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Tools and Uses => Reloading => Topic started by: tim808 on July 25, 2017, 04:47:57 AM

Title: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on July 25, 2017, 04:47:57 AM
I was watching a 6.5 guys video where they load precision 223 using a Dillon 550. 

They said the ammo is very accurate.  They use another caliber for the long range matches but use 223 as cheaper practice ammo.

Does anyone here use a progressive for their 223 used in short range matches (say 200-300 yards)

They didn't mention (or I missed) the grain of bullet used, but I assume it can be done with larger grain bullets since they noted using an electric toothbrush to settle the powder

How full do you have to keep the powder dispenser for it to throw accurately/consistently?  I assume the throw isn't as dense as the weight of powder in the container goes down

I don't plan to enter any matches but am interested in reducing reloading time.

(Using a loaned Lee turret and a loaned Lee single till I learn more)
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on July 25, 2017, 05:50:15 AM
I started with a Lee Measurer then bought a RCBS Measurer. The Lee seems better with extruded powers and RCBS with ball powders. I use the RCBS powder baffle to keep the flow uniform. I tried the Lyman Measurer and it sucked.

This is my favorite series. https://youtu.be/2lDL9tUnfVQ
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Inspector on July 25, 2017, 06:43:07 AM
I was watching a 6.5 guys video where they load precision 223 using a Dillon 550. 

They said the ammo is very accurate.  They use another caliber for the long range matches but use 223 as cheaper practice ammo.

Does anyone here use a progressive for their 223 used in short range matches (say 200-300 yards)

They didn't mention (or I missed) the grain of bullet used, but I assume it can be done with larger grain bullets since they noted using an electric toothbrush to settle the powder

How full do you have to keep the powder dispenser for it to throw accurately/consistently?  I assume the throw isn't as dense as the weight of powder in the container goes down

I don't plan to enter any matches but am interested in reducing reloading time.

(Using a loaned Lee turret and a loaned Lee single till I learn more)
There are lots of different thoughts on this. I'll just give you my opinions for what their worth.

I am wondering if they use a progressive for their actual long range match ammo? As it was emphasized that the .223 was used as practice ammo.

I have no doubt you can make some very fine and accurate .223 ammo with a progressive. I personally would not use a progressive for rifle ammo and I will explain why. Everything has a tolerance including your desire to throw perfect amounts of powder every time and to make every cartridge perfectly concentric. It all really boils down to your tolerance of your equipment's tolerances. When you use a progressive press for rifle cartridges it is felt that there are tolerances not found in a single stage that will vary more than in a single stage. For instance, when loading rifle cartridges for precision use, you will want each and every charge to weigh exactly the same. While a good powder measure will be consistent it will not throw the exact same weight every time. That is why when I load precision rifle ammo, I weigh each charge individually. That sort of defeats the advantages of a progressive which is speed. Also, I believe that the single stage press will more consistently create more concentric cartridges. Again, this is only my opinion. People will disagree with me. So all of this is not to say that you cannot create some very accurate ammo with a progressive that you can use for practice. It is just that for precision work, I believe the single stage is superior to the progressive because I believe it can be more consistent if used properly than a progressive.

There are other things I prefer to do while creating precision ammo such as making sure the primer was set properly and all the way in. I can do this before I drop powder. But if you are using your progressive to install primers you won't be able to check each cartridge until after the cartridge is completed and more likely not until after the entire run of 100, 200, 300 or more cartridges are completed. Also, I perform certain checks while I go along with each step. If I am using a powder measure instead of weighing each charge separately, I can check to make sure I didn't accidentally short charge or overcharge each case before I seat bullets. The idea for me is to catch any mistakes before cartridge completion gets too far. Like powder measure creep. If using a powder measure I weigh every tenth round or so as sometimes the charges might gain a tenth of a grain after 50 or 100 throws. Or even after 10 throws. It defeats the purpose of the progressive if you have to keep checking every tenth round or so. You may not find out your powder measure is throwing a heavier or lighter charge until after you are done loading hundreds of rounds. Also, I would make sure you have a good working powder lock die because double charges or over charges or squib loads are possible with a progressive. I prefer the old fashioned look and see method. But again that is just me. If making practice ammo or plinking ammo, I think a progressive can be helpful. I am just old fashioned and wouldn't do it. Guess it is a control issue or OCD.  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I use a Lee turret for most of my pistol rounds as tolerances are not as critical because I can't shoot a pistol worth shit. But I have fun trying. When you run your pistol cartridge up to the sizing die, you will notice that the turret moves up and down very slightly each time the case is inserted into a die. If you have no tolerance for tolerances you will go out and buy a good quality progressive like the new RCBS or the Lee or even better the Dillon presses or use your single stage. Since I usually shoot 200-300 rounds a session I can reload up to 400 rounds an hour with the Lee turret but 300 rounds an hour is more realistic. I don't remember how long it takes to reload that many rounds using a single stage.

