.243 AI fireforming

[jimm]

Hello all, My first post here. OK, heres the deal I'm about to start shooting my .243 AI . New cases,fireforming loads touching the lands all that., what about all the .243 win loads I have that aren't seated out long?, would the fire forming of them be bad? I just hate to not use all those loads. The loads in question are 42 grs. of IMR 4350 with a 85 gr. shpbt on top seated about 2.620,I think, my reloading room is downstairs )Perhaps someone out there can shed some light on this. If it matters the barrel is a 7.5 twist Schnieder 5c 26" .

I appreciate all your input /experience, thanks, Jim

 

[Bobs243Ackley]

Hello Jim,

You should be okay with the loads that you currently have. One of the best ways to check to see if you will be okay is to remove the firing pin assembly from your bolt body. This does two things for you. It makes sure that your gun is safe for the check you will do. What I do is to then run the rounds through the action. What you are looking for is to feel some "slight" resistance as you close the bolt on the round. If the chamber is cut properly for headspace, you should feel this resistance on a new piece of .243 Winchester brass as well. If you feel this resistance, then you will be okay with fireforming your brass.
Your load looks okay to me. When fireforming any Ackley Improved round, Mr. Ackley always told folks to use a "Pretty snappy load". The pressure is needed to properly blow the brass out in the chamber, and to then make the all important sealing off of the chamber to prevent gas blow-by through the gas escape system in the gun. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to get back with me.

Cordially,
Bob Blaine

 

[jimm]

Bob, Thanks for the reply. I really am wondering if I will get any value out of the Loads I have made up for a previous .243 win standard load, when I shoot them in my new bbl .243 AI.Also,what dies do yo reccommend for loading this round? Just getting started here, so questions will be of the newbie variety.Got any pet loads for this combination?,26" bbl Schnieder 5c with 1 in 7.5 twist

Thanks a mill, Jim

 

[Bobs243Ackley]

Hello Jim,

I always feel that any good load can be of value as long as you take advantage of it. I use my fire-form loads while varmint shooting, or when I am at the range to practice. I am currently using custom cut Wilson hand dies for my .243AI. Saying that, I have used the Redding dies and feel that they are simply the best threaded dies on the market today. I tested a set of the Redding Competion Dies for a customer, since I work at Sinclair International, and found that they were within .001" loaded round runout of the ammo that my custom Wilson dies will load for me! I do not have any specific load data that would be useful for your long range rig. Most of my personal data is for varmint rifle use with 70-85 grain bullets. My favorite powder is H-414, and I have also used 760, H4350, H4831SC, N150, N550, N160, N560, RL19, and AA2700 with good results.

Cordially,
Bob Blaine

 

[jimm]

Bob, Thanks foryour reply. Perhaps I have left out one or two things re: the loads in question.

1. they are not seated to touch the rifling.
2.They have been fired 3/4 times
I reckon I will shoot some just to know some of these answers .
Thanks Bob I really do appreciate you responses, Jim

 

[vmthtr]

Jim,
Are you saying you are using used brass for an AI? Or are you saying the brass has been fired in the gun 3/4 times? In using brass fired 3/4 times in another gun, you might want to aneal it before forming to the AI. It gets work hardened and may not last long or even split the shoulder on forming. Now with the bullets not touching the lands, your rifle may actually shoot better that way. Have to try it. Most guys shooting the PPC jam the bullets and I think that is where the thinking came into play. My 223 won't shoot unless I jump the bullet .015". Oh the joy of reloading. Like the previous post, I also use the Redding dies, "S" FL dies, but use a Wilson seater for all my loads.

Mike

 

[jimm]

good point about the brass hardness, did'nt think of that. The brass has been fired in a std. .243 3 times.It is now loaded for that same gun but is full length resized. Guess I'll just have to find someonewith a std..243 and give it to them.I have new Lapua brass for my .243 AI loaded with 38 grs. of IMR 4350 under a 107 smk touching the lands.That will be the basis for load development and further reloads .I just did't want to waste the rounds that I have already loaded for my old std.243 and was wondering about firing them for foulers,and intial getting on paper. Thanks for your replies, Jim