Fireforming 250 AI ?

[Rupe]

Is a reduced load necessary when fireforming brass for the 250 AI ? Thanks.

Chuck - Rupe/PA

 

[Dimwit Flathead]

I use a regular 22-250 load. If you reduce the loading too much the shoulder will not blow out correctly and you'll have to do it again. Also, if possible, anneal your necks and shoulders a tad before fire forming.

 

[Preacher]

Actually you need to load to a fairly high charge of powder, not max, but close to it to accomplish what needs to be done....

 

[tiny68]

I used el-cheapo White box Winchester 45 grs to form my brass. Came out fine. I got the boxes of 40 for less than $20 on clearance several years ago. In my 6mm Rem AI, I can't do this and have to form a false shoulder to make sure the brass seats firmly against the bolt. The chamber was cut just a little too depth I guess. I also fire form with the Cream-of-Wheat method now instead of pushing a bullet down the barrel.

luck, tiny

 

[Ackman]

Is a reduced load necessary when fireforming brass for the 250 AI ? Thanks.

Chuck - Rupe/PA

No. You don't want to fireform with reduced loads. The 250 case has a lot of taper. Making it into an AI blows the case out quite a bit. Start at what would be top end for the standard 250 and work up a load to find best accuracy, just like you would with any other cartridge. The fireform load will be faster than a top end 250 load and pretty near what you'll be shooting with formed brass. The new Sierra manual has loads for the 250AI. Be aware that your setup is different from theirs and that Sierra loads are very conservative. Don't worry if what works best for you isn't the same as what's printed in their manual.

****Also, fireform loads are actual working loads. With a good accurate one you're almost there. Use the same bullet you plan to shoot with formed cases. When you're done fireforming, use that load as the beginning for your formed brass workup. It'll take only a little more powder and you'll be there.

 

[alf]

Maybe he's talking about a 250 Savage Ackley Improved.
The pricipal's the same on all improved cases, but if this is indeed a 250-3000, I wouldn't be using 22-250 loads. A little clarification's in order.

Al

 

[Ackman]

Maybe he's talking about a 250 Savage Ackley Improved.
The pricipal's the same on all improved cases, but if this is indeed a 250-3000, I wouldn't be using 22-250 loads. A little clarification's in order.

Al

The 250AI IS a 250 Savage Ackley Improved and that's exactly what he's talking about. Same case as a 22-250, just a bigger hole. About 22-250 loads in the 250.......when working with the 6-250, loads that would've been too hot in a 22-250 - same powder - weren't too hot when the hole was increased to 6mm, even with a heavier bullet. Do some checking and you'll see that with bullets 30grs apart in weight but using the same powder, 22-250 and 250 Savage loads are essentially the same.

 

[Rupe]

The chambering I am speaking of is not the 22-250 AI, it's the 250 Savage AI. I have found that this is misinterpreted often when it is stated as the 250 AI and I don't know why. I think I can sift thru the advice and feel comfortable with a fireforming load. Thanks for the help.

Chuck - Rupe/PA