Nosler 280 RM vs. 280 AI brass costs?

[Weaselthis]

Got a new Bartlein 280 AI bbl.on order. Any reason to buy the more expensive AI brass over the 280 Rem and fireform?

I reload, so what am I missing?

Thanks in advance for the wealth of info here shared willingly!

Midway has:
Nosler Custom Brass 280 Remington Ackley Improved 40-Degree Shoulder Box of 50 for $58.

Nosler Custom Brass 280 Remington Box of 50 for $39.49.

 

[dmgreene]

Re: Nosler 280 RM vs. 280 AI brass costs?

You will waste more money in powder, bullets, primers and barrel life fire forming the standard brass than the difference in cost of the AI brass. Plus you may loose a few cases when you fire form.

 

[Weaselthis]

Re: Nosler 280 RM vs. 280 AI brass costs?

Thanks for that. Never had a AI. Should I be concerned about the AI brass NOT conforming to the new chamber (too tight or something) I dunno?

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: Nosler 280 RM vs. 280 AI brass costs?

Nosler makes very good brass, and I would buy the 280 AI brass so you don't have to fire form.

 

[Weaselthis]

Re: Nosler 280 RM vs. 280 AI brass costs?

ok, you guys talked me into it! I'm a cheap bastard but have JUST enough sense to listen when wisdom speaks. Thanks,guys.

 

[Clark]

Re: Nosler 280 RM vs. 280 AI brass costs?

I have fire formed allot of 257 Roberts Ackley improved over the last 10 years. I mistakenly headspaced with 257 Roberts brass, which did not allow for .004" of crushing at the base of the neck. Consequently, I cannot fire form in one step. I have tried dozens of methods, and have settled on the following:
1) I put 10 grains of any pistol powder in the case.
2) I fill the rest of the case with cream of wheat or instant cream of wheat.
3) I fill the case mouth with Ivory soap if the rifle is to be fired horizontally at the range [not needed for firing straight up at home].
4) I lube the outside of the case with Lyman Moly bore cream [any 50,000 psi lube will do].
5) I fire the case. This makes a half formed shoulder with the correct headspace AND AND AND no stretching of the case.
6) I load a full power Ackley load and get full accuracy on the next shot with the half formed shoulder.
7) After that, the shoulder is fully formed.