Those are some of my thoughts. There is no real right or wrong here. So do what you think is best for you. Just be careful. Practice safety at all times and be picky. And be slow at first and work your way up to going faster. I prep all my cases completely then I hand prime each case. Then I charge each case and then I seat each bullet/boolit. And during and after each step I do my usual checks and double checks. I write down what I am loading on a piece of paper. I only bring the correct primers, powder and bullets to the bench that I need and never have more than one type of each on the bench for what I am loading when I load a particular cartridge. That way I don't mix up powder, bullets, primers, cases which can be disastrous. Before I start I double check that I am using the correct components and I have double checked my powder charge. Reloading can be fun, enjoyable, relaxing and rewarding. But if you are making crappy ammo that doesn't feed in your semis or gives you squib loads every so often, reloading will become more of a chore. JMHO
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on July 25, 2017, 06:52:43 AM
Well said. I weigh each charge until I'm confident that the Measurer can throw accurate loads. Otherwise I use my scoop to add or subtract. With some powders, just tapping the powder on the scale and resettling can make a difference of 0.1 grain.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on July 25, 2017, 02:36:50 PM
Tnx rk and Dave for all the sound advice!

I'll use the turret as a single stage while I learn.

I have the workbench in place.  Next I have to mount  the presses and install the dies in the turret plates.

We'll try reloading 223 and 308 this weekend.  Hopefully I can get a friend to watch/mentor us so we don't mess up too much

Tnx again!
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Bushido on July 25, 2017, 07:12:20 PM
I was watching a 6.5 guys video where they load precision 223 using a Dillon 550. 

They said the ammo is very accurate.  They use another caliber for the long range matches but use 223 as cheaper practice ammo.

Does anyone here use a progressive for their 223 used in short range matches (say 200-300 yards)

They didn't mention (or I missed) the grain of bullet used, but I assume it can be done with larger grain bullets since they noted using an electric toothbrush to settle the powder

How full do you have to keep the powder dispenser for it to throw accurately/consistently?  I assume the throw isn't as dense as the weight of powder in the container goes down

I don't plan to enter any matches but am interested in reducing reloading time.

(Using a loaned Lee turret and a loaned Lee single till I learn more)

They were using Hornady 75gr Amax Bullets, they are no longer made. The ELD line is their new bullet that sort of took over. ---- I've watched that video several times. They are regulars on the PRS Series of matches and they shoot 6.5X47 I believe. There 223 trainers are built on Defiant actions to replicate their 6.5 rigs.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Bushido on July 25, 2017, 07:24:04 PM
There are lots of different thoughts on this. I'll just give you my opinions for what their worth.

I am wondering if they use a progressive for their actual long range match ammo? As it was emphasized that the .223 was used as practice ammo.


Inspector's opinions, especially on .223rem, are wise words. He's helped me a ton. :shaka:

The video mentioned is made by PRS Match shooters. They built 223s on custom actions to replicate their match rigs. They shoot them, to minimize wear and extend barrel life on their 6.5 match guns, at shorter ranges for practice. Plus cost of ammo is a lot cheaper. I'm not sure what type of accuracy they consider accurate but Amaxs are probably not the best for accuracy IMO. I'm sure many will disagree but I just think there are better options.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Inspector on July 26, 2017, 04:25:39 AM
Inspector's opinions, especially on .223rem, are wise words. He's helped me a ton. :shaka:

The video mentioned is made by PRS Match shooters. They built 223s on custom actions to replicate their match rigs. They shoot them, to minimize wear and extend barrel life on their 6.5 match guns, at shorter ranges for practice. Plus cost of ammo is a lot cheaper. I'm not sure what type of accuracy they consider accurate but Amaxs are probably not the best for accuracy IMO. I'm sure many will disagree but I just think there are better options.
Thanks for the kind words, Bushido. I do appreciate it.

