I shoot a 280JDJ, 16"barrel. I'd like to know if anyone has had any experience with this cal. I've had my share of problems fire-forming brass for it and would like to hear how any else is doing it. Thanks Bob

What type of problems are you having?

One of the most common incidents I see is when there is excessive case stretch and split necks or when this causes excessive headspace and eventually case head separation. But this can be remedied by using a powder (appropriate for the round) that basically gives a compressed load and then using a bullet long enough to reach the lands (or at least get reasonably close). This lends greater support to the case and allows it to fireform properly. I haven't lost a case to fireforming in years after incorporating this method. I've used it for the TCUs, JDJs, the 6.5x50R Bellm and a handful of lesser-known wildcats.

Thanks Bobby, What I was hoping for was a way to fireform using COW or equivalent and tissue ect. At least without using a bullet. I have found if I don't seat the bullet very hard into the lands that I get high pressure. Can't hardly get the casing back out of the barrel. This 280JDJ moves the shoulder approx 1/4" forward, to a 60 degree shoulder. Using a 160 gr. bullet, just barely seats into the case in order to reach the lands.
That was the recommendation from JDJ, but I was hoping to see what anyone that shoots the 280 had been doing. Thanks Bob

Bob, I only used the Hornady 175 gr. SPIREPOINTS when fireforming. Only bullet thet would hit hard in the lands when closing the action. Had a real tough time tho finding the correct fireforming load or it would take 2 tries.
Jeff

The cream of wheat method is heralded by some, but it does not fully fireform the brass no matter the pressure of the load. It may be close, but it's not 100 percent. ANd of course, that stresses the brass more than necessary.

After years and years of working with wildcats, I can tell you there is no true substitute for loading up the real thing.

Jeff- What load did you finally come up with that worked? I've been using 54 gr. of H 4831 with speer 160 gr to fire form. It was suggested to me to seat a bullet backwards a little long and let the action as it closes put it hard into the lands. Any thoughts?? I haven't tried that as yet. I'll get some 175 gr and try them as you said. The cal is awesom- I'm getting a little over 3000 with 140 gr nosler par. and I'm not up to max by JDJ reloading data. It is a handfull though,(no muzzle brake)
Bobby- thanks for the info on COW.

I have since traded the barrel for a 375-06 JDJ, but if memory serves me, I think I used a low 50's gr. load of AA4350. But it is important to use a bullet that sits hard in the lands. I know it took a few sessions where I increased the powder charge to fully fire form in 1 try. But once I had them properly done, cases lasted at least 6 firings and I never tossed 1 from expansion. Then again, I only had the barrel for over a year. Mine had the break, and there was minimal recoil at best, but the concussion was just too cool. I cleared alot of benches at the range and now with the 375-06, no one comes near. I've offered plenty to shoot, but get no takers. I'm pushing a 200 gr. Hornady at over 2700 fps.
Jeff

Jeff- thanks for the info
Bob

Bob-try taking the mouths up to 30 cal and then resize with the JDJ sizer die to leave a false shoulder to where you have to snap the gun closed hard. I did this on my 338-06JDJ before I started useing 35 Whelen brass, and had good success with it.
Albert

Albert- thanks, that sounds like a very good idea, I'll give it a try. I've fought with this 280 JDJ for almost a year and have gotten more ideas from fellow handguners in the last two days than I thought possible. Guess it really pays to get on a web site where there is expertise. I have tried to talk to JDJ, but he is so busy------. Thanks again, Bob