.223 reload seems wrong

[BKTJ]

Why are you starting your load so low? What firearm are you using? If you are using an AR the min load will probably give you function problems. Not to mention the already covered detonation issue. I find in working a load start with 1/2 gr above min and load 1/2gr up for each test. Then pick the best of the bunch. I usually load only 20 of each powder weight. Remember check your fired brass and primers for signs of over pressure. Blown or flattened primers are not a good thing. Finally check your brass for proper legnth and trim.

TJ

[Blacktail 8541]

So here is my dilemma. I have conflicting information from several different handbooks. How do I make an educated guess as to who is actually right? I mean since I am using IMR 4198 I would assume the website to be correct. But does that mean that Hornady's latest reloading manual is wrong? This must come up a lot, but how do you determine the correct starting load that is not dangerous?

When confronted with conflicting data, I use the powder manufactures data as long as the load was tested with the bullet that I am useing. If not then use the data from the bullet manufacture. If those two situations are not covered, use 3 manules to cross reference the lightest starting charges for the bullet weight and type you will be useing and average them.

[BKTJ]

If you think your books are incorrect, go to the IMR/Hodgdon web site for free data. The site has the most up to date data and is correct for their powders. Did I mention the data was FREE!

TJ

[djslik]

Okay I'm changing my starting loads as we speak. quick question for you guys since this is the first time I'm loading rifle. I have only loaded pistol previously so this is a little different for me. Once I pull the bullet how do I flare out the case again without detonating the primer since my hornady dies is a decapping and sizing die. Without sizing the neck I can't get a bullet back in. Any suggestions or is that casing and primer lost?

[Fjold]

The minimum loads with 4198 is between 18.8 and 19 grains and the maximum is around 21 grains

Try loads at 19 grains, 19.5 grains and 20 grains and see if your rifle functions as it should and the ammo groups decently. If 20 grainss groups well and you don't see pressure signs on your cases then go to 21.2 grains and try it there if that gets better groups, try 21.4. Slowly work up to 21 grains in 0.2 grain increments, checking for pressure signs and functioning in your rifle until you get the accuracy that you want.

The manufacturer's data will vary because they use different test barrels, bullets, primers, cases, etc. That's why you have to try the loads in your rifle to find out what works best in your gun.

[Fjold]

Okay I'm changing my starting loads as we speak. quick question for you guys since this is the first time I'm loading rifle. I have only loaded pistol previously so this is a little different for me. Once I pull the bullet how do I flare out the case again without detonating the primer since my hornady dies is a decapping and sizing die. Without sizing the neck I can't get a bullet back in. Any suggestions or is that casing and primer lost?

Pull the decapping assembly out of the sizing die, then pull the decapping pin pin out of the sizing button. The sizing button should unscrew from the shaft and let you pull the decapping pin out. Reinstall the sizing button on the shaft and put it back in your die. Screw it in, making sure that it will not hit the bottom of the cartridge case when you resize them.

[BKTJ]

Remove the decapping pin or back the expander out. If you can't remove the pin, punch the primers. Primers are cheap and the likelyhood of one going bang, while decapping, is rare. Then soak the primers in WD40 to kill them.

TJ

[BKTJ]

Forgot to remind you to relube your cases. You will get one stuck, as you are resizeing the cases....

TJ

[sargenv]

I'm sitting here looking at the loading data on the hodgdon web site and the question that comes to mind for me is, why are you using a powder that is so fast for the cartridge? It is a rifle powder, but it's not really meant for loading 223 remington. The pressure for max loading is pushing over 50,000 units where the other slower powders are not pushing quite that much. Did someone reccommend 4198 or are you trying to load ammo and get the maximum value out of your load?

Personally I try to use a powder in the middle to the slower side of the burn rate to give me some cushion. As for performance, it also gives less velocity with more pressure.. Is that the reason why 4198 was chosen? that you are trying to reach a lower velocity?

Since it is a faster burner, you will burn less, get less case volume (works against you accuracy wise since filling the case is inherently a way to improve accuracy) and higher pressure for less velocity. To me it just doesn't make sense... but then that's my opinion. I'm trying to figure out the why.. but maybe that's not important.

[BKTJ]

4198 is what I use in 223 & 6.8. It is one of the few powders that aren't a compressed load in the 223. It has never shown any signs of over pressure, even at max load. It's good stuff and has given me the best groups overall.

TJ

[sargenv]

Hmm.. ok, I guess that's reasonable.. I've never had a compressed load using H335 or it's related powders (748, TAC, etc). I've had full loads but not compressed.. It just seemed odd to use such a fast burner.. I liken it to using Bullseye, 231, and N105 for hot pistol loads. You can do it, but you might be taking chances. If it works for you well, that's ok then.

[Gunsrruss]

H335

I would have stayed with the H335 at 26gr. But then that's my opinion

[Captain Evilstomper]

after you pull the bullet, you only need to re-charge, and then re-flare then you should be fine, you shouldn't need to resize

[BKTJ]

The mil brass can be a little thick and I try not to mix lots. It can leed to erratic performance. The 4198 loads I use are max and with the lighter bullets. I don't use it when loading heavier than 55gr. I use the Ar platform and with the shorter barrels The faster burning powder works better for me. There are probably better powders, but I can use 4198 in several calibers.

TJ

[sargenv]

In that case, let me play devil's advocate... in the 6.8 SPC.. it shows a max load of IMR 4198 is a compressed load where Hodgdon's H335 is not and you get a higher velocity.. All I'm saying is.. be careful It appears you are striving to be.