I agree that the Hornady A-Max is not the most accurate bullet. They are excellent bullets but when accuracy down to fractions of an inch is necessary, there are much better options. Especially cheaper options as Hornady A-Max bullets are not cheap by any means. However, if Hornady is a sponsor then I am sure they are getting their bullets much cheaper than you and I can.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: ren on July 27, 2017, 12:53:06 PM
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Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on July 27, 2017, 03:08:52 PM
Consistency is subjective. As others have said, the only way to make sure is to weigh each charge. I've also heard complaints about the consistency with auto measurers (though I have no experience with them... yet). With some powders, 0.1 grains is a significant amount and with others just a few sticks.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on July 27, 2017, 03:57:48 PM
From what I understand they find a "plateau" where the velocity does not vary much as the grains increases. 

They load for the powder weight at the center of this velocity "plateau".   So even if the metered powder is slightly low or high the velocity won't be affected as much
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on July 27, 2017, 04:11:07 PM
I'm not an expert at LR shooting. From what I understand, bullet velocity does not always equal accuracy due to barrel harmonics, bullet stabilization, recoil pulse, pressure curves and other factors. The bullet may become more accurate at higher velocities or may become more unstable. The only way to find out is to test it, and you have to weigh each charge for the test rounds to find the middle of the plateau. At least that's what makes sense to me.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on July 27, 2017, 06:35:38 PM
Hi rk
Me too, I'm master of nothing.  Complete beginner

Your right, I think they do weight for testing loads
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: ren on July 27, 2017, 06:46:07 PM
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Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Bushido on July 27, 2017, 09:15:54 PM
Accuracy is all relative. What one may consider accurate, another may never shoot that load again and deem their barrel shot out.  It really comes down to what your standards and goals are. Benchrest guys are shooting 5 shot groups less than .010" @ 100y while some hunters consider Minute Of Deer acceptable. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you consider accurate.

Going back to original post, I doubt the 6.5 Guys would use a progressive if they were looking fo the MOST ACCURATE loads out of a .223rem or any caliber for that matter. Keep in mind they are for the most part PRS style shooters. They are generally shooting at steel at various distances and positions and not looking for benchrest level of accuracy. For that, a progressive would be more than sufficient. Hell some guys are using tricklers on scales of this caliber https://www.amazon.com/Sartorius-GD503-NTEP-Precious-Metal-Scale/dp/B00C6VFZ4W . I am not one of those guys but I do respect every discipline of shooting and what they can achieve. 
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: ren on July 27, 2017, 09:29:38 PM
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Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on July 28, 2017, 06:35:23 AM
Tnx bushido for the info!
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: TooFewPews on July 28, 2017, 04:20:46 PM
From what I understand they find a "plateau" where the velocity does not vary much as the grains increases. 

They load for the powder weight at the center of this velocity "plateau".   So even if the metered powder is slightly low or high the velocity won't be affected as much

tim, for the past couple of months now i've been reading about a lot of the different accuracy theories, specifically the ones that relate to load development (e.g. OCW, OBT, Ladder, Satterlee, etc.).  one of the common themes i'm seeing is that, in order to get useful results from your load development there are 3 things that a lot of people, especially new reloaders, ignore.

1) the rifle needs to be very precise.  if the rifle is incapable of putting tiny groups on paper, then it is almost a waste to do load development for that rifle.
2) the shooter needs to be able to put tight groups on paper.  if the shooter can't put tight groups on paper, then there is no way to really compare results of different loads.  a lot of the guys that shoot long range or benchrest stuff are able to mostly take the human equation out of it.  it's interesting when you go to KHSC and you see people who have terrible technique and are not practicing good shooting fundamentals.
3) the reloader needs to understand the importance of each step in the process and needs to produce consistent loads.  if the loads aren't consistent, then it almost doesn't matter good the rifle or shooter is since the results will not be conclusive.

here's an example:

i recently learned the importance of consistent neck tension.  i did some load development for a 308.  i was able to find a load that seemed very accurate, but i was strangely getting one flyer out of a 5-shot group.

in all 3 pictures below, the load is exactly the same.  two of the pictures were from two range trips where i shot a 5-shot group to test the load.  note the one flyer of the 5 for both groups.  also note that the center x-ring is 1" in diameter and the rings are graduated in 1/2" increments.
when i got home, i used a digital caliper to check the neck diameter of the brass i was using.  a portion of the brass had a neck ID ranging from 0.296" to 0.301".  ideally for a bolt action you want the neck ID to be around 0.306" or somewhere around there.

after i measured out all of the brass, i made more rounds of the same load.  on the third trip, i let my friend have some time behind the rifle.  the third pic is her 7-shot group.  I would have let her squeeze of 3 more rounds, but the buzzer rang and we had to head out.  this was a different set of stickers, which are 1" in diameter.  i drew a yellow circle that is 1" in diameter (same size as the sticker) to show her that her group was easily sub MOA.

anyway, moral of the story is:  in order to have useful results from load development, you need an accurate rifle, a good shooter, and good reloading practices.

edit:  before klapp asks, yes, these were shot at 100 yards.

