MB2255FB (55grBTw/c) - Need Load Data w/ Varget

[offroadking]

Need load data on this 55grBT W/ cannelure bullet/powder combo. I was thinking 25gr of Varget but I need OAL. This is basically going to be the same round as XM 193 but i want to be sure about OAL as XM193 is about 2.252 and the Lyman 48th shows an OAL of 2.260

http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=7235&dir=278|281|1081|1141

[CK_32]

Wait your not jut going to throw a "I think" powder charge of random powder to copy XM right?


Cause that's a good way to blow a rifle and stop reloading in a hurry. Just making sure you did load data and are working up a load ans not just throwing a batch together and sending it down range.

[BajaJames83]

25gr of varget at 2.250 should be fine, but you should start with %10 under starting load and work up from there.

[offroadking]

No lyman 48th only shows a 55gr jacketed SPT - 25gr of Varget with an OAL of 2.260. This is not the bullet i am using hence why i am asking here. these forums are supposed to be helpful right?

[rconnerley]

You will find some variation in the lengths of the tips of the projectiles themselves so your OAL will vary some, sometimes a lot, depending on the quality of the components and the tolerances you maintain in putting them together. Any stated OAL is kind of a starting point or average.

You, as the ammosmith, get to decide how tight of tolerances you want or need to maintain. Re the OAL question, I assume you are loading for an AR, so either 2.252 or 2.260 should fit in the magazine and probably will work fine in most rifles with standard chamber and throat dimensions.

Also, you can adjust your seater to get the OAL you are looking for with a particular projectile. One of the best things about reloading is that you can try different seating depths to find what your rifle likes best.

If you want to develop a load that gives you max accuracy, you will want to get a bullet comparator so that you can measure the seating depth from the ogive of the bullet, which is much more consistent than measuring OAL to the tip.

All the best and let us know how it turns out.

[Germz]

why are you not looking at your reloading manual for this data.

If I sound condescending its because I partially am, in a constructive way. If you do not have a reloading manual you should really get one. In the mean time, here is your ONE free:

[highpower790]

with a little 55gr bullet your safe with the powder charge you want.my load with 80gr is 24.5 varget.

[offroadking]

Nice thanks Baja. 10% of 25gr is 24gr thats what ill setup right now. Cases are trimmed to 1.750 what about crimp dimensions? .253?

[highpower790]

crimping is not necessary,load your bullets to mag length and have fun.

[offroadking]

Hell yah thanks Germz. Bullet crimping not primer crimping highpower. I have a Dillon 550 so are you saying i dont even need the crimp die in station 4?

[Germz]

10% less than 25gr is 23.5gr.

I used to use Varget and between 22.8 and 23.4 was the most accurate load for my rifle.

Now i use 18gr of 4198 for my plinkster rounds.

[Germz]

If your bullets have cannelures you should crimp them.

[highpower790]

Hell yah thanks Germz. Bullet crimping not primer crimping highpower. I have a Dillon 550 so are you saying i dont even need the crimp die in station 4?

just my opinoin after shooting many thousands of rds in competition,you should consider using the empty die station as one to punch out debris from primer pocket...walnut shell,corn cob etc.

[offroadking]

I see so just barely a slight crimp is what your sayin huh Germz. Yah i have 2 toolheads setup Highpower 1 for case prep 1 for reloading. Case prep toolhead i have my dillon full sizing die in station 1 and Dillon case trimming die in station 3. stations 2 and 4 are empty. On my reloading toolhead, station 1 i have a Lee universal decap die to remove any cleaning media JIC, powder die in station 2, bullet seater in 3, then bullet crimp die in station 4.

[highpower790]

as a competitor i do all my reloading on a single stage press.im concerned about quality not quantity.if i ever start plinking more than i shoot in competition ill use a progressive.
offroadking experiment a little...would you rather shoot or spend time reloading?load a few with and without a bullet crimp,any difference will be minimal and not worth your time.