Removing a headstamp?

[MGMorden]

Ok, this may or may not be foolish, but that's why I'm asking before trying it out .

I've got a CZ-52 in 7.62x25 Tokarev en route.  Given the rarity of ammo for this though, I'm going to start reloading for it.  MidwayUSA does sell Starline brass for it, and I probably will buy some of that, but in order to make some extra rounds to set aside, I was thinking of forming some 7.62x25 Tok brass from .223 Remington cases.  This operation seems simple enough (though time consuming), but I don't like the idea of having a case incorrectly headstamped.  In this case I doubt anyone would mistake a 7.62x25 for .223, but if they were closer in size then they might.  This got me thinking: is it safe to lightly sand off the headstamp so it will just be blank? That seems marginally better than having an incorrect headstamp, if it doesn't remove too much brass. It doesn't seem like it does. I did a practice run with a nickel-plated case and the headstamp was gone before I even got through the plating. haven't actually loaded one yet though (To tell the truth I haven't actually reloaded anything yet, though I did get my equipment and dies in yesterday.  Still need to get some primers and powder.).  Just asking. Thanks.

[jhm]

MGMordan :  The only concern I would have is removing too much of the head in the process leaving a high primer which could be a problem, b-4 I got carried away with doing too many I would make sure that the primer is seated below the base of the head.   JIM

[HoCoMDHunter]

I don't think that this will work for you.  You'll be removing a too much brass.  Try to come up with a different way of marking the cases.  Maybe try using magic marker to color the base.  I think that the important thing is that YOU can identify the case.  If you were to leave some at the range (unlikely after you spent so much time on them) and a reloader were to pick it up he would surely notice the difference.  Anyone picking up brass at the range knows that they are using it at their own risk.  I doubt that they would be able to resize it if they tried anyway.  Don't sweat it and have fun reloading.

[Duffy]

You will have to remove waaayyyy too much to rid the headstamp. I've turned some in the lathe just for fun and that stamp is pretty deep. If your concerned about the caliber markings just use Military brass like Lake City. All it has on it is LC and the date and it's good brass. Generally the mil stuff midway has is LC and Scharsh has it too.

[Donna]

If your going to make some extra rounds to set aside just get afew extra star-line brass with the correct headstamp and set them aside.

Donna

[hogship]

By changing dimentions of cartridge case length and rim thickness, you likely will create headspace, and extraction problems.

Don't bother removing any headstamps.

Don't worry about anyone else picking up your brass and using it....you know what you've done....they take the risk of using someone elses brass in the first place.

Starline is good brass....and not too expensive. Unless you have a special itch to make your own brass from another case in the first place, I'd just get Starline. It does get cheaper in quantity, too.

hogship

[Chuck White]

I think you could create a big headache by sanding or filing the headstamp off of your cases!
You may end up with a high primer or you could create a headspace problem!

I have seen cartridges with the headstamp removed!  
The guy did his work on a lathe.  He would "chuck" the brass and with the cutter, he'd just take out the lettering and in doing so, the case had the same case head thickness as original, but the case head would have a narrow groove in it. This guy used a small stamp set and stamped their new designation in the groove.

Sounds like a lengthy process, but if someone was doing this as a special project, it could be well worth it.  You could show off your custom made cases at the range.

[fast*eddie]

I reload my 223 TC pistol and NEF Handirifle . I shoot the rifle the most. The cases that I use for the pistol ,I mark the head with a red felt marker. I have a full size die but seldom use it . I have not tried the reloaded pistol ammo in the rifle or vice versa as I don't want to create a problem . The red marker eliminates any problem. I don't know if marking your case heads would help you or not .    

[rickyp]

I was thinking of forming some 7.62x25 Tok brass from .223 Remington cases. This operation seems simple enough (though time consuming),

You may be biting more off then you think. inorder to make 223 brass into 7.62x25 or 30 mauser you must have a set of forming and trim dies

you not only need to cut the 223 back but you need to form the case file it down then neck ream the case de burr the case then full  lenth size it then fire form it.