(https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20525466_10101033875252634_1230873381686175977_n.jpg?oh=d725cfcd35527dadb8da06288bc63e91&oe=5A332CA6)
(https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/20414339_10101033875267604_1112739246203172217_o.jpg?oh=08c77c527783de7d9205d98f3aacd091&oe=59FC20AB)
(https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/20423992_10101033875262614_8317549061861184797_o.jpg?oh=1f434201a58df2d5ec1df6a9c2daa9f7&oe=5A02B4A9)
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on July 28, 2017, 07:15:09 PM
Nice. I'm very particular with COAL. I use the Lee trim gauge. If it doesn't touch the rim, I don't use the case. Maybe someday, I'll start to use a neck reamer.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Bushido on July 28, 2017, 08:20:22 PM
:

i recently learned the importance of consistent neck tension.  i did some load development for a 308.  i was able to find a load that seemed very accurate, but i was strangely getting one flyer out of a 5-shot group.

in all 3 pictures below, the load is exactly the same.  two of the pictures were from two range trips where i shot a 5-shot group to test the load.  note the one flyer of the 5 for both groups.  also note that the center x-ring is 1" in diameter and the rings are graduated in 1/2" increments.
when i got home, i used a digital caliper to check the neck diameter of the brass i was using.  a portion of the brass had a neck ID ranging from 0.296" to 0.301".  ideally for a bolt action you want the neck ID to be around 0.306" or somewhere around there.



What have you done to produce more consitent neck tension? Ie. Anneal every firing, turning ID and OD of neck, sorting brass, etc...  I'm just curious.

For me, my loads have produced 1/4" at 100 and can regularlly do 1/2". At distances, I know it's my wind calls more than my load that is my issue.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: TooFewPews on July 28, 2017, 10:46:18 PM
What have you done to produce more consitent neck tension? Ie. Anneal every firing, turning ID and OD of neck, sorting brass, etc...  I'm just curious.

For me, my loads have produced 1/4" at 100 and can regularlly do 1/2". At distances, I know it's my wind calls more than my load that is my issue.

To be honest, I don't do anything special to produce consistent neck tension. The improper neck sizing was actually my mistake since I accidentally mixed my semi prepped brass with the fully-processed brass I had picked up from Kaleo Arms.

The semi-prepped 308 brass (actually 7.62mm NATO) was sized without the decapping rod so the necks weren't expanded back to proper size.

I ended up measuring all of my brass and separating out the semi-processed stuff. The groups in the pictures (with the exception of the flyers, which were caused by my semi-processed fiasco) were using the fully processed Kaleo Arms brass.

I don't have any plans to turn necks, weigh brass, weigh bullets, nor anything of that nature. I figure that, if I can find a decent load that stays easily under 1" at 100 yards then I'll be happy.  I seemed to have found that load so I think I'm good for now.

I'm also too lazy to sort brass by weight. The most I'll do is sort brass by headstamp. Since almost all of my 308 brass is LC, I don't bother with sorting by year (although I'm learning that I probably should).

In case you're curious, my load was:
308 Win
Hornady 168 gr A-MAX
Ramshot TAC @ 42.8 gr
Federal LRP
LC Brass (various years)
COAL: 2.800"
No crimp
This load was around 2642 fps with a single digit ES and single digit SD
Out of a 20" Ruger bolt action

Since I'm using LC brass, the load is a little on the warmer/hot side, but I'm okay with that.

Lately my fascination has been with trying to improve my position shooting (standing, kneeling, sitting, prone) and weak hand shooting.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on July 29, 2017, 08:43:51 AM
Pew
Thank you for the sound advice.

Rifle - I only have a cheap 223 ruger predator.  Is it good enough?  I have howa 6.5 cm barrel action coming but that is a 1-2 year project.  I was thinking of the ruger 6.5 cm predator (I'm cheap) but bought the howa on impulse.

