How to fire form brass? 3 easy steps

I’m not going to lie; I have been regretting writing this installment of the how-to series for quite some time. Why? There are several ways to fire-form brass; If I added all of them in one article, it would be 30 pages deep.

So I’m picking one and rolling with it.

Step one:
Choose your components.

First, select what components you want to use—powder, primer, and bullet.

The location you want to do this procedure will aid in determining the components to select.

Shooting range

A majority of people do all of their fire-forming at the range. It’s a way to kick back and get a few things done simultaneously,

During a match

If you decide to fire-form during a match, I recommend doing this only at a mid-range event.

Both

I shoot 100 rounds through a new barrel before I even think of doing anything else.

Next, I will load my ammo with match components and head to a mid-range event. If you are putting mileage on the barrel to fire-form brass, you may as well get some practice too.

Step two:
Find your load data

Now that you have selected what components you will use find your powder and bullet load data.

Reloading manuals

Reloading manuals are a wealth of knowledge packed with load data. If they have the information on your components, go with that.

The phone

If you cannot find the data in a reloading manual, pick up the phone and call the company. In my experience, they have always been happy to help.

Always use the minimum powder charge, and it is better to err on the side of caution while doing this process. We are just pushing the brass slightly, not trying to beat it into submission with a hammer.

Warning
Never get load data from some guy online.

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the advice, “Just jam it into the lands with a full powder charge and pull the trigger.” Anyone who gives this kind of advice is probably in touch with their spirit chicken.

Step three:
Bullet seating depth

There are many ways to do this, and I’ve tried them all. I learned the best method I’ve come across from Erik Cortina.

Finding the correct seating depth is significant enough to warrant a standalone article. Please read this before continuing.

How to find your seating depth? (click here to read)

Conclusion

Fire-forming brass is a necessary evil for those who want precision and accuracy in their rifles. It’s one of those things you hate or love, and I’m kind of in the middle.

Being a competition shooter, I rarely shoot without feeling as if I just punched a time clock. On the contrary, I typically want to get this over with and then work on rifle tuning.

I hope this article on how to fire-form brass has found you well.

Remember, shoot better than me. -Mac R

Disclaimer: Reloading/handloading can be hazardous to your health like many things in life. You take full responsibility when performing these procedures. 5 Gun Nation is not liable for your decisions. Don’t be an idiot, and if you are, it is not our problem.

5 Gun Nation How-To series