Fire Forming

[DeerHunter82]

I'm an experienced hand loader with 30BR, 6BR, 6XC, etc. One thing I have no experience with is fire forming, having never had a rifle that requires it. I acquired a couple that require it in the loading process. Namely the .308 Baer and the .280 Ackley. In conversations with my dad, I remember him explaining his method of 10 grains of Red Dot in a case packed with corn meal. Is this the safest and most cost effective method to fire forming brass? Just looking for some tips, thoughts, suggestions. Especially pertaining to those two cartridges but also fire forming in general and making sure I am doing it effectively and safely. Thank you.

 

[RegionRat]

Stick with recipes from folks you trust and only those you trust and who are willing to go the last mile to give you all the details and demonstrate.

A 10 grain charge of pistol or shotgun powder is more than enough to be dangerous if not applied correctly.

Recipes for bottleneck cases are very specific, so follow them to a tee.

Is this the safest and most cost effective method to fire forming brass?

It certainly can be better than spending shots in some circumstances, in others firing an actual bullet may not be that bad when it is used for competition or fun.

You will have to make up your own mind in terms of the utility of an actual shot versus the COW method.

For example, I got beat shooting against some folks who were doing their BR-to-Dasher fire forming shots during a Midrange match. Their accuracy during those shots was well within the X ring from a rest, and good enough to compete during a sling match. In this example, I would say they were doing fine just shooting.

Other times, folks running 6.5-284 variants probably came out ahead doing the COW version and saving their bullets and barrel.

So, it just depends on if the fire forming shot is usable and makes you happy. If it doesn't, then there is always the COW method to fall back on.

I would say give both ways a try and then decide. YMMV

 

[DeerHunter82]

Thank you for the response. I do need to correct my original post. I meant to write 10 grains of BULLSEYE, not RED DOT. Realized after I went back and read it.

I guess my next question is: I know from reading that it is safe to fire form loaded 280 to 280 AI. But what about a cartridge like the Baer? Is the headspace of a 300 WBY still safe to fire in the chamber?

 

[nmkid]

I heard that you don't need anything but toilet paper as filler packed in tight.

 

[SteveUrban]

I used 10 grains of BE and corn meal for filler to bottom of the neck. Topped off with some TP for a plug. Made great cases for 280 Ross out of 300 WM with this. Also annealed the shoulder and neck area.

FWIW,
Steve