seem to be a person who enjoys thinking about a lot of wild ideas but I think have yet to take one to fruition...

Exactly right. Every idea I consider narrows down the possible, and eliminates the impractical, well before I intend on putting anything more than thought into it. I don't have any intention of trying anything that does not appear to be both practical and doable.

As everyone on this forum attests to, wildcating/gunsmithing can be time consuming and expensive, and often ends up in dead ends and changes of plans, and shrinking project budgets.

The way everyone freely and openly contributes their 2c worth on any ideas that are floated here on GBO, whether people add to the ideas, try and change their fundamentals, challenge my presumptions, refocus the idea on a more practical starting point or route, or dismiss the ideas out of hand, for someone new to the shooting sports, I get the benefit of years of learning and trial and error by others, which makes for an exceptionally rapid learning curve, with very little risk. The only risk I take is asking stupid or poorly formulated questions.

So I am guilty as charged of not brining a single idea to fruition yet, with the exception of one of my first ideas that a couple of GBO folks have offered to assist with and some proof of concept work has begun. Maybe I confuse folks because even though one idea has movement forward, I don't stop thinking about other ideas. For many who provide me with feedback, they like to see someone new to the hobby exercising their mind and enjoy the interaction regardless of the direction of their advice.