Good AFTERNOON LRH!!!!
Anyone using a Hydraulic Form Die (Whidden) to form their cases instead of "Fire Forming?
Thanks
Len & Jill
Anyone using a Hydraulic Form Die (Whidden) to form their cases instead of "Fire Forming?
Thanks
Len & Jill
Curious about what you mean "Not wasting a bullet each time"? I use the COW method and I do get cases that are well formed and ready to shoot. Yes I do use a primer, and I do use around 15 grains of pistol powder, and... some paper towel and some time. I have a hydro form die that I used for the .270 Ackley Improved. It too was time consuming and it did make a bit of a mess on the bench. For me I believe that unless a case is formed with a full load it really does not match the chamber of the rifle you are shooting them in. I believe that either process is effective, and it is up to one's personal preference. I will make a comment on the hydro forming dies and that is if purchasing one, purchase the Whidden die as it is a better die than other manufacturers out there on the market.I can see a few advantages with Hydraulic Forming apposed to COW.
1. Not wasting a bullet each time
2. Not putting wear on the barrel
3. Time to reload COW
3. Time to shoot COW
4. Hydraulic Formed Brass can get you to almost a full size of your Wildcat or AI Case Form. Forming of the case can become more complete using a sizing die to set the newly formed shoulder back about .010". After this step is taken the new case will be ready for loading.
Now you can use a regular load & brass if forming for AI and get some good accuracy.
Disadvantage
1. Cost for the Hydraulic Die kit can be up to $290.00 with Tax and Shipping.
I had forming with a regular cartridge on my mind in with COW. No bullet or barrel wear with COW. My Mistake on where I should have put it in the forming. Didn't have any coffee yet this morning!Curious about what you mean "Not wasting a bullet each time"? I use the COW method and I do get cases that are well formed and ready to shoot. Yes I do use a primer, and I do use around 15 grains of pistol powder, and... some paper towel and some time. I have a hydro form die that I used for the .270 Ackley Improved. It too was time consuming and it did make a bit of a mess on the bench. For me I believe that unless a case is formed with a full load it really does not match the chamber of the rifle you are shooting them in. I believe that either process is effective, and it is up to one's personal preference. I will make a comment on the hydro forming dies and that is if purchasing one, purchase the Whidden die as it is a better die than other manufacturers out there on the market.
ThanksI used hydro dies years ago, and they do have their place. However when using numerous wildcats, I found it more convenient and less costly, and sometimes less messy, to just go with either COW or use cheap seconds, pulled or for some calibers, cheap FMJ or even hard lead cast bullets over an appropriate load of pistol powder to get the pressures to levels needed. Lyman Cast Bullet Manual is good for this.
With today's components being more costly an sometimes hard to find, I can see the desire to return to or begin using a hydro, but those too are up in costs.