Fireforming Norma brass
- Thread starter Big Bob
- Start date
I just finished a 280 Ackley. I tried 3 different powders including 4831, found the best powder for 140g bullets is H 4350. Velocity over 3200fps out of a 26", 9 twist barrel. Groups run .300" or less at 100 yards. With fireform loads seat your bullets touching the lands, and use 1-2gr. under the max. load for the standard 280 Remington. Remington 9 1/2 primers worked best for me. I sized the brass with a Redding bushing full length die, then trimmed to uniform case length, and then uniformed the primer pockets prior to fireforming.
Hi Big Bob,hi El Cazador
Bob,I made the same inquiry some months ago concerning 6.5x57 imp 30 that I want to fireform,and Catshooter came up with a response that goes like this,more or less,the first shot on brass to be fireformed is critical,so don't miss it;so in order to succeed do the following,choose a load rather light,seat close to jam,and apply light oil on the case. I haven't had the chance as of yet to do as he says,because my rifle still isn't ready,but considering the knowledge he seems to have in that domain,I'll do as he recomends.If you want to try and email him,he is nice enough of a fellow to be willing to answer and give you his view on this subject.Good luck and keep posting please.
Bob,I made the same inquiry some months ago concerning 6.5x57 imp 30 that I want to fireform,and Catshooter came up with a response that goes like this,more or less,the first shot on brass to be fireformed is critical,so don't miss it;so in order to succeed do the following,choose a load rather light,seat close to jam,and apply light oil on the case. I haven't had the chance as of yet to do as he says,because my rifle still isn't ready,but considering the knowledge he seems to have in that domain,I'll do as he recomends.If you want to try and email him,he is nice enough of a fellow to be willing to answer and give you his view on this subject.Good luck and keep posting please.
If you subscribe to the practice of lubing cases for fire-forming (I don't recommend it myself, thinking as I do that the case brass needs some resistance in the chamber to better allow the forward portion to conform to the new shape desired) I would suggest that reduced loads be used if forming when firing bullets.
Lube will increase pressure forces on bolt heads & lugs. We pay lots of $$ for accurate, well-made hardware that potentially can be damaged by such pressures.
If you fire-form rather with low charges of faster propellants ("Cream of Wheat" method for instance, using said cereal as case filler behind a tissue paper plug) lube may be more beneficial.
Forming an AI isn't as drastic as some other chamber designs require so go easy & your brass'll last longer too.
Lube will increase pressure forces on bolt heads & lugs. We pay lots of $$ for accurate, well-made hardware that potentially can be damaged by such pressures.
If you fire-form rather with low charges of faster propellants ("Cream of Wheat" method for instance, using said cereal as case filler behind a tissue paper plug) lube may be more beneficial.
Forming an AI isn't as drastic as some other chamber designs require so go easy & your brass'll last longer too.
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