17 April 2023, 06:27
optik1Fire forming load question
I just purchased a 35 Wade Magnum on a 1917 action. I am going to use 338 win mag brass which I will expand the neck to .358 cal before fire forming. What do you reccomend I use as a powder load and do I seat a bullet or use creme of wheat?? Thanks, Optik1
17 April 2023, 06:59
SaeedI have never used anything but a normal load to fire form brass.
Load a normal load, seat the bullet as far forward to engage the rifling.
And fire it.
That is how I have been doing.
17 April 2023, 07:02
rcraigI load and shoot a 300 Apex also using 338 brass. I run the 338 brass into the Apex F/L sizing die. I use a "starting load" for the Apex and fire away. Fired brass comes out fine. No extra step, no COW mess.
17 April 2023, 08:13
tsturmquote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
I have never used anything but a normal load to fire form brass.
Load a normal load, seat the bullet as far forward to engage the rifling.
And fire it.
That is how I have been doing.
What Saeed Said

17 April 2023, 21:25
optik1Perfect. Thanks guys. I will post my load data and results when I am done. Optik1
18 April 2023, 03:06
ramrod340It’s a belted magnum. Load it and shoot it. Once you open the neck
If you have capacity simply start with your wade loads.
18 April 2023, 04:54
Lamari like full loads to fire form too.
I want the case fully formed not almost or mostly formed.
plus I want the case lined out so I can anneal it after working it over.
18 April 2023, 20:49
HipshootI would neck it up to .366 first then down to .358 to create a false shoulder and seat the bullets so that they jam a bit into the rifling.
Hip
19 April 2023, 02:06
optik1Thanks all. So far so good. Optik1
22 April 2023, 23:40
AtkinsonIn all loads Ive fireformed at myshop indoors, I used about 15 to 20 grs or more grs of unique under a case full of cornmeal, rice, kleenex with a wad of wax to close it up snug. Point the gun up are at an up or at an upward angle.
I start with a light load of Unique or whatever powder and shoot a few increasing to a well formed case..
Lot dependes on the caliber, back in the day we shot 30-06 Milsap ammo in our 35 Whelans and 338-o6s to fireform. Some cringe at that but Ive seen thousands of rounds fired that way and never an incident...