Method of reforming a metal container to increase container strength

A method of enhancing the axial strength of a metal container includes reforming the lower sidewall portion (19) of a container (10) which has a stripper bulge (20) integrally formed therein as a result of conventional stripping operations by rotating the container, moving a bearing element (40) axially toward the closed end (14) of the container to engage the stripper bulge and continue moving the bearing element axially for a predetermined distance along a linear path disposed at an acute angle in relation to the central axis of the container to thereby deflect the stripper bulge and the lower sidewall portion of the container radially inwardly and substantially reduce the stripper bulge.