Fire forming brass with filler

[BronkoRob]

what are your preferred fillers for fire forming brass without bullets?

I’ve come across cream of wheat, toilet paper, and wax as the more popular choices. I’m looking to fire form more 22-250AI brass.

Anyone tried wax? Does this leave any kind of residue or does it expel or burn a way clean?

Most likely, I’m going to pack whatever I come up with to a local indoor range and just shoot to form just out of convenience. Should I be packing cleaning gear for wax or cream of wheat?

 

[L.Sherm]

Work up a load just like any other load and go shoot sage rats or coyotes.

 

[rickiesrevenge]

When Ive used tp or wax it was to hold in the cream of wheat. These days I just use bullets. I think the case is formed much better with sharper shoulders vs fillers.

 

[L.Sherm]

When Ive used tp or wax it was to hold in the cream of wheat. These days I just use bullets. I think the case is formed much better with sharper shoulders vs fillers.

And can be very accurate.

 

[Bullseye69]

If it's an AI you should not need to fire form with fillers.
Just load and go. That was how Ackley designed it.

 

[L.Sherm]

I jam my first firing in AI loads just " because" even though a properly set up AI chamber should have about .003-.004 crush fit.

 

[BronkoRob]

I guess I just need to chase a standard 22-250 load that’s shoots well enough to hunt with.

 

[L.Sherm]

I guess I just need to chase a standard 22-250 load that’s shoots well enough to hunt with.

Thats what I would do.
Look at the target I posted in the 20BR thread fireforming brass at 665 yards.

 

[Bullseye69]

I guess I just need to chase a standard 22-250 load that’s shoots well enough to hunt with.

My 223 AI shot superb fireforming 500rds shooting prairie dogs. Didn't have any issues.

 

[400 Whelen]

I have used both ways. It depends on the case being formed. Ackley cases are easy if the chamber was cut correctly. Rimmed cases are the easiest. Others may not also so easy.

In my opinion the most important thing is that the case being formed must establish correct headspace before you pull the trigger. This can be established by using a false shoulder and using a "crushed fit" with brass. I use this a lot, and I use this method if I'm fire forming with a filler or a bullet. Remember never use a filler and a bullet.

Some folks force the bullet into the rifling by seat the bullet "long". While I have done this; I don't like to because it could create high pressure.

If I'm using a filler, I normally point the rifle downward. I have also pointed the rifle upward. Both directions work well. I don't think you would be welcomed back if you did that at an indoor range, even if you cleaned up your mess.

Pointing the rifle horizontally has not always produced a satisfactory case. In my experience forming a base case with a long, tapered body into an a "blown out" case some if not most of my cases come what with dimples on the body. It looks like an old fat woman at the beach wearing a thong. I think this happens when some of the filler is pushed rearward after it has been forced out of the case and before the body of the case is fully formed against the wall of the chamber.

400 Whelen

Ed