Preventing compressed load from pushing bullet out

[Tripplet918]

I have a 223 load thats compressed. It has given me inconsistent OAL as the powder can push the bullet back out.

I have noticed that if I leave the ram in the die for a few seconds, vs just seating the bullet, I dont get the inconsistencies.

Just sayin.

[kcstott]

you need to change powders.

[baih777]

What powder, bullet ? How much are you trying to stuff in the cartridge ?

If your compressing load that hard. I would be more worried about KABOOM.

[bruceflinch]

What powder, bullet ? How much are you trying to stuff in the cartridge ?

If your compressing load that hard. I would be more worried about KABOOM.

I agree!

[sghart]

There are times when I have used compressed loads. In those instances I use a healthy crimp.

[Tripplet918]

There are times when I have used compressed loads. In those instances I use a healthy crimp.

I havent crimped yet, thats a great suggestion.

My 223 Varget loads are always crunchy, but well in the safe zone based on test and multiple load references.

[L4D]

I havent crimped yet, thats a great suggestion.

My 223 Varget loads are always crunchy, but well in the safe zone based on test and multiple load references.

My 75gr + Varget or XBR loads are crunchy too as the bullet seats but its not compressed. I can still shake the cartridge and hear the kernels a tiny bit. Any more and it will probably be compressed.

[Tripplet918]

My 75gr + Varget or XBR loads are crunchy too as the bullet seats but its not compressed. I can still shake the cartridge and hear the kernels a tiny bit. Any more and it will probably be compressed.

If its crunching, I would assume you are compressed. The crunch is you crushing some kernels.

[L4D]

If its crunching, I would assume you are compressed. The crunch is you crushing some kernels.

its just pushing the kernels around. At my specific load, if I tap tap tap the case before seating the bullet, the kernels fill in and i dont get the crunchies.
I dont bother tapping them in the process. Hearing the crunch is just another confirmation that there is powder in there

[bruce381]

I have noticed that if I leave the ram in the die for a few seconds,

ok then do that

[Tripplet918]

I have noticed that if I leave the ram in the die for a few seconds,

ok then do that

[Beelzy]

Run the case tumbler and after you charge the case, cover it and set it on the tumbler for a few seconds to settle the kernels before seating the bullet.
Crunching powder kernels will affect ballistics.

[IVC]

Two separate solutions: more neck tension or crimp.

If your bullets are tapered at the bottom, such as boat tails, you can play with the neck expansion to get it to the point where it holds the compressed load. Otherwise use crimp, especially if your bullets have cannelure. Just make sure that you're not swaging the bullet while crimping and that you're not losing accuracy.

Finally, you can back off your load until it's not compressed, but this does not guarantee the bullet won't "walk." If you don't have correct neck tension/crimp, the bullet can move while being loaded into the chamber or even under the recoil.

[Fjold]

I use a compressed load of IMR4064 in my 375 H&H magnum. I push a 300 grain Barnes TSX through about 3/8 of an inch of crunch. I use a separate crimping die and have never had a bullet try to push out.