Reloading .223 on a Dillon with Wideners bullets-Non-consistent Ogive

[jaycoux]

I am loading .223 for a buddy of mine who bought some 75 grain OTM bullets from Wideners. I started loading these things and noticed about 200 bullets in that the OAL would vary from 2.25 to 2.26 and on some even approaching 2.27. I do recognize that OTM bullets will vary because of the nature of their construction, but this seemed excessive. I took a handful of the bullets and measured them with a comparator gauge (ogive) and sure enough they vary quite a bit. To ensure they all fit in the mag I would theoretically have to seat them to 2.24 to be safe, but I worry about creating pressure problems as a result. This isn't a hot load so I definitely have some wiggle room but I have never done this before. Any suggestions?

j

 

[JSTARSZ]

Did you measure your magazines OAL? I use Magpul magazines and I can load them to 2.250" safely without getting them to snag but as you say you have some variances so getting them below 2.240" is pretty safe. After you get about ten loaded put them in the magazine and push down on the spring and see you feel in OAL snags that would cause jams.

 

[Creature]

I usually load to 2.24 just to have a little space extra.