280Rem - 280AI

[cwpowell]

Forgive me, and go easy on me, I'm new to this lol.

I have only ever loaded for pistols.

I recently acquired a Montana Rifle Co. Extreme X2 in 280 AI.

I also recently acquired a bunch of 280 Rem brass.

What is your preferred method of loading the 280rem brass for fire forming?

I know there's the cream of wheat method, and I know there's just loading 280rem to medium/Max loads and shooting it.

My main question is: Do I need 280 Rem dies in order to load a 280rem cartridge?

I currently own some Redding 280AI dies.

Thanks!

 

[burkeg]

You don't need to buy 280 rem dies. Normally re-chambering to an "Ackley" involves setting the barrel back so that "normal " cases will chamber tightly...this one is factory but follow the same principle.
You do need to find out if the cases you have are ok for headspace in the improved chamber...ie does the bolt close on the cases you have? Ideally it should be a tight fit so that you can just close the bolt (be reasonable, don't force it...that can ruin the bolt thrust surface on the action). If too tight, run the cases into the improved dies until they just chamber, this should push the shoulders back just enough...go easy, there is no case support below the shoulder because an improved chamber also blows out the case body.
If they are loose, you might be able to seat your bullets long so that you are headspacing off the ogive rather than the shoulder, again some resistance when closing the bolt indicates tight on the headspace. Watch your pressures if you do this and don't run the bullets too long.
Once fired using proper headspace, your brass is formed and reloaded normally with the dies you have.