Reading the Brass

[jetman624]

Can someone point me in the direction of where I can learn how to read .223 brass during load development? How to read signs of too much pressure, etc...

Or is this just a google adventure?

[Abenaki]

You do have a reloading book, right?

There are some good videos on you tube.
That would be your best bet.

And reading the brass...may or may not work out so well.
Reading the brass is not always a good indicator of whats going on.

Remember when you reload.....to start with a low powder charge and work up.
And a powder charge that is safe at 60 degrees, may be unsafe at 105 degrees.

As for me.........I never "red line" my guns. I go for most accurate. If I need more power, I get a bigger gun!

Take care
Abenaki

[sr71brd]

You do have a reloading book, right?

There are some good videos on you tube.
That would be your best bet.

And reading the brass...may or may not work out so well.
Reading the brass is not always a good indicator of whats going on.

Remember when you reload.....to start with a low powder charge and work up.
And a powder charge that is safe at 60 degrees, may be unsafe at 105 degrees.

As for me.........I never "red line" my guns. I go for most accurate. If I need more power, I get a bigger gun!

Take care
Abenaki

What he said +1

[LynnJr]

On the cases head look for ejector marks on your brass.If the primers are protruding so the case won't stand up or your blanking them which means you cut a little disc out of the middle.
If you have sticky extraction.
If your primer pockets won't hold onto a primer.
If your getting case separations.
If your getting black blowby around the primers these are all signs of higher pressure even though some other situations will cause the same problems.

[Munny$hot]

Loose primer pockets can give you false pressure signs of a flattened primers. Read a lot and decide what makes you feel safe. The hottest load doesn't mean the most accurate. Know there is a lot of different variance of minimum and maximum load data out there. Generally reloading manuals will not say use this load for brand A bolt gun or brand X semi auto.

[ar15barrels]

Can someone point me in the direction of where I can learn how to read .223 brass during load development? How to read signs of too much pressure, etc...

All good reloading manuals should have extensive pictures.

RTFM...

[jetman624]

Ok, maybe I just have not gone that deep in mine. I have the Lyman book...