22-250AI pressure signs appearing after 3x firing

[fat_46]

Kind of an odd one here - I have a 22-250AI that I fireformed the brass and starting working up loads for. The 2nd and 3rd firing of the brass is fine. However, on the 4th firing the bolt is starting to get a bit sticky on the lift. QuickLoad shows I'm under max pressure.

I'm wondering if the brass doesn't fully form to the chamber until after a few firings. There are no other signs of pressure other than the slightly sticky bolt.

Any ideas?

 

[chino1969]

Kind of an odd one here - I have a 22-250AI that I fireformed the brass and starting working up loads for. The 2nd and 3rd firing of the brass is fine. However, on the 4th firing the bolt is starting to get a bit sticky on the lift. QuickLoad shows I'm under max pressure.

I'm wondering if the brass doesn't fully form to the chamber until after a few firings. There are no other signs of pressure other than the slightly sticky bolt.

Any ideas?

From past experience, that sounds about right; it's time to bump your shoulder back. Make certain that your primers don't show any signs of flattening, which would be a sure sign of overpressure, but I would say you need to re-size. I usually get 3 or 4 firings before I need to re-size in my Ackleys.

Lou Baccino

 

[fat_46]

ignorant new-to-ackley questions here...

By 'resize' you mean full-length?

Thanks

 

[doubleDarms]

Yes I believe he does ! Set your full length die so it just does bump the shoulder back. Then you should be good for a couple more neck sizing's.

 

[chino1969]

Yes I believe he does ! Set your full length die so it just does bump the shoulder back. Then you should be good for a couple more neck sizing's.

Precisely!

Lou Baccino

 

[Preacher]

Full length sizing every time would seem to make each and every shot more consistent..

 

[fat_46]

Full length sizing every time would seem to make each and every shot more consistent..

Perhaps, except for 2 personal factors:

1 - FL can reduce the number of reloads I get per cartridge, and I don't like fireforming all that much - it just takes away barrel life
2 - I'm shooting at prairie dogs with it. They don't seem to care if my groups are 2' at 200 yards or sub-MOA!

This was my first entry into the AI world. I'm learning more every round I fire, and appreciate all the assistance I get from this site - even when I ask dumb questions!