Fire forming
The term fire forming in
metallic cartridge case to optimally fit a new chamber by firing it within that chamber.[1] This might expand a cartridge to a new size, such as a wildcat cartridge
, or just to the chamber of a specific gun.
Fire forming a wildcat differs from the normal manufacturing process; in that it relies on firing a loaded
improved cartridge
.
There are two methods of fire forming. One method is to cold form a parent case using forming dies, creating some form of headspace, load the case and fire the cold formed cartridge in the chamber of the firearm. This first method is the most common and will create a wildcat cartridge. The second method is to fire form a factory cartridge by using its factory headspace to headspace on. The factory cartridge is then fired in the chamber of the firearm. This second method will create an improved cartridge.
See also
- Ackley Improved
- Obturation
References
- ISBN 0-88317-159-7
- Parker O. Ackley, Volume 1 Handbook for Shooters & Reloaders, Plaza Publishing, 1962; 17th printing, 1988.