Fire forming question

RockyMtnMT · #1 07-28-2008, 07:19 AM

Hello all,

I started fire forming for my 30-338 lap imp yesterday. Not knowing what to use for a load, I used the start load for 300 ultra 180grn. So I loaded 95grn H-1000 w/ 180grn bt's seated to the lands. For the most part I think it worked well, but some of the brass is still a little rounded on the shoulder. Is common to have to fire twice to get it right? This load did not show as mild on the primer, fairly flat and slight crater.

Any input on my process would be greatly appreciated, Steve

goodgrouper · #2 07-28-2008, 10:21 AM

I've fireformed a fair share of brass in many different calibers and I have never seen any combo ever completely fireform on the first shot. The body/shoulder junction will be somewhat round until the second shot and resizing. However, loads can be worked up when the body/shoulder junction is round and it won't change when it is sharp.

Winchester 69 · #3 07-28-2008, 05:09 PM

According to Glen Zediker, you will get better life from your brass if you fire-form using a full pressure load. The brass will be harder when it is formed on the second shot. Seating the bullet into the lands to achieve alignment is a good practice, but be sure to watch for pressure signs when using a normal load.
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RockyMtnMT · #4 07-28-2008, 07:11 PM

Thanks for the info guys,

Goodgrouper, you answered my second question about load development. I will go ahead and start load development w/ my brass as it is. Should I full length size before the second firing, or just neck size?

Thanks, Steve

goodgrouper · #5 07-28-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockyMtnMT

Thanks for the info guys,

Goodgrouper, you answered my second question about load development. I will go ahead and start load development w/ my brass as it is. Should I full length size before the second firing, or just neck size?

Thanks, Steve

It's up to you. If the brass goes back in the chamber (as it should unless you really had a hot fireforming load) all you would need to do is just neck size.

If you are going to neck turn, now is a good time before the second firing. If not, just start you load development now.

RockyMtnMT · #6 07-29-2008, 07:07 AM

Goodgrouper,
Thanks for the info. I had to neck turn them before I fire formed. When I necked them down from .338 to .30 I couldn't get them to chamber. I had to take quite a bit off to get them to chamber. Do I need to give the necks any more attention now that they have been fired?

Thanks, Steve

NesikaChad · #7 07-29-2008, 07:55 AM

I've got one of these too!

Cool guns.

Anyways, for me, I'm going light bullet route. I set mine up with a 1-12 barrel to sizzle 125 grain BT's .

I used the same bullets for fire forming with a load on the toasty side to ensure a complete "ballooning". I scrunched the cases a bit the first time around to ensure the round would cycle through the gun. No issues.

I use RL 25 and basically fill it to the base of the neck. For a pure guess, I'd say in the 91g-92g range for weight.

My barrel is 34" long and I'm at 4350 for a velocity.

215 Federal for a primer and giver hell.

Good luck.