Input on my First reloads Please

[RichWT]

For my first ever reloads I put together 5 sets of 7 rounds starting from 23 grs going up to 25 grs. The first 7 of 23grs all went bang... I was too nervous to be accurate with them, and am not concerned about that just yet anyways. Either way it seems as though the primers backed out a bit and there is possibly signs of over pressure or under pressure? But then there is a significant amount of soot around the case neck which can indicate under pressure or that I have pushed the shoulder too far back. The cases fit perfect in a case gauge and I dont think it is possible to push the shoulder too far back with a f/l die to begin with? Any input from the old pros for a first timer would be greatly appreciated. I am eager to crank out 1000 rounds once I get a load figured out but I think I still have a few more test loads and range visits to go. Details and pictures below. If I am missing any relevant info let me know and I will pull it from my log. I dont have a chrono yet... I have a feeling it would answer all if not most of my uncertainty at this point. I really have myself confused reading all these forums

-Cal: .223
-Powder : 23grs of H335
-Primer : CCI 400
-Bullet : Armscor 62 gr FMJ BT
-Brass : Once fired FC f/l resized

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2586165491/armscor-bullets-22-caliber-224-diameter-62-grain-full-metal-jacket-boat-tail

-Crimp: Very light roll using RCBS seating die
- Press - Lee Classic
- Dies - RCBS F/L
-Gun: AR-15 piston Adams Arms evo ultralite upper - custom lower (relevant?)
-COL: 2.250 +/- .005 as close as i could get on my lee press with RCBS dies. Image below is of an unprimed case i used to figure out seating depth and crimp.

[black_dog]

Can't tell a lot by pics. I always make sure all the cases are trimmed to the same length. Need that if going to crimp. I set trimmer to the length I want and trim all. If they don't touch I put in another pile. Your primers look ok to me. If you have trouble ejecting case that is a sign of over pressure. I send in empty cases to RCBS and have dies made for my spent cases, so you don't resize to factory specs, then blow out to fit your gun every time. Saves cases from resizing stress. I'm no pro. I mainly load hand gun. Someone else is can tell you better. Good luck. Double check everything and you'll be fine..

[xfer42]

I see the primers were once crimped. Did you do anything to the primer pockets?

BTW When I use H335, my brass comes out a little dirty.

[RichWT]

Black Dog- Yes the cases were all trimmed to the same length 1.74. Didn't realize you could send spent brass to RCBS and get dies made, that is good knowledge for when I get a bit further along. Thanks for the feedback.

xfer- I used a little primer pocket tool that came with lee anniversary kit to open the primer pockets up. I just picked up a lyman version with a big handle as the other one got to be a real pain to use, the lyman one is heck alot of easier. The primers didnt go in very smooth. I think i will start another test group using the brass I prepped with the lyman tool and see how easily the primers go in with it. Good to know about the H335. Thanks for the feedback.

I get the feeling I am overthinking this.

[sammy]

Any chance you can give us a better pict of your crimp?

[RichWT]

Here is a 23.5gr that I didn't shoot. same specs as the casings above minus the .5 gr more powder.

[17+1]

Looks OK to me. CCI 400 primers will begin to flow around your firing pin when you're loads are getting too hot.