Load Verification: .223

D

Diabolus

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 10, 2006
109
12
Southern California/Los Angeles
#1
Thanks in advance to the authors of all the stickies in the reloading section. I've gone through each one several times while producing my first .223 round.

I've worked up my first .223 load and would appreciate if some of the more experienced members could verify my load data - I used Lyman as my data source.

The bullet is a 22 CAL .224 Dia <span style="font-weight: bold">77 GR.</span> HPBT-MATCH
The barrel is a stainless steel 18" 1:7
OAL to the lands is 2.348"
AR15 platform

Powder: Varget
Starting Grains: 22.5 (2591 fps)- will work up to MAX 25 (2788 fps)

<span style="font-weight: bold">COMPLETED CARTRIDGE:</span>
OAL: 2.260”
NECK: .246”
OAL from SHOULDER: 1.426”
POWDER: Varget 22.5 Gr.
PRIMER: CCI BR-4

I started with brand new Lake City brass and full-length sized using a .245 bushing on the neck. I'm using Redding Type-S dies with the decapping rod/size button.

A slight chamfer was applied to the brass before loading the bullet, I did not debur. All primers were done by hand.

I have been reloading pistol ammunition for several years now without any issue. I've taken the time to read data in reloading manuals and information available online, but comments and advice from experienced members would be appreciated.

After verification of my load, I will be testing both the CCI BR-4 and #400 primers as I work my load up to MAX grains. Accuracy will also be logged to determine the best load data. I'll be shooting between 100-600 yards.


I've included some pictures below:

<span style="font-weight: bold">Completed Cartridge:</span>
photo5_zps646fcb33.png


<span style="font-weight: bold">OAL:</span>
photo1_zps69cce77f.png


<span style="font-weight: bold">OAL from SHOULDER:</span>
photo4_zpsde57f12a.png


<span style="font-weight: bold">PRIMER</span>
photo2_zps58b39067.png
 
#2
Re: Load Verification: .223

Looks to me like you're on the ball. Your OAL might raise a flag, will they work in a mag?
I shoot for ".248" just bcause of variences in mag brands.
If they feed you are good to go.
 
#3
Re: Load Verification: .223

some batches of CCI - 400 have popped at near max book loads - I use them for lighter loads now

not much else to comment on - only that your load worked up with new brass may not stay identical after sizing the brass, slight tweaking may be needed- so do not load a bunch without retesting
 
#5
Re: Load Verification: .223

<span style="font-weight: bold">milo-2:</span>
2.260" is the max OAL to fit in the magazine, it is also the recommended OAL by Lyman for the 77 Gr.


<span style="font-weight: bold">George63</span>
That is good to know, do you know if the BR-4 has the same issue?

<span style="font-weight: bold">Maggitas:</span>
I would rather measure from the ogive; however, when I attempted to do so, the gauge bumped up right to the case neck so the measurement was impossible - I do not know if this is normal or not, but I am at the exact OAL per Lyman.

If this is correct, then my only option would be C.O.A.L.


Thanks everyone for the response and I hope to learn more from you.
 
#6
Re: Load Verification: .223

If your comparator slipped past the bullet, you have the wrong insert in it. Check to see if you have the .30 cal insert in it.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diabolus</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">milo-2:</span>
2.260" is the max OAL to fit in the magazine, it is also the recommended OAL by Lyman for the 77 Gr.


<span style="font-weight: bold">George63</span>
That is good to know, do you know if the BR-4 has the same issue?

<span style="font-weight: bold">Maggitas:</span>
I would rather measure from the ogive; however, when I attempted to do so, the gauge bumped up right to the case neck so the measurement was impossible - I do not know if this is normal or not, but I am at the exact OAL per Lyman.

If this is correct, then my only option would be C.O.A.L.


Thanks everyone for the response and I hope to learn more from you. </div></div>
 
#8
Re: Load Verification: .223

<span style="font-weight: bold">NSO123:</span>
Valid point, but I was certain I had the correct insert. I went and validated the measurements after pulling the bullet out of the completed cartridge:

Photo here is with the correct insert bottoming out on the neck:
photo9_zpsaffa84b7.png


Length of pulled bullet (these do vary, samples ranged from 1.0025 to .9935):
photo11_zpsb81c0167.png


Distance from bullet base to ogive (even within the sample range, the ogive length was consistant):
photo8_zpscd68e4a7.png


Distance from meplat to case neck:
photo7_zps03e5d103.png


If my math is correct, the ogive in my completed cartridge is just beyond the neck by .0065". The variance in the OAL of the bullet is likely due to a deformed meplat during the manufacturing process. If I had loaded a bullet with an OAL of .993 I would have hit the ogive with my insert.


