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.

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

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.

Thanks to all for the replies. My appology to the late Mr. Ackley for miss spelling his name in the orginal post.

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.