The normal way is to pepare a regular load and fire away. I seem to recall a method of loading with a small powder charge and oatmeal? to fireform the cases without using a bullet. Has anyone done this and are there any advantages, (other than getting the correct brass wihout using up bullets in the fireforming load?) Thanks.
Fireforming 303 Epps brass
- Thread starter hiredgun
- Start date
Anneal the neck as required.
Prime and load 10gr of Unique or similarly fast pistol powder.
Load as much Cream of Wheat on top of the powder as is required to fill it to the bottom of the neck.
Pack a 1" square piece of tissue on top to hold the charge in the case.
Lightly lubricate the case so it will stay against the boltface and correctly form.
Put on ear protection, aim in a safe direction and fire.
Gives you a 90% fireformed case. After the first firing with a bullet it will be fully formed.
Advantages:
- saves powder
- saves a bullet
- saves on barrel wear
- better prepares the cases for first firing with a bullet
- can be done at home (with proper warning....)
Prime and load 10gr of Unique or similarly fast pistol powder.
Load as much Cream of Wheat on top of the powder as is required to fill it to the bottom of the neck.
Pack a 1" square piece of tissue on top to hold the charge in the case.
Lightly lubricate the case so it will stay against the boltface and correctly form.
Put on ear protection, aim in a safe direction and fire.
Gives you a 90% fireformed case. After the first firing with a bullet it will be fully formed.
Advantages:
- saves powder
- saves a bullet
- saves on barrel wear
- better prepares the cases for first firing with a bullet
- can be done at home (with proper warning....)
I don't but some do. It's easy, but is an extra step. I dim the lights, and rotate the neck area in a propane flame by grasping the casehead between my thumb and index finger. At the first hint of orange appearing I then quench it in water.
Why don't you want to fire-form with a bullet?
It is not a wasted shot. I have fire-formed many hundreds of improved cases, all the way from 223 Ackley, through 7X57 and 280 AI, to 30-30 and 30-06 Ackley. Even had an 8mm-06 Improved for about five years.
Fireforming loads are quite accurate. You can still shoot targets or hunt with fireforming loads. 8)
Ted
It is not a wasted shot. I have fire-formed many hundreds of improved cases, all the way from 223 Ackley, through 7X57 and 280 AI, to 30-30 and 30-06 Ackley. Even had an 8mm-06 Improved for about five years.
Fireforming loads are quite accurate. You can still shoot targets or hunt with fireforming loads. 8)
Ted
- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
I tried it once, found it more trouble than it was worth. Went back to firing 303 reloads in the improved chamber using cast bullets.
