COW for 6 Dasher

[bsumoba]

I am in debate on how I want to fireform my 6 Dasher brass. I want to do the COW method, but am sort of uneasy about how the process potentially affects a new barrel and if there is a negative effect on it, then I rather load up some 108 grainers and fireform during a local 3x600 match.

Should I not worry about the COW method and do it or just fireform with loaded rounds?

I have thought about Hydraulic dies as well, but it seems that you still need fireforming in your chamber and with the cost of the die, it seems like it is not worth it.

 

[JamesnTN]

I couldn't ever get the fireform I wanted with the 6 Dasher and the cow method. I'd stuff a case full of clays and then stuck it in wax to keep powder from pouring out, the shoulders just never were sharp and the case didn't expand like I wanted. Now the 22 dasher it formed perfectly but that's the difference in bore diameters. Maybe someone that's had success can chime in as I'm in the process of fire forming 200 cases for a dasher.

 

[CatShooter]

I am in debate on how I want to fireform my 6 Dasher brass. I want to do the COW method, but am sort of uneasy about how the process potentially affects a new barrel and if there is a negative effect on it, then I rather load up some 108 grainers and fireform during a local 3x600 match.

Should I not worry about the COW method and do it or just fireform with loaded rounds?

I have thought about Hydraulic dies as well, but it seems that you still need fireforming in your chamber and with the cost of the die, it seems like it is not worth it.

There is no down side to COW except the mess (if you do it in the garage or basement). The cases should fill out the chamber ~95%... enough to load with full loads. If the cases are not filling out the chamber, then the load is too light.

It does not harm the barrel.

 

[motobtcr]

I ordered the Hornady Hydro die a few days ago from Ben Syring with Hornady(Custom Orders). Nice to speak with and was able to answer some questions. Shouldn't take too long to receive since he indicated there were some orders being placed for the 6 Dasher, so a run will be made very soon.

We'll see how she works!

 

[jrm850]

Those COW loads work great on carpenter bees too.

edit: actually, I have never tried Cream of wheat, but I am assuming they will work as well as grits.

 

[6mmcldasher]

108's and 30g +/-.5g varget jammed will bug hole at 100, use them to break in the barrel , fowlers before load testing , short range match , before you know you'll have all you cases fireformed.
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?action=post;quote=36409190;topic=3845823.0

 

[dburkart]

I just received the new Lapua brass I sent to DJ's Brass for Hydroforming to a 6 Dasher. Darrel does a great job for $ 0.50 a piece. No wear and tear on the gun a great way to fireform. I will be sending all my brass to Darrel for fireforming in the future.

Dave

 

[bsumoba]

I might end up doing a mixture of COW and fireforming during short range matches or like someone else mentioned, fireform for foulers.

What is the brass life of 6 Dashers? 6-10 firings? 10+ firings?

I am thinking of 300 pieces of brass should be good to start and should last a while.

 

[6mmcldasher]

I might end up doing a mixture of COW and fireforming during short range matches or like someone else mentioned, fireform for foulers.

What is the brass life of 6 Dashers? 6-10 firings? 10+ firings?

I am thinking of 300 pieces of brass should be good to start and should last a while.

I've lost count, anneal often and they last for ever.

 

[dmoran]

I might end up doing a mixture of COW and fireforming during short range matches or like someone else mentioned, fireform for foulers.

What is the brass life of 6 Dashers? 6-10 firings? 10+ firings?

I am thinking of 300 pieces of brass should be good to start and should last a while.

It all depends on how hard you hit them.....
I've wrecked them as fast as 2-firings and have some that have +60-firings.
With my "match sets" +10-cycles is common for me, with one set of brown box that I fired 26-fings before I retired them to test brass.
Donovan

 

[tenring]

After fire forming by whatever method, it takes about 1-2 additional loadings to get the brass fully formed. I have FF Dasher brass for years using the COW method, with no problems. I drop 8 grs. Bullseye, fill with COW them tamp down with toilet paper and let em fly in my basement. No barrel wear at all. My only gripe is sweeping up the toilet paper afterward.

PS Don't forget to remove the FP spring, and push the shoulder back in the body die just until the bolt handle will go snugly down. If it flops down, you will not get ideal headspace.

 

[Terry]

I might end up doing a mixture of COW and fireforming during short range matches or like someone else mentioned, fireform for foulers.

What is the brass life of 6 Dashers? 6-10 firings? 10+ firings?

I am thinking of 300 pieces of brass should be good to start and should last a while.

When I first tested 8208 I shot the same piece of brass 18 times and still had a tight primer pocket.
Not bad for a full power load.

 

[Switchbarrel]

I am in debate on how I want to fireform my 6 Dasher brass. I want to do the COW method, but am sort of uneasy about how the process potentially affects a new barrel.

I have thought about Hydraulic dies as well, but it seems that you still need fireforming in your chamber and with the cost of the die, it seems like it is not worth it.

If you get yourself some cases before the wind clinic, you're welcome to stop by on your way home and play "Whack-a-mole" on them with my hydraulic die.

Heck, you can COW form a few with my fire-form rifle too if you really wanna compare. I don't dare fire off more than a few in my garage though...don't wanna scare the neighbors

I've done both, either way will give you a nearly formed case. Then your first real firing could be up to a full power load to better form/sharpen the shoulders.

You just need to decide when you want to clean up the necks, if at all. I turn first so I can go beyond what will become the neck/shoulder junction. Others may turn after & just cut into the shoulder.

-Rick

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I might end up doing a mixture of COW and fireforming during short range matches or like someone else mentioned, fireform for foulers.

What is the brass life of 6 Dashers? 6-10 firings? 10+ firings?

I am thinking of 300 pieces of brass should be good to start and should last a while.

I've lost count, anneal often and they last for ever.

That is, unless you get sloppy about adjusting for temperature with RE-15. That cost me about 3 dozen cases.

 

[avidflyer]

I might end up doing a mixture of COW and fireforming during short range matches or like someone else mentioned, fireform for foulers.

What is the brass life of 6 Dashers? 6-10 firings? 10+ firings?

I am thinking of 300 pieces of brass should be good to start and should last a while.

I've lost count, anneal often and they last for ever.

That is, unless you get sloppy about adjusting for temperature with RE-15. That cost me about 3 dozen cases.

how temp sensitive have you found RL15 to be?

 

[6mmcldasher]

I might end up doing a mixture of COW and fireforming during short range matches or like someone else mentioned, fireform for foulers.

What is the brass life of 6 Dashers? 6-10 firings? 10+ firings?

I am thinking of 300 pieces of brass should be good to start and should last a while.

I've lost count, anneal often and they last for ever.

That is, unless you get sloppy about adjusting for temperature with RE-15. That cost me about 3 dozen cases.

with my first gun I pounded the s**t out of the brass , it still has ejector pin marks on the face , I use it for the old girl with no problems . I always have 50 or so new brass loaded up and use them for warming up the barrel and fowling before load testing or just for practice .

 

[MarkS]

bsumoba,

I have done them all. They all work. With the COW you will need a false shoulder to hold things tight. COW is a mess. I jam the bullet hard and shoot.
LIke 6mmcldasher said: I always have 50 or so new brass loaded up and use them for warming up the barrel and fowling before load testing or just for practice .

Mark Schronce