Cornmeal forming bad on a new barrel??

jb1000br · #1 01-22-2004, 09:29 AM

In many wildcats it is advisable to use a little bullseye and a case full of cornmeal topped of with a wad of some kind to form cases to save barrel wear from firing bullets.

I have heard this may be bad for a barrel but dont see how cornmeal could harm barrel steel.

can cornmeal fireforming be bad for a barrel?

looking for some facts and actual experience here to set this straight.

TIA

JB

sniper2 · #2 01-22-2004, 10:08 AM

Why would you need something in the case???

jb1000br · #3 01-22-2004, 10:21 AM

if its the "wad" you are referring to--it is just a patch shoved in the top to keep the cornmeal from spilling out.

JB

BountyHunter · #4 01-22-2004, 10:42 AM

I have found that simply necking up to next size larger and then necking back down and leaving small shoulder on neck where bolt will barely close works just as well and hell of lot easier.

BH

BountyHunter · #5 01-22-2004, 10:43 AM

[ 01-22-2004: Message edited by: BountyHunter ]

Bluebeemer · #6 01-22-2004, 10:52 AM

I have never had a wildcat cartridge, but have witnessed others doing something as you say. Speedbump was forming 7MM RUM cases before they were available from Remington in a similar manner. But, I think he had to start using oatmeal because their wasn't enough cornbread for supper! Good luck ... Mike

Mysticplayer · #7 01-22-2004, 11:55 AM

jb, I use that for several wildcats I have owned. Never had a problem with cornmeal and barrels. In fact, I will suggest that it may "lap" the barrel a bit.

Just use a piece of paper towel over the cornmeal to keep everything in place. All will blow out and nice cases formed. Works very well.

If cornmeal could damage a barrel, could you imagine what an oversized copper slug being driven down it at up to 65000psi would do?

Jerry