cow fireforming

[RW]

I know this has been discussed in the past but I would like to know the procedure and how you make allowances for different case capacities such a 6.5x 55 to Ai and also 6.5-06 to ai! I also have had guns that have shot outstanding with fireforming!!
Also in the procedure how to actualy load and fire?
How many before cleaning?
Are there any special cleaning methods?
Thanks, RW

 

[Elwood]

This is the method that I used
http://www.angelfire.com/sd/6mmackley/fireforming.html

I started off using a wax as a plug but then realised that rolled up tissue would be much quicker and did the job just as well, after all it only has to hold the COW in the case.

The 10% of the internal case capacity of your chosen pistol powder is a safe guide, I actually ended up using quite a bit more than 10% but I'm not suggesting that anyone does a "oh that looks about right" follow the guide.
The most important thing to remember is be very very careful and pay attention to not double charging a case, I think it's pretty much impossible to double charge using rifle powders without noticing it? This is most definitely not so with pistol powders, if in any doubt dump the powder from the case and charge it again.

I formed 50 cases without cleaning, but fired one case a minute, not allowing the barrel to heat up. It's also worth checking inside the cases to make sure there's no build up of COW, it didn't happen with me, but it's a tip passed on.