243 Ackley

[grandslam 4]

Using Lapua 243 brass to for m 243 AI,I found cases all different lengths after fireform ming,
Why is the case to be different length, ??

 

[MQ1]

Did you trim them all to the same length before fireforming?

Did you seat bullets to jam into the lands?

Did you load all fireforming rounds with the same powder load?

Did you clean any between rounds...maybe having some oil in the chamber?

Just a few questions to get you started.

MQ1

 

[grandslam 4]

1 I dis not trim before fireforming 2 I did seat the bullet into the lands,3 My mistake I used different loads , I had several AI abd had good grouping with FF but t hat was Win brass4 all rounds cleaned, Thanks Maybe just getting old

 

[nmkid]

Were all getting old. Use it as an opportunity to learn!!

 

[Bill K]

Using Lapua 243 brass to for m 243 AI,I found cases all different lengths after fireform ming,
Why is the case to be different length, ??

If not trimmed to the same length, they will more than likely be different after forming. Also, remember each case is not going to be exactly the same makeup in material structure, so that will allow some slight difference also.

 

[grandslam 4]

Thanks Good thing about getting old is I only have to do it 1 time!!!!

 

[Bill Norris]

Fire-forming for my .243 A I with New Lapua full length sized, slight clean up turned neck brass. I did not trim before loading, I did jam all loads .010 into the lands, I loaded 10 different - 10 shot bullets/loads to max. .243 specs, I did clean between 5 shot groups to begin with and all my brass came out within a .002 spread.

 

[grandslam 4]

any body got a good fireform load for the Lapua brass for 243 Ackley??

 

[Bill Norris]

I was told to go with any bullet I wanted but make sure it was a max. .243 load and jammed to lands at least .010

 

[Hntndad]

Fire-forming for my .243 A I with New Lapua full length sized, slight clean up turned neck brass. I did not trim before loading, I did jam all loads .010 into the lands, I loaded 10 different - 10 shot bullets/loads to max. .243 specs, I did clean between 5 shot groups to begin with and all my brass came out within a .002 spread.

Bill, that’s because you’ve got an Ackley that was chambered with a good tight fit

 

[Hntndad]

I was told to go with any bullet I wanted but make sure it was a max. .243 load and jammed to lands at least .010

I’ve found Jamming bullets won’t keep a firing pin from moving a case that doesn’t crush. If you can’t feel it pretty good when you close the bolt then create a false shoulder then boot the piss outta it with a max 243 load, like Bill said.

 

[Bill Norris]

Bill, that’s because you’ve got an Ackley that was chambered with a good tight fit

I believe u are totally correct Bro. This thing has not shot any group so far that measured over 1/2 MOA @ 100 yds. blowing out brass. Most have been more closer to 1/4 MOA. Anxious to see what it will do with some good tight AI loads. Test coming for sure.

 

[Hntndad]

I believe u are totally correct Bro. This thing has not shot any group so far that measured over 1/2 MOA @ 100 yds. blowing out brass. Most have been more closer to 1/4 MOA. Anxious to see what it will do with some good tight AI loads. Test coming for sure.

Good components + a great Smith
Makes us look better then we actually are. Glad to hear your having so much fun

 

[MQ1]

any body got a good fireform load for the Lapua brass for 243 Ackley??

I use a max load of surplus IMR4895 over a 70 tnt. Shoot so good that I loaded them all up that way and use them for groundhog hunting.

MQ1

 

[MQ1]

1 I dis not trim before fireforming 2 I did seat the bullet into the lands,3 My mistake I used different loads , I had several AI abd had good grouping with FF but t hat was Win brass4 all rounds cleaned, Thanks Maybe just getting old

Glad you have a handle on it...sometimes a reminder is all we need

MQ1

 

[Bill Norris]

Good components + a great Smith
Makes us look better then we actually are. Glad to hear your having so much fun

Not to high-jack this man's thread but I have to agree with u there. Old Dominion Custom Rifles never ceases to amaze me with the quality of work Zack (WSMNUT) turns out time after time.

 

[Hntndad]

I use a max load of surplus IMR4895 over a 70 tnt. Shoot so good that I loaded them all up that way and use them for groundhog hunting.

MQ1

those 70 grain tnt’s and the 70 grain blitz make me giggle on Ghogs. Best way to fireform. I use 49 grains of H414 with Lapua Brass and was getting right at 3850 FPS fireforming

 

[Hntndad]

Using Lapua 243 brass to for m 243 AI,I found cases all different lengths after fireform ming,
Why is the case to be different length, ??

when you say length- are you referring to overall case length or headspace case length?

don’t trim brass until your all formed.
If you cant feel the bolt crush the case when closing, then neck up with a .257 or 6.5 expander. Run back through a full length 243 sizing die set up to leave a small portion of the bottom of the neck unsized for the case to headspace on.
lube you’re lugs. You want it tight.
Pick max 243 load and Let ‘er eat.

 

[Bill Norris]

I use a max load of surplus IMR4895 over a 70 tnt. Shoot so good that I loaded them all up that way and use them for groundhog hunting.

MQ1

Similar results have been reported from this chambering from others while blowing out brass as well.

 

[MQ1]

when you say length- are you referring to overall case length or headspace case length?

don’t trim brass until your all formed.
If you cant feel the bolt crush the case when closing, then neck up with a .257 or 6.5 expander. Run back through a full length 243 sizing die set up to leave a small portion of the bottom of the neck unsized for the case to headspace on.
lube you’re lugs. You want it tight.
Pick max 243 load and Let ‘er eat.

When forming 25-06 from Lake City brass, I found it easiest to size in steps to get that perfect crush fit on a false shoulder. I think my smith did such a great job chambering my 243AI, just the jam is all that is needed in my rifle.

MQ1