Okay, I have a situation where I need to expand some cases back out but don't want to shoot full power loads. I have heard wildcatters talk about using pistol powder and Cream of Wheat to do this. I need some load data for a 7x57 to do this.

I started a thread on it over in the reloading forum but I'm just not getting the information I'm looking for and though maybe you guys could help me out. Here is a link to the other thread.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...2511043/m/5361074431

Hello JTP:

Ken Howell, in his book, has an excellent description of fireforming without bullets--it begins on page 54.

Essentially, a primed case(difference of opinion on pistol or rifle primer) is filled to approximately 15% of its capacity with fast-burning pistol powder (Bullseye). A layer of tissue is positioned over the powder to keep it in place over the flash hole, and cream of wheat, or similiarly coarse-grained filler, is used to fill the case to within 1/8" or so of the case mouth. It's recommended that a wax plug be used over the filler to keep it from spilling during handling.

To fireform OUTSIDE, load one of the "rounds"
in the rifle, hold it vertical (up), and pull the trigger. The fired case should be almost fully formed, with the exception of any sharp corners. Your first firing with bullets will finish forming the corners.

Caveats:

1-DON'T USE a fine filler like flour--it can
pack and skyrocket pressures.
2-Try one or two loaded to 15% capacity with
powder before loading all your cases. Use a
little more only if necessary.
3-Clean your barrel before shooting any real
bullets.

I've used this method a number of times and it works. Main advantages are it saves the cost of bullets, and expands neck sections more uniformly than using a tapered expander.

Dave Manson

JP

For years I have blown out 375 HH and 416 Rem to 458 Lott and 470 Capstick using 15-18 grs of bullseye, toilet tissue, then corn meal packed to the top and topped off with toilet tissue to hold everything in. It works great. Recently I did the same taking 375 RUM brass out to 500 MDM.

Now I suppose on a small case one would drop the amount of bullseye (or equivalent) by some amount and give it a try. Maybe try 10 grs to start and see what happens? If not quite enough go to 12 or so.

Bullseye, toilet tissue, corn meal (or equivalent) to the top, pack in the corn meal a good bit, then top it off with toilet tissue.

I have done lot's of these without any issues at all.

Michael

Thanks Micheal, thats what I was looking for. I appreciate it.

JTP
You are welcome!

M

I wonder how "equivalent" blue dot would be to bullseye. Bullseye is definitely faster, so blue dot should be even safer with the same charges, correct?

I shoot 12-13 grains of blue dot for reduced loads in my .223, and about that same range in my .357, both of which are smaller cases. I don't really see where there could be a problem.

JTP

I have lot's of blue dot here also. I have not tried it, but I see no reason it should not work fine. It will probably take a little more blue dot to get there than bullseye. Safer? I don't see these sort of loads as being all that much of an issue with pressure, there is nothing that can really cause a gas seal like a bullet, so I think they are all pretty safe with corn meal, or cream of wheat. Dave says don't use flour, he may very well be correct, even though I have done so in the past with good results. But since I have used so much corn meal I would not take any chances.

Yes, I would say start with 12-13 grs of Blue dot and see what happens.

When you do this, how about let me know how it does?

Michael

Sure thing, no problem. It may be a few days before I get around to it.

Popped a test round at lunch today, 12.5 grains blue dot with cornmeal up into the case neck. Blew the neck out nicely, no pressure signs. Worked just like a champ.

I've done many hundreds of rounds with a case full of Bullseye and a wax plug. It works well.
Butch

JTP

Excellent. Glad it is working for you.

Michael

For 40+ years, I have used Red Dot powder; fill case 1/2 full, load with muzzle in vertical position, pull trigger. If incomplete forming, fill case to neck. DO NOT ADD ANYTHING ELSE TO CASE!
It has proven cheap, easy and quick; and I have never lost a case.
WYLD

quote:

Originally posted by Richard Florer:
For 40+ years, I have used Red Dot powder; fill case 1/2 full, load with muzzle in vertical position, pull trigger. If incomplete forming, fill case to neck. DO NOT ADD ANYTHING ELSE TO CASE!
It has proven cheap, easy and quick; and I have never lost a case.
WYLD

And I have done the same thing for years with just Bullseye. I dump in the Bullseye, use 1/16th of a sheet of single ply TP as wadding to hold the powder in place. I shoot the load while holding the rifle muzzle up. Works just fine.

To determine the amount of Bullseye, I start off with a minimal amount, then increase the amount until I find what works best in the size of case I am fire-forming. Just like working up a load with a bullet, but no bullet is used.

Be SURE not to use anything over the Bullseye like COW, Quaker breakfast grits, corn meal or anything else, without drastically reducing the powder charge first.

I do it because it is easier, quicker, and I never have to worry about the propellant and the cereal getting mixed.

I think I would prefer some Puff-Lon. It's pretty cheap and is a recognized filler in Black Powder cartridge rifles.

Rich
DRSS

I took shortened '06 cases and blew them out to 7.65 ARG with ten grains of AA #5, corn meal to the bottom of the neck, and a TP plug. Worked like a champ, but I didn't have a lot of expanding to do, I was just forming the neck/shoulder juncture...