284 shehane accuracy during fireforming

[lrgoodger]

With 7mm 180 grain Berger Hybrids presently unavailable, I am reluctant to fire-form my 284 brass with my limited supply. I also don't want to put wear on the barrel fire-forming 300 cases. I've read that 284 Shehane accuracy is excellent during fire-forming. Can anyone give me a definitive answer as to how much better accuracy is AFTER fire-forming?

I can't avoid the barrel wear without making a separate fire-forming barrel, can I? Does it make any sense to try and fire-form these cases with a wax plug (or some such) in the case neck like I've read about for other calibers? Has anyone done that?

I can at least save my hybrids by getting some cheap 7mm bullets for fire-forming if I can't avoid the barrel wear. 300 rounds should just get it nicely broken in since it's a new barrel.

 

[jbpmidas]

My fireforming load uses a 162 A-Max. I have only fired on paper at 100 and 200, but I've been impressed with the results. I'll be trying this fireform load in a mid-range F-Class match next weekend and will try to remember to post results back here.

 

[Steve Blair]

I'm on my third Shehane barrel. The first one is now the fire forming barrel. Fire forming loads can be very accurate. But, like any other load, you must develop for it. If you have just one barrel, it is worth the effort. Then, you can fire form during matches.

 

[jbpmidas]

I'm on my third Shehane barrel. The first one is now the fire forming barrel. Fire forming loads can be very accurate. But, like any other load, you must develop for it. If you have just one barrel, it is worth the effort. Then, you can fire form during matches.

This has been my plan from day 1. I am on my first barrel.

 

[Ont0001]

You should be extremely pleased at how accurate the 180's shoot when fireforming brass. Precise enough to use in match.
At least mine has on a few new barrels.(Lapua 6.5/284 expanded & turned cases)
Once formed, the cases do provide a little more room to speed things up a little and as well have the chance to cull the
"unsuitable" pieces of brass.
Only after you have cooked your first barrel would I consider pre-forming in an old one. Then I just use the culled bullets from my sorting to still get in some general practice.
Gord

 

[Lbart]

lrgoodger

You should be quite happy with fire forming accuracy. I have used them to good effect. The Creedmoor matches in Ireland and the 2012 US Fullbore (SoA) National Championships come to mind. I shot new Norma 6.5x284 cases necked up to 284 in my Shehane barrel. The water line even at 1k was unreal. The load is very light but drives tacks. I am think about using new cases in the F-Class World Championships in August.

I have not tested the new vs. fire formed cases for accuracy, but I know a well know BR shooter who has tested this and he was never able to match his new case accuracy with fire formed cases even when adjusting the load. In fact he is having a new barrel chamber to plain 284 Win to try and avoid this. Anyone who was at the Berger matches last week in Phoenix and watched the elevation of 80 year old John Brewer of Team Berger will know that fire form loads can shoot quite well. John's load with 180 Berger Hybrids was within a few tenths of mine.

 

[jbpmidas]

A High Master friend of mine always saves new brass for big matches. He doesn't shoot the 284 though.