I would like to use a 130g cast bullet, with out the gas check. Will it work?

To completely fireform you are going to need close to operating pressure. I question if you would want to load a non gas checked or even a cast bullet to the required pressure. If you try it make sure you check for leading.

Just finished fireforming some 30-30 to 7-30. I used no bullets and looks like the brass came out fine.

This method is similar to what I did. I used TP insteat of paraffin to seal the case and had no leaks of filler.

http://www.angelfire.com/sd/6m...ley/fireforming.html

I don't mean to sound too negative, but why do you feel there's a need to fireform 7-30 brass? I mean, it's a 7-30, probably in a lever action. Why not just load 'em up and go shooting?



Ray

quote:

I mean, it's a 7-30, probably in a lever action

A 7-30 Waters is not simply a 30-30 necked down the shoulder is moved forward .145" and the shoulder angle is steeper.

Now if he is using QC 7-30 Waters headstamp brass then heck load and go. But since it is about $2 each most people form theirs from 30-30.

ramrod

I realize that the 7-30 is more than a necked down 30-30 but my point was why go through a seperate forming step using a different bullet, COW, and all that stuff. Just load them and shoot them. The ballistics that you'll get won't be much different than a fully formed case and I doubt if you'll see any difference in accuracy.

Doesn't Federal make 7-30 brass?

JMHO

Ray

DLH,

Are you loading for a T/C Contender?

I routinely form brass using 30-30 or 375 win brass. I usually run the brass through a 7x30 FL size die, load with a moderate to normal load of H414 and a 139 gr Hornady. Fire form then you have 7x30 brass. Interestingly enough these loads are very accurate in my pistol.

Good Day

quote:

I realize that the 7-30 is more than a necked down 30-30 but my point was why go through

Sorry my mistake. Federal makes loaded ammo. I thought they sold brass as well. But I checked several places I normally buy from and only found QC.

As to a separate step I tend to agree with you. For most AIs I just load and go shoot them. Next time they are AI. Most are as accurate as the formed version. On my full wildcats with 10-12% capacity change I do a forming load with cheapest bullets I can find. I don't do the COW anymore.

The orginal question was lead bullets for forming. I wouldn't try and load them hot enough to form the case. Get some cheap rem bulk bullets and go shooting.

I am loading these for a Contender A 23" contender.

And yes I'm cheap!! frugal, smart , No just cheap.

I have some privi bullets, (they are cheap!) I'm gonna try them. Remington bullets are as much as the good ones.

I load for both the 7x30 Waters and for a 30-30 AI in Contender. For each I have found that the FF loads generally shoot just dang near as well. I generally use the 139gr bullets as well or some 150gr FB's that I got a few years back.

For the 30-30, I simply load up to a standard factory equivelent load with a 150gr bullet and head to the range and enjoy the afternoon shooting.