<span style="font-weight: bold">cajunshooter:</span>
I am using a 77 Gr. bullet and will be starting with 22.5 Gr which should give an FPS around 2591.


 
#9
Re: Load Verification: .223

I will be devoloping alomost a identical load useing Ramshot Tac and or Varget/H4895.

I am very eager to see how this turns out for you !

It seems with a MK262 type/clone load everybody chases that 2750 fps figure. Although the same folks talk about peirced primers, sheered bolts and other pressure issues.

If I can find a load at 2625-2700 that shoots, thats my plan

Oh, are you running Sierra or Nosler ?

Look forward to your results.
 
#11
Re: Load Verification: .223

Which bullet is that? I see you said it is a pulled bullet. Was it pulled from a .223 cartridge? I have seen bullets that, due to their physical shape, were not well suited to a particular cartridge, even though they are of the same bullet diameter.
 
#12
Re: Load Verification: .223

I have the same problem with Sinclair comparators with .223. I had to switch to Stoney Point units (now made by Hornady). The hole in the Sinclair units are a little too large, and I was either touching the case neck or was too close to tell. This only happens with certain bullets. With VLDs, seated longer, the Sinclair works fine.
 
#14
Re: Load Verification: .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diabolus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hopefully we can keep in touch and share our data. I will be using Sierra bullets.

I also have a pointing die by Whidden Gunworks that I will be testing as well for longer range. </div></div>

What barrel chamber combo are you running ?

Mine is 18" 1/7 Poly Noveske with a Mod 1 chamber
 
#15
Re: Load Verification: .223

With a 20" and Wylde chamber I am getting 2700 with 24 grains of Varget and a 77 SMK. I tried 24.5 got 2750 but 50 FPS didn't get any better accuracy, both loads were the same for me. I haven't had problems with CCI-400's but have heard others say they have had pressure problems. I got a new upper last month that I haven't shot yet. When I get it to the range I'll give you an update on how the 24 grain load and CCI-400 does in a fresh barrel.

PS; Loaded to mag length.
 
#16
Re: Load Verification: .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rprecision</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diabolus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hopefully we can keep in touch and share our data. I will be using Sierra bullets.

I also have a pointing die by Whidden Gunworks that I will be testing as well for longer range. </div></div>

What barrel chamber combo are you running ?

Mine is 18" 1/7 Poly Noveske with a Mod 1 chamber </div></div>

I also have a 18" 1:7 Noveske, it's a stainless bbl. What is a MOD 1 chamber?
 
#17
Re: Load Verification: .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diabolus</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rprecision</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diabolus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hopefully we can keep in touch and share our data. I will be using Sierra bullets.

I also have a pointing die by Whidden Gunworks that I will be testing as well for longer range. </div></div>

What barrel chamber combo are you running ?

Mine is 18" 1/7 Poly Noveske with a Mod 1 chamber </div></div>

I also have a 18" 1:7 Noveske, it's a stainless bbl. What is a MOD 1 chamber? </div></div>

Noveske explained it as basically a wylde chamber with a throat optimized for the heavy bullets. If you have a stainless noveske it has that chamber

You send any yet
 
#18
Re: Load Verification: .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rprecision</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diabolus</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rprecision</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diabolus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hopefully we can keep in touch and share our data. I will be using Sierra bullets.

I also have a pointing die by Whidden Gunworks that I will be testing as well for longer range. </div></div>

What barrel chamber combo are you running ?

Mine is 18" 1/7 Poly Noveske with a Mod 1 chamber </div></div>

I also have a 18" 1:7 Noveske, it's a stainless bbl. What is a MOD 1 chamber? </div></div>

Noveske explained it as basically a wylde chamber with a throat optimized for the heavy bullets. If you have a stainless noveske it has that chamber

You send any yet </div></div>

Not yet, the holidays are getting in the way. I am working up the loads today and hopefully will get out this weekend.
 
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