Picked up a neat combo gun one barrel is a 35-30/30 Ack.Improved. I also got the custom RCBS dies with it. My problem is how the brass is coming out. I have tried both 30-30 brass and 32 Win special brass; both come out necked up but with a slight bulge between the existing shoulder on the case and the neck(the bulge sticks out about about as far as the case shoulder).
The brass doesn't have that clean,sharp shoulder I expected to see from an Ackley or that the pictures show. Is this what it should look like before it is fire-formed? Problem is, if this isn't right, then I guess I have to start with 30-30 Ack Imp cases???, which really complicates matters.
I've only reloaded regular calibers to this point, and don't want to blow something up in my face for sure. ANY help would be appreciated.

thanks
Rick

Is there supposed to be a fireforming step? A lot the AIs are best when fireformed THEN fl sized

Can you post a photo or E-Mail me one?
Another possible case would be the .375 Win.and use bushings to get the shoulder.*** Shot in the dark till we see the cases and buldge. roger

When they are fire formed in your chamber the angle should clean up.

These aren't the best pics, but I am a crappy photographer. Maybe these will help..
Rick

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Have you put together a blank round to see if it will chamber in your rifle?

Yep, fireforming is the only way to make it right, the dies won't do it. Search for fireforming methods and try it, the cases will be perfect.

If it chambers ,and it should, fire forming will get the job done. Annealing will help at this point.
HYere are some loads you might try when fire forming. CAUTION!!! START LOW.
150 grain bullet, 29gr. 4227.
200 grain bullet, 32.5gr imr 4198.
150gr. bullet, 25gr. 2400.
roger

Yes, I tried both ( one is from a 30-30, one from 32 spec), and they both chamber easily. So, even with the bulges, it is ok to fireform them with low level loads?
I sure hope so; I checked online,and can find some, but for 200. for 100 cases, it ain't gonna happen.
thanks for all the imput
Rick

post your results, Rick. roger

foxhound,
the funky looking bulge is because right at the bend between neck and shoulder, the case is stronger and the brass is a bit harder from being formed, so it actually retains a bit of the old junction as the expander passes by the bend going down into the case. as long as the case will chamber, they will come out looking pretty good on the first fire forming. after another or 2 they will look all pretty with sharp angles. most ackley cases will look kind of shabby with rounded angles out of the press.

Thanks so much guys! I'll report back when I get these loaded and fired off .

Rick

Here is the latest results: a pic of the cases (both .32 spec. and 30-30) after first fireforming. They sure look alot more like I expected. I figure one more time and they will get that sharp shoulder ?? Also I had to include pics from the range. This gun is a custom SxS 20 ga/ 35-30 Ack. Imp based on a Uggie. Great fun to shoot ; I put a red dot on it for starters. Probably have to wait to spring to get out the chronograph to work up my loads for this gun but from the looks of things my starting load isn't too bad. The snow is almost up to my knees and the hump out to the range is about done for the winter. Bummer. Man this wildcat stuff is a blast! Thanks for any and all imput.
Rick


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How bout them apples. You're on track! roger

Not to shabby.

Looking good