Hi Jimm,
What will be my regimen when i receive my AI? Phew! thats a good un, where do i start?
First off there will much admiration, handling and more admiration, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
After my excitement has died down i'll get down to the serious buissiness.
Having had rifles built by my smith in the past, he will supply me with a dimensioned drawing of my chamber,so i can cross reference measurements between 243 cases and the chamber.
Using Redding Competition neck bushing dies i will take 110 new Lapua cases(i bought a case of 500 when i bought the 243) the ten will be for setting up purposes and benchrest prep them consisting of:
1.Run all the cases into the neck sizing die to size them enough to be expanded.
2.Expand all the necks on the neck expander mandrel.
3.Trim cases to length of the shortest case. de-burr case necks and remove sharp edges with wirewool.
4.I will then de-burr and chamfer the flash hole and uniform the primer pocket depth ( this may have to be done several times before the brass settles down).
5. At this point i will neck turn because i will have specified a chamber tighter than saami specs. You may not need to or want to neck turn but i think it is essential for consistant neck tension.
6. After neck turning i will de-burr the outside of the neck very gently and cut a VLD chamfer on the inside and once again remove sharp edges with wirewool.
7.After selecting the appropriate neck bushing, i will size the necks to give approx. 002" to 003" of neck tension.
8.Priming will be carried out with Federal 210 Gold Match primers.
9.For a fireforming charge of powder i will select a top end load of medium burning range for 243, from the tables out of one of my manuals, something like W760, H380 or H4350
10.Using the rod down the bore method, i determine the cartridge overall length and then seat a bullet so it is hard into the lands.
We are now ready to start fireforming and enjoying ourselves at the range. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
My barrel break in process is a little different, ie, i zero my scope first, i can usually do this in 3-4 shots after boresighting, i quote "usually". /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Watch those beautifully fireformed cases pop out each time you work the bolt! More admiration. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
From then on, one shot and clean five times, three shots and clean three times and finally five shots and clean two times.
As i usually spend two days at the range, overnighting in the Clubhouse i will most likeiy get all of my fireforming done and can start load developement, although i will be taking chrono readings and notes while fireforming.
I hope this gives you some insight into how i would do things and even though the case prep can be very time consuming ite all worth when you are out in the field or on the range. Enjoy your shooting.
Ian.
