Fire Forming question...

[Arkyvarminter]

When you fire form for your chamber does it take more than one firing? Should I fire form till I get a little bolt resistance? I'm trying to set my die up so I can shoulder bump like .002 and need something to start with...Thanks

 

[CaptainMal]

Try a second fire form on one case. Now measure that one to have a more comfortable "Standard" to set your dies to modify. The you can compare others more easily to your standard.

 

[dmoran]

For a standard case or wildcat?
Twice on a wildcat to get going - IME
Regardless, I adjust my sizing die for every brass cycle (use die shims myself). Some cycles the die setting may stay the same, and other cycles not. Each time I load a case, I start by measuring the before and after, and adjust the die to my desired criteria.
Donovan

 

[Arkyvarminter]

For a standard case or wildcat?
Twice on a wildcat to get going - IME
Regardless, I adjust my sizing die for every brass cycle (use die shims myself). Some cycles the die setting may stay the same, and other cycles not. Each time I load a case, I start by measuring the before and after, and adjust the die to my desired criteria.
Donovan

Standard 22-250

 

[ireload2]

If you have a junk case you can expand the neck or you can use a longer case like a .243.
Form it back until your stripped bolt body just drags when you close the bolt on the formed case. Use a Hornady or similar tool to measure your case. Record the number you get for future use. Save the sample case in your die box. I mark the head to shoulder length on the sample case and what die was used to size it.

I like to set my dies and forget them. I check every case with a Hornady tool. If any come out too long for the chamber they get sized until they take the right dimension and hold it. Variations in the amount of lube, speed of your ram cycle and dwell time at the top of the stroke can all affect the shoulder location a little. Multiple sizings might be required on the occasional case. If very many need extra sizing, the entire lot may need to be annealed.