Using once fired brass in A.I chamber

[Duffman]

Thanks for all the help gentlemen. The brass in question is Nosler. I refuse to anneal. I reload because I shoot, I don't shoot because I reload. Need to draw the line somewhere! I already made a mistake here, this rifle is kind of an afterthought project for me, so instead of biting the bullet and chasing down sparse lapua brass, I've got several small lots of different brands (not the best idea…especially with an improved chamber!). I'll fireform these and take my chances with loosing a few (probably will given it's Nosler brass).

 

[Citified]

You probably won't lose too many on first time fired brass without annealing. I am using my new Lapua brass for the first firing now and it doesn't split in the necks. I DO anneal after the first fire form loads though

 

[A A Ron]

Regular Fired brass works well with AI chambers. Check your overall sizing length compared to the AI chamber and only size it enough to fit. I prefer less than .002" and anneal so the brass moves in the shoulder not the body. Too much sizing results in excessive head space, failure to fires, and the start of head seperation. If done correctly on the first fire form AI brass will last a long time.

 

[warrbuk]

If you have access to an annealer then go that route, I have 3 A.I. style rifles and have always either shot the first load "lightly jammed" or with a "false shoulder". Jammed is easier if you get an accurate load. I got better shoulders when the base of the brass is firmly against the bolt face.

My 223 A.I. shot excellent jammed and I fireformed 1000 pieces of brass without losing any on live varmints. If you shoot your fire forming loads in either of these manners you will be lightly camming the round into the chamber. Make sure that your locking lugs on your action are well greased to prevent galling.

I sure love not having to trim / chamfer that 223 AI brass

 

[memtb]

I have some once fired 22-250 brass I'm looking to shoot in my 22-250 Ackley. It chambers in my rifle, but is a little tight. Do I run it as is? Put through my AI die first, or find a regular 22-250 die?

This is my first go round with an Ackley chamber…..at the moment thinking I should've just spun up a 22 creed. I reload because it's often necessary to shoot. This seems like more of a project for someone that enjoys the process

If it chambers, a little tight is even better IMO…..shoot it, and pat yourself on the back for your nicely done AI! memtb

 

[Brathany]

Understand that AI doesn't mean "Can add 2gr more powder" after fireforming. Pressure is bled into flowing the brass with initial case. The second firing of the formed case, there's no brass flow bleeding pressure away.

Some AI cartridges get a benefit of more velocity. Others, " 40 degree Improved" (The ones Ackley didn't do) Only get a sexy looking shoulder and no neck trimming.

 

[waspocrew]

You'll be fine. As others pointed out, a crush fit (resistance) is what you want.

 

[UncleDano]

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned so far. Using once fired brass may require a good annealing but you will have to try some test loads to see whether they want to split or not, or just go on and do the annealing step. Going from the standard 22-250 case up to the AI requires quite a bit of case stretch so don't be surprised if you get some splits using once fired brass. What brass are you using?

I have never experienced a problem with split cases with any of my AI calibers - never. I can reload most cases 6-8 times before I even consider annealing, and I suspect the necks are getting a little brittle...