Fireforming new .223 cases, and related matters

[jhe888]

I am a relatively new loader for precision. I have a box of Lapua .223 cases coming. When loading for the first firing, what kind of load should I use? By that I mean should I use a near maximum load,adjusted as appropriate for safety given that they are cases I haven't developed a load for) or should I use something well under maximum? What sort of accuracy should I expect? In other words should I just send lead downrange to fireform the cases, is it worth taking the care to shoot carefully for accuracy? Should I check the cases for length and trim before I load them, or shoot them once first and then check? I do not have neck turning gear. For that matter, do the new cases even need sizing?

If it matters, I am shooting the cases in a Tikka T3 Varminter.

Thanks.

 

[USAPatriot]

There's really no reason for you to not shoot for accuracy. Good habits come from doing right things the same over and over. When you move away from that, you form bad habits and waste ammo besides. I would just load them up as you normally would, less a few tenths for safety. You'll probably find that the new brass will shoot as good as brass that's been shot once, maybe even better. It will depend on how close the chamber is to the brass dimension. I don't think I'd worry about resizing but definitely check for length. -Rod-