Cannelure/OAL question

[akdmx]

I'm a first time .223 loader but experienced pistol cartridge loader. I just finished my first small batch and am puzzled by the fact that the cannelure is almost entirely exposed and completely exposed in some instances.

I'm loading Hornady 55gr FMJ boat tails w/ cannelure. I trimmed all my brass to 1.750" and set the bullet seating die to achieve an overall length of 2.250".

I'm pretty sure I wasn't over-trimming because most of the brass didn't need to be trimmed, and I don't think I'm under-seating because the manual was suggesting and overall length (max, I believe) of 2.260".

Can someone help me pinpoint my problem area? Is there something peculiar about the Hornady cannelure? Perhaps it's a shorter bullet than others and is supposed to be seated further?

I'm trying a pretty soft load because this is my first go (19.6gr +/- 0.2 IMR 4198) so I feel like I could shorten the overall length without running in to over pressure problems.

Thanks!

[sofbak]

My lee manual shows a case length of 1.760", and with the 4198 and the 55g fmj a coal of 2.200" for the minimum.

There is .060" (almost 1/16") of difference right there....

[Divernhunter]

As long as you are not crimping it does not matter where it is.
No need to crimp rifle ammo.
If crimping then adjust seating to crimp in the cannelure

[Bigtls1]

Hornady has a couple different 55gr bullets from what I understand.. I've ordered some from different suppliers and the cannelure is a little different on the bullets and it seems the ogive is a bit different too.
I wouldn't worry about it too much

[tiller]

I always load at least mid cannalure... I don't think I've ever measured my plinking rounds

[Enfield47]

I use the Hornady 55gr FMJBT and my .223 rounds have the cannalure showing as well - my COL is 2.250. I've not had any issues by not crimping and all of the rounds chamber and eject with no problems. You are GTG.

[J-cat]

Why are you assuming you have to load every bullet to mag length? The cannelure is placed at a certain location on the bullet where it will ensure there is enough bullet shank in the neck. If you put the cannelure too far back, not enough bullet shank will remain in the neck and bullet retention will be compromised.

[akdmx]

I didn't realize how much headroom I had before hitting minimum length. I adjusted the seating die so the crimp/end of the brass would be right in the middle of the cannelure and I was getting OAL of 2.224" so I'm sticking with that. Thanks for your guys' input.

[stilly]

Hey it just dawned on me, What happens if you make your own .224 bullets and don't have any cannelures?

[J-cat]

Then you better have enough neck tension on that bullet to hold it in place, else it will set back during feeding.

[mark501w]

A lot of .224's don't have a crimp groove.

[cpatbay]

You don't need to load the Hornady 55 gr FMJ to 2.250". I load mine anyway between 2.230" to 2.245"; about mid cannulure. At least a couple thousand rounds already and not a single problem.

And trimming to 1.750" is not over trimming. It's just right.

[GeoffLinder]

You don't need to load the Hornady 55 gr FMJ to 2.250". I load mine anyway between 2.230" to 2.245"; about mid cannulure. At least a couple thousand rounds already and not a single problem.

And trimming to 1.750" is not over trimming. It's just right.

^^^^ This. 2.250" is kind of long for a 55gr, but it will work. I like 2.230 to 2.235" range for 55gr YMMV. Cannelure is of no real consequence as to where it appears if the OAL is in the right range.

[Davisje011]

But seriously though, When cannelured, I load to average 3/4s up the cannelure and crimp. I just like crimped plinking rounds!

[rg1]

Hornady 55 FMJ bullets have a different ogive and tip shape than some other more sharply pointed bullets. Hornady recommends 2.200" seating oal for them in .223. The tips of the Hornady 55 FMJ's are blunt and more rounded than some other bullets which makes their oal shorter. I normally load them around 2.218" oal and the cannelure is at the case mouth.