Fireform or...

[JM97850]

I am in the middle of a 270 improved build (My Rem 700 270 win mountain rifle, triggertech, Bell and Carlson, Pac-Nor #4 sporter 1 in 8 twist w/27" finished barrel length). My question is brass. I have tons of 270 brass to fireform, but can I take readily available 280 improved Nosler brass and neck it down? Seems that it might ultimately save me a step as well as improve barrel life. I currently have a 2 die set of Redding dies for 270 Ackley Improved. Thank you for the help.

 

[MudRunner2005]

It won't really save you a step. You're still going to have to create a false shoulder on the brass, and then shoot it to form it to your chamber. But it might help you save length when forming, since it's already blown-out the walls and shoulder, so your neck might not shorten as badly as if you're using regular .270 Win brass to form.

 

[tbrice23]

I am in the middle of a 270 improved build (My Rem 700 270 win mountain rifle, triggertech, Bell and Carlson, Pac-Nor #4 sporter 1 in 8 twist w/27" finished barrel length). My question is brass. I have tons of 270 brass to fireform, but can I take readily available 280 improved Nosler brass and neck it down? Seems that it might ultimately save me a step as well as improve barrel life. I currently have a 2 die set of Redding dies for 270 Ackley Improved. Thank you for the help.

I discussed this exact subject with Rich (Elkaholic) years ago, seems the dimension are too different to be worth the extra work.
I ended up fire forming with about 15gr of Bullseye under ground oatmeal. The shoulders got about 85% full... anymore I just use mid to upper loads and spare bullets. Done!

 

[FEENIX]

I opted to have two accuracy loads for mine propelling the 175 Matrix VLDs; .270 Win at 2919 FPS and .270 AI at 2993 FPS.

For my .30 LARA, I am using Whidden's hydraulic forming die ...

 

[JM97850]

Thank you TBRice, Mudrunner and FEENIX for your replies. Lots to consider! I will be looking at the Whidden hydraulic forming die today.
One of the advantages to living in E. Oregon is lots of things to shoot at. I am fortunate to have a close friend with a range up to 1200 yds on his property. The plan for my gun is to use it for targets as well as to hunt (antelope, deer, elk). Thank you Feenix for sharing your load results. My goal is to find an accurate load to shoot Berger 170 eol's around 3000 fps for distance and shoot either 150 partitions or 140 accubonds for hunting at shorter distances. Starting with RL26. I'll happily share results. The gun is at the smith and should be in my hands in 4-5 weeks.

 

[JM97850]

Hey Feenix. Would like to compare load data with you. After a few Sundays at the range (really windy today)-here's where I'm at for my 270ai with Berger 170 grain EOL's:
1. Fireform loads for Nosler 270 win.brass. 59 grains H1000, Winchester primer. .015 off lands. 2841fps with an ES OF 18.
2. 270ai. 60.5 grains of H1000, Winchester primer. .012 off lands. 2982 fps with an ES of 9.
Spent last Sunday working with Retumbo. Good velocity (63g = 3035fps). Groups and ES weren't satisfactory. I'm happy with the H1000 so far...

 

[Highvoltage]

This is a bit off subject but I recently built a 270 win and have had excellent results with reloder 26 and sierras new 140 gamechanger. Might be worth looking into. 24" barrel does 3150 for me, it's a mid range load. Good luck hopefully you can get those Berger's to work!

 

[JM97850]

Thank you. Getting real close on the Berger's...

 

[FEENIX]

Hey Feenix. Would like to compare load data with you. After a few Sundays at the range (really windy today)-here's where I'm at for my 270ai with Berger 170 grain EOL's:
1. Fireform loads for Nosler 270 win.brass. 59 grains H1000, Winchester primer. .015 off lands. 2841fps with an ES OF 18.
2. 270ai. 60.5 grains of H1000, Winchester primer. .012 off lands. 2982 fps with an ES of 9.
Spent last Sunday working with Retumbo. Good velocity (63g = 3035fps). Groups and ES weren't satisfactory. I'm happy with the H1000 so far...

Barrel: 30" Lilja SS 3G 1:8" #6, WW brass, CCI BR2, .020" off the lands, 175 Matrix VLD

58 H4831SC: MV=2993 FPS, SD=8
58 RETUMBO: MV=2769, SD=9
57.5 H1000: MV=2801, SD=5

Above is the best compromise of MV, SD, groups, and pressure signs.

 

[JM97850]

Thank you!

 

[waspocrew]

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