Shooter - I'm just starting.  I've only been shooting 22 and only shot the predator once to zero the scope.  I think I'll get a lead sled to minimize shooter error.

Reloading - I'm trying to watch, read and ask - hoping to be able to produce fairly decent ammo when I start.  I understand there is long road ahead with much to learn/understand.  I have two "mentors" but they load with different intentions (one loads 223 only for semi auto and wants his ammo to std spec so they work in all his semi auto, the other loads 223 for the shooting fair so he has quantity and safety in mind...he doesn't even shoot 223).

At this point I'm just trying to make decent 223 for shooting practice and begin learning to make precision 223 (weighing powder and using a single stage).  Goal is to eventually make precision 6.5 cm.

Thanks again for your help.  I'm learning a lot from everyone here
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Bushido on July 30, 2017, 06:59:31 PM

At this point I'm just trying to make decent 223 for shooting practice and begin learning to make precision 223 (weighing powder and using a single stage).  Goal is to eventually make precision 6.5 cm.

Thanks again for your help.  I'm learning a lot from everyone here

Post your results when you can. What length and twist is your barrel?
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on August 01, 2017, 07:10:17 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/tim808/IMG_0058_zpsl56ixylh.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tim808/media/IMG_0058_zpsl56ixylh.jpg.html)

I need to polish the seater....leaves a ring

22" barrel, 1/8 twist
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: TooFewPews on August 01, 2017, 07:29:15 AM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/tim808/IMG_0058_zpsl56ixylh.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tim808/media/IMG_0058_zpsl56ixylh.jpg.html)

I need to polish the seater....leaves a ring

wow, you're loading them pretty short.  Nosler's loading data notes a different COAL.  of course the loading data is only a starting point.

(https://load-data.nosler.com/nosler-load-data/image/223-remington/223-Remington-55gr.jpg)


Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on August 01, 2017, 07:53:52 AM
wow, you're loading them pretty short.  Nosler's loading data notes a different COAL.  of course the loading data is only a starting point.
Kinda looks like he went past the ogive. That extra space is needed if he wants to go to the MAX 25.5 gn.

It could be an optical illusion but looks like an extraction mark on the bullet like it was pulled.

All in all, it's a beautiful bullet.

I've never tried Viht. Maybe it's time to try some N133.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM8q6d5cLCQ&t=896s
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Inspector on August 01, 2017, 08:26:11 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/tim808/IMG_0058_zpsl56ixylh.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tim808/media/IMG_0058_zpsl56ixylh.jpg.html)

I need to polish the seater....leaves a ring
That usually only happens to me when I have the OAL set incorrectly (too short) on my seating die and push the bullet in too far and I compress the powder to the point the bullet won't move any more. The bullet stops moving and the die continues causing the ring on the bullet. Don't ask me how I know that.

Your spec sheet shows an OAL of 2.2 when you could easily load it to 2.26 if shooting it from an AR. Probably longer if you are shooting it from a bolt gun. Also, your spec sheet shows IMR powder but I don't see what type of IMR powder you are using.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Inspector on August 01, 2017, 09:00:37 AM
I've never tried Viht. Maybe it's time to try some N133.
I have a little experience with Viht powders. All my experience has been good to excellent. The powders burn clean which makes cleaning at the end of the day a little nicer. Accuracy has been good to excellent. But with a lot of experimentation I have been able to duplicate or better the accuracy with other powders. The downside is of course price. So considering the accuracy issue with a cheaper powder is possible I stopped experimenting with Viht powders tho I spend a little longer cleaning.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on August 01, 2017, 12:01:14 PM
Imr xbr 8208 powder

I mentioned oal of 2.26 to my mentor...but I had bought blems in a ziplock bag that had no loading info on the bag so we used 2.20 which was listed on the hogdon site.  We didn't think .06 would make much of a difference

The ring on the bullet is from the seater.   I have to polish the seater

12 rds at 23.5
12 rds at 24.0
12 rds at 24.5

Will check for signs of over pressure.   Will use shoot federal 55 gr 223 ammo as a baseline before I shoot the test loads

