Has anyone fire formed brass for a 6.5 X 08 AI or a 260 AI using dry corn meal and no bullet? If so, what powder and how much did you use? I have had good success with a 22-250 AI using 13 grains of Unique and very dry corn meal packedin the casewith a drop of candle wax at the mouth. Thanks.
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RE: Fire Form 6.5 X 08 Ackely
I wouldnt use corn meal... A friend of mine was fireforming brass for a 22-250 AI that way using cornmeal and 13 grains unique. I really wasnt sure about it and didnt have a good feeling, I convince him to tie a string to the trigger and set the rifle on one side of a tree with us on the otherside and fire it where we would be aways from it. luckily for him he listened. The pieces of the gun we managed to find, they now all fit in a shoe box. the bell of the scope was found about 100 feet behind us. for fire forming I seriously recommend just using a parent cartridge. but if ya truly must fire form a case I recommend looking through Varmint Al's reloading page before you proceed. http://www.varmintal.com/arelo.htm#Forming_22_250_Brass
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Genesis 9:3
Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.
Although it can be done, I'm not a big fan of fireforming any AI caliber with the cornmeal method. Pressure has to be at a certain level to properly form the body and shoulder angle. And since the only point of contact on an Ackley Improved chamber, when initially fireforming, is the juncture of the neck and shoulder; the firing pin strike can push the case forward into this contact point.With the cornmeal load, this can sometimes cause primer setback, creating a subsequent headspace problem.
AI chambers should be set up to where the bolt closes with some effort on a factory or virgin brass case anyway . . . but unless you go to a reduced power striker spring in the bolt, I would stay with the tried and true method of fireforming using a bullet and powders like IMR 4198 or H110- just enough to form a sharp shoulder angle.
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A man has got to know his limitations . . . . .
the standard powders for fireforming with corn meal are unique and bullseye. I use 11 gr of unique in my 6.5 gibbs, and 20 gr in my 7mm allen mag. If you have a muzzle break take it off, point the muzzle slightly downward when shooting to keep the burntmeal clinging to the barrelfrom falling back in the chamber, watch your barrel heat, the process does make the barrel hot.
RR
The steps I use
adjust die till you get a crush fit in the chamber, you may have to expand the firstcase for this.
charge case with apropriate amount of unique, I wouldn't use over 10 gr for 22/250
tap case on bench to settle powder
fill case with cornmeal
tap case to settle meal to the bottom of neck
roll a 1 1/2" strip of paper towel longwise as tight as possible and stick about 1" into the neck and pinch off, use a small punch to pack it tightly into the neck
If your doing it right the shoulders are formed but the edges arestill slightlyrounded not quite sharp
RR
Forget the corn meal....you need to use Cream of Wheat. Prime the case and add 11gr bullseye, fill with COW to neck, roll up a 22 patch and pack the mixture (leave the 22 patch in the neck)...fire. Bingo....perfect case. Here is a 6.5-'06 Ackley I fireformed a few days ago. Saves powder, barrel life and time. Regards, Rick.
Fire Form 6.5 X 08 Ackely
