338 Edge Users- Loading new rem cases.

[Down Under Hunter]

Just a quick one. I have a new rifle in the edge caliber and am getting started loading. What would you suggest to run through the new brass. ie. Would you run just some mid strength loads with cheap projectiles to fireform the cases to match the chamber exactly, then with once fired cases get serious..... or..... just load up the big 300 smk with 92 gr H 1000 and bang away ? How differently might they perform to the once fired brass ?

I thought of fireforming first, but thought why waste the powder if I dont have too?? I might also be able to start checking impact points whilst breaking the barrel in ??

Cheers

DUH

 

[MagMan]

Bang away, recheck after you've fired all new brass.

 

[AJ Peacock]

+1 MagMan, thats what I'd do. Chrono it and learn those drops. Then if the velocity changes a little on subsequent loadings, you'll be able to just make an adjustment. Also, once you wear this brass out, you'll be able to load up and be real close with the next set of brass.

AJ

 

[Down Under Hunter]

Thanks for that boys. I'll bang away !!

 

[davewilson]

i've shot some of my best groups with new brass. i push the necks out in 2 steps. clean up the necks. run them through the FL sizer and load em. i'm convinced new brass shoots just as good or maybe better than used.

i broke my barrel in before i had a stock on the gun!

 

[crittergitter]

I worked up my load with new brass and broke in the barrel all at once. I do have to turn down the necks a little, but it shoots very tight with new brass.

 

[Down Under Hunter]

That all sounds really encouraging.

How many shots would you think to break in the barrel ?? 20-30 ?? Clean after every shot for ten, then after every five ?? What are your thoughts ??

Cheers boys

DUH

 

[aurandbd]

You can do a forum search for break-in for some threads on this, but stolen from Boss Hoss, I come up with this:

1. Clean barrel / lube bolt / 1 shot.

2. Clean barrel / lube bolt / 5 shots.

3. Clean barrel / lube bolt / 10 shots.

4. Clean barrel / lube bolt / 10 to 15 shots and clean again.

 

[davewilson]

most shoot one and clean for about 10 shots. then you can start shooting a few and let the patches tell the story.most good barrels are ready to go with only 5 to 20 rounds out of them.

 

[crittergitter]

My Pac-nor barrel was good to go after 16. I shot 1 and cleaned for 10, then shot 3 and cleaned for 6. Very little fouling after that.