Expanding the "new brass" thead
 

Rather than wasting a whole bunch ofbullets on the very first shot of your brand new brassgetting out dents etc... what other methods do you use to "fire form" your brand new brass before you actually start working on load development?

RE: Expanding the "new brass" thead
 

Although I'd prefer not to I have made up brass for my .260 Remington using .243. In order to get the correct headspace and provide for excellent fireforming loads I use this process. Run the new.243 brass thru a 7-08 size die justo get the neck expanded, run that brass into my .260 size die to get that small false shoulder, slight crush fit in my guns chamber. Load at a known near max level and go hunting. These have proven as accurate as standard fired brass handloads.

RE: Expanding the "new brass" thead
 

If you have been reloading for more than a few years you should have some bullets that you just don't like for one reason or another. These would get the nod for fire forming duties, providing they are the right diameter.
I have used wax to plug and shoot .22 rim fire shells which I pulled the bullets from, but I've never tried it with centerfire before. I guess it could work but I can't say for sure.

RE: Expanding the "new brass" thead
 

RR, I thinkI like your method better than filling the case with completely with bullseye. ;)That's a whole lot of wasted powder.

RE: Expanding the "new brass" thead
 

The man knows what he is talking about.

RE: Expanding the "new brass" thead
 

I had to experiment a bit. Your the one who told me how to do it about 4 years or more ago. I started out with 5 gr or unique, and moved up. I was using paper towels only and that caused some issues. I tried wax, and that sucked. I wanted something little more size than corn meal.

I actually reached a point where I ruined a case by it bulging for some reason toward the rim. So it takes some experiementation.