Will also set up a chrono on a tripod to measure velocity

I think most of my practice will be a Tokyo Marui Vrs 10 and a 22

Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on August 01, 2017, 02:45:45 PM
The bullet stops moving and the die continues causing the ring on the bullet. Don't ask me how I know that.
How do you know that?
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Inspector on August 01, 2017, 02:47:08 PM
How do you know that?
I told you not to ask.  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: ren on August 01, 2017, 02:51:03 PM
That's a short OAL.
I'd guess that you are pushing the bullet too deep into the case causing the ring. There's probably nothing wrong with the seater. Are you feeling crunchy when you are seating the bullet?
I've had that ring before so I backed off the powder charge from very crunchy to less crunchy
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: TooFewPews on August 01, 2017, 03:06:34 PM
Imr xbr 8208 powder

I mentioned oal of 2.26 to my mentor...but I had bought blems in a ziplock bag that had no loading info on the bag so we used 2.20 which was listed on the hogdon site.  We didn't think .06 would make much of a difference

The ring on the bullet is from the seater.   I have to polish the seater

12 rds at 23.5
12 rds at 24.0
12 rds at 24.5

Will check for signs of over pressure.   Will use shoot federal 55 gr 223 ammo as a baseline before I shoot the test loads

Will also set up a chrono on a tripod to measure velocity

I think most of my practice will be a Tokyo Marui Vrs 10 and a 22

I also use 8208 XBR for 223 and 308.  it is good stuff.

i would be careful when simply pulling the data off of the Hodgdon website.  I don't see your bullet listed for any of the tested loads.  as such, you need to be cautious when guessing on your seating depth and powder charge.

if you're unsure, you should probably load your cartridges to a longer overall length since this will tend to reduce pressures.  at the same time, it is possible to load it too long where you're not getting the proper tension or you're jamming the bullet into the rifling; in either case, you'd open yourself up to potential problems.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on August 01, 2017, 05:58:06 PM
Hi Ren,
No crunching.  From what I read, reddings basic seater will sometimes leave a ring....just depends on the bullet.  Reddings will send another seater if asked.  I guess you just mention type of bullet you use.

Hi Pew
Good point.  I'll pull the bullets.  I'll make a new batch. 

Thanks for the data on noslers.  I remember seeing it before but forgot about it.

Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Bushido on August 01, 2017, 08:14:48 PM
I load my Hornady 55gr to 2.20" as is recommended in their manual. This is my bulk plinking stuff and not too worried about precision accuracy. In a 5.56 chamber it's a huge jump to the lands but it shoots pretty good.

About the groove at the ogive, I will add from what others have said. Forster seating dies do the same. They recommend you take a bullet, apply polishing compound, chuck it in a drill and polish the seating stem, They can custom make a seating stem for you if you need. My Forster only does that if I seat the bullet several times like when adjusting the seating depth and running the same round several times.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Bushido on August 01, 2017, 08:21:30 PM
About the original question, this was posted on another online forum that I frequent from a well accomplished national level shooter. The same question was asked about loading precision ammo on a progressive. I thought it made sense.

Quote: " I think it comes down to how far out you are shooting, and what you are using to measure powder with.
For 223, you are going to need very precise powdee charges for any kind of long range accuracy (800+). Since you posted on the other LR shooters page, you can get away with a lot more when your powder charges are larger. A tenth grain variation for a 223 is TWICE as large as the same variation on a 308."

FWIW, these guys are using scales that measure to the hundreths not tenths of a grain.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on August 01, 2017, 08:30:40 PM
I was inspired to start loading my Nosler 62 gn with 22.2 to 24.0 gn TAC. The OAL is set at 2.180" for the Varmageddon bullet. It has a light cannelure and I use a very light crimp.

(https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20597022_10213433230855519_8523696714468754188_n.jpg?oh=c7c9934a2aebdab1d44762d7326fdd4a&oe=59F53828)
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on August 01, 2017, 09:19:58 PM
Rk
Are you going 22.2, 23.0 and 24.0?
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on August 01, 2017, 10:20:54 PM
Rk
Are you going 22.2, 23.0 and 24.0?
Good question. I tend to focus more on accuracy (for what it's worth) rather than load development so I shoot a lot. This time, I'm making ten sets of ten loads between 22.2 and 24.0. The Nosler website says that 23.5 gn is the most accurate. I don't have a chrono but hope to get one on Thursday. I already have loads ready for my Mosin 91/30, 300BLK, and AK so probably won't be shooting the AR this time. Your post inspired me to start loading it and only got through 30 tonight. I'm going to try the cast boolits I ordered for the Mosin (right side). Hopefully, I'll get better results than before.

