223 lee reloading question

[jgonz]

Now that I have an AR I need more ammo to shoot! I reload using a lee loadmaster. I plan on using h335 powder 55 grain bullets. Does anyone know which combination of powder disks to use to drop a 26 grain charge?

[clowe]

Charge in grains x VMD Factor = Volume CC

VMD factor for H335 = .0645

26 x .0645 = 1.677

Volume CC = Bottom Disk + Top Disk

1.68 cc = 1.02 bottom disk + .66 top disk

Always put the larger disk on the bottom.

Weigh to verify.

Data from the Lee Pro Auto Disk instruction sheet http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data...uct/AD3398.pdf

[Cowboy T]

Bear in mind that Lee's chart can "overestimate" a little bit. By that, I mean that the weight listed on the chart might be slightly higher than what is actually dropped. I think Lee does this for safety reasons due to variations in powder lots (better to drop a little too light than a little too heavy). I've had to go up a cavity or even two to get the powder drop that I wanted. When I use the Double-Disk Kit with 2400 powder, I have to go up one size with both disks.

Now, once you get it set up to drop that charge, that powder measure will nail it with very little variation, every time.

[DougJ]

Cowbot T is right on. You're going to need to throw some powder to see what you actually get. I note down which disks I use to get a particular charge so i can easily go back to it. The Lee chart will only get you in the ballpark.

[jgonz]

Thank you, and thank you for your service.

[noylj]

Be careful to place the disks in the right order and record the actual charge weight (after running off about 10 charges to get the measure settled) and use that to calculate your powder's VMG. Try to use two disks that are as close to the same volume as possible and not worry about hitting a specific charge. If you decide that you really do know exactly what charge you want and your rifle, unlike any other rifle, can actually tell a difference of +/- 0.3gn, then get a Dillon or Hornady cast-activated powder measure.

[DougJ]

Something to add is that you should put the larger of the two disks on the bottom. By playing with disk sizes I've been able to make some pretty small changes. You can also use the adjustable charge bar.