223 Newbie #4

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

OK---got some good info on post #3 and other forums as well. Thanks!!! Two topics here---powder spillage and case length. The powder spillage---1--stick powder is going to be less forgiving than spherical. 2--Powder funnel down the center looked like it was hand forged!! Smoothed it out best I could---file sand paper etc. 3---with Ram fully engaged, counted to 3 and lowered the ram slowly, not dumb slow but not like cranking out pistol ammo. 95 percent of the problem is gone. Get very little spillage---I'll chalk that up to stick powder. Might pick up a smaller rat tail file and clean that funnel up a little more as well. When I use this pound of powder I'll try something different

Next---case length. Picked up 1K pieces of Speer Nickle cases from a reliable Cal Gunner. I checked about 100 pieces and length is 1.734 to 1.745. No reason to trim. Is there anything else I need to be concerned with? I feel confident just checking with you that have done it for years. As I mentioned in post 3----shot 50 rounds through one rifle and happy with the results. No malfunctions and good grouping. Was not on a sled--just wandering on my gun bag and was still happy with the results.

[smoothy8500]

3---with Ram fully engaged, counted to 3 and lowered the ram slowly, not dumb slow but not like cranking out pistol ammo. 95 percent of the problem is gone.

As much as I like IMR4895 for accurate loads with 77gr & 80gr projectiles, it just has to go slow.

[JackEllis]

You didn't mention sizing the cases. As I've pointed out elsewhere, I had one rifle that was very fussy about what it would shoot. I was finally able to narrow the problem down to once-fired brass that needed to be sized. Just keep that in mind.

IIRC the brass appears to be a bit on the short side but that shouldn't raise safety or feeding issues. Just means you might get a couple of firings out of those cases before they have to be trimmed, and IMHO trimming is a big PITA.

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

223 Newbie #4

Yes Jack---big PITA! But----if you're gonna do it gotta take the bad with the good!! I'll size them but trimming shouldn't be required---just validating with the experts. One rifle validated, two more to check. If all goes well I'll stick with 55 grain for bulk plinking if not I'll play around with bullet weight. I might even stick with the same powder if the rounds work well---just means I need to take my time.