Fire Forming Lapua 220 into 6mm PPC

[STSClays]

Does anything need to be done to the brass prior to fire forming it (ei. Trim OAL etc.)?

Beyond that, how do you guys go about Fire Forming the round for the first time?

I read the deal in the About section but I am a better learn from watch than reading sort of person.

Thanks

 

[bradleya479]

There are several methods and we all prolly do it a bit different. I personally neck up to 6mm turn my case necks down add a stout dose of N133 with some cheap varmint pills screw on an old fireforming barrel and head to the Prairie Dog town. Plenty accurate enough to have a day of fun!

 

[fdshuster]

STSClays: Expand the necks to 6mm with the Sinclair expander that I use for outside neck turning. Outside neck turn to .0085" for my .262" chamber necks, bump the shoulder back just enough for a snug bolt closing. At this point the shoulders will have a little "bend" in them, and after firing it's the top section (that meets the case body) that will blow out for a smooth 30 degree shoulder.

For fireforming I use 27 grs. of H322 with any cheap 6mm bullet, jammed about .010" into the lands.

 

[aj300mag]

Prime the cases, fill with 19gr of 231. Stuff the neck with toilet paper (I use wax), fire in a fire forming barrel.

Plan "B" (works also)
Prime case, load with H322 (use .22 Russian load data). Seat a bulk .22 bullet, fire in fire forming barrel.

After either process you can expand the neck with a 6mm mandrel and turn neck to required thickness. Brass will be ready to load for a match.

 

[STSClays]

First Thanks and I don't plan on doing any of this without some one knowledgable to guide me but I have one question about terminology here:

What is meant by turning down the neck? Are you removing material from the neck like you would in a lathe?

Thanks

 

[BoydAllen]

Most 6PPCs have what are known as tight neck chambers, that require that necks be turned so that loaded rounds can be chambered. Turning case necks is generally done with any one of several tools that are manufactured especially for the job. Learning how to turn necks is a whole other subject. Tell us about your rifle, then we can have a better idea of what we are trying to help you with.

 

[STSClays]

Will do as soon as it gets to me!

Thanks

 

[artbosco]

Does anything need to be done to the brass prior to fire forming it (ei. Trim OAL etc.)?

Depending on your chamber, a whole bunch of things may be required especially if it's a tight neck chamber with the traditional .262" neck. Call Sinclair International. They'll send you a print out with instructions and the list of tools required.

Beyond that, how do you guys go about Fire Forming the round for the first time?

Lightly Lube the outside of the case, especially the neck. You don't want it grabbing the inside of the chamber and over stressing/stretching the web area on the first fireforming. Fireform twice, then you're ready to go.

For the complete guide to the 6PPC see Tony Boyer's book with pictures and diagrams.

 

[BoydAllen]

Some lube and some do not. I have done many without lubing, with absolutely no problem. Some of those cases have been shot a great number of times, some of which testing very hot loads, as long as I pay close attention to how much I bump shoulders, there has never been a problem that was attributable to excess case stretch.