(https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20476524_10213433714347606_323805436325844828_n.jpg?oh=cc2d779391cbc8aba61833d130390cfe&oe=5A392B2B)

(https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20526244_10213433731308030_6218844530139193873_n.jpg?oh=1225a3ea8d1c3838639fe595ed4cbf03&oe=5A34609B)
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on August 01, 2017, 11:29:57 PM
Hi rk
Why 3 different types of bullets?  (Great sale?)

Does hard cast leave a lot of lead in the barrel?

How are the polymer coated bullets?  I thought those were only made for pistols
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on August 02, 2017, 08:13:28 AM
The left bullet is the Hornady .312" SP which is the most accurate I've found with my MN. I don't run my loads crazy hot (>43 gn). Seems to run great at 38.4 gn Varget with less wear and tear on the rifle and brass.

I bought the middle bullet about 6 months ago and haven't had much success. It's seems to work better at light loads <20 gn but need to add a filler so the powder stays near the primer. I haven't noticed any leading problems with the bullet.
http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=419&category=6&secondary=36&keywords=

I recently bought the right bullet from Beartooth and haven't shot them yet. These are 170 gn .312" with a gas check and using Reloader 7. Should be interesting. The GC should protect the barrel from leading.
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/display.php?catagory=10
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: ren on August 03, 2017, 03:17:16 PM
I do like this guy except I use 1x fired brass:
http://www.sw-hearing.com/konrad/reloading/reloading_procedure.html (http://www.sw-hearing.com/konrad/reloading/reloading_procedure.html)
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: tim808 on August 03, 2017, 03:55:36 PM
Hi rk
Tnx for the info.  I give you props for trying new components.

Hi Ren
Tnx.....now I need to save my pennies to get a Dillon next year!
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: rklapp on August 03, 2017, 10:59:14 PM
I do like this guy except I use 1x fired brass:
http://www.sw-hearing.com/konrad/reloading/reloading_procedure.html (http://www.sw-hearing.com/konrad/reloading/reloading_procedure.html)
I like tumbling with corn cob except I use an ultrasonic instead of tumbling the first time. The tumbler polish makes a big difference but I think I've added too much because the media is starting to get a little chunky. Interesting that he resizes on a single press and loads on a turret press. I've never heard of a Powder Check Gauge.

What the eff is that case prep thing he's using? Looks like something he made.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: Inspector on August 04, 2017, 06:05:33 AM
I do like this guy except I use 1x fired brass:
http://www.sw-hearing.com/konrad/reloading/reloading_procedure.html (http://www.sw-hearing.com/konrad/reloading/reloading_procedure.html)
I'm not saying my methods are better. But if I had a progressive press I would probably reload similarly except I would use an ultrasonic cleaner or wet tumbler instead of tumbling in corn cob for the first step. I have found that corn cob polishes more than it cleans. Same for walnut except that walnut cleans better than corn cob IMHO. 

I like tumbling with corn cob except I use an ultrasonic instead of tumbling the first time. The tumbler polish makes a big difference but I think I've added too much because the media is starting to get a little chunky. Interesting that he resizes on a single press and loads on a turret press. I've never heard of a Powder Check Gauge.

What the eff is that case prep thing he's using? Looks like something he made.
I have a single stage and a turret press. I do what you do in that I use an ultrasonic cleaner the first time. I use my single stage all the way through the full reloading and case prep process for rifle cartridges. I use my turret press for all of my reloading and case prep processes for pistol cartridges. If I shot a lot more pistol like I used to I probably would have bought a progressive. If I had a progressive I would not reload with out a powder check die. I am old fashioned in that I always visually check my powder charges before the head goes on. But when reloading with a progressive I feel the powder check die is a must.
Title: Re: Precision reloading 223 with a progressive
Post by: ren on August 04, 2017, 06:53:11 AM
I like tumbling with corn cob except I use an ultrasonic instead of tumbling the first time. The tumbler polish makes a big difference but I think I've added too much because the media is starting to get a little chunky. Interesting that he resizes on a single press and loads on a turret press. I've never heard of a Powder Check Gauge.

What the eff is that case prep thing he's using? Looks like something he made.

It's a Gracey trimmer. http://www.matchprep.com/trimmer.htm (http://www.matchprep.com/trimmer.htm)

RCBS has a powder lock out die. All it does is check if there is powder in the case before a bullet is seated.