I'm a fairly new reloader and will likely have many questions as I continue. I am reloading for a bolt gun and a semi auto in this caliber. I would like to share my info and experiences as well as welcome other to do the same on this thread.

I've been recently working up a load and been having some good results. This load will consistently shoot 1/2" @ 100yds if I control the barrel temp. This one measured .256" ctc on a cold fouled bore. Another node did well but I stopped as I thought it showed pressure signs.  My camera can't capture it well. Is anyone willing to take a look at them in person?

I'm going to start playing with seating depth to further tune the load. Any suggestions on increments to start with?

I'm a fairly new reloader and will likely have many questions as I continue. I am reloading for a bolt gun and a semi auto in this caliber. I would like to share my info and experiences as well as welcome other to do the same on this thread.

I've been recently working up a load and been having some good results. This load will consistently shoot 1/2" @ 100yds if I control the barrel temp. This one measured .256" ctc on a cold fouled bore. Another node did well but I stopped as I thought it showed pressure signs.  My camera can't capture it well. Is anyone willing to take a look at them in person?

I'm going to start playing with seating depth to further tune the load. Any suggestions on increments to start with?

I would be happy to look at your cases for you. Problem for me might be location and available days. Why don't you PM me and let me know what area you live in and what days/times you are available and I'll see if I can arrange my schedule.

As far as seating depth is concerned for your semi auto you are basically limited to 2.26" or there about as it won't fit in your magazine at a length much longer than that. For your bolt gun what I do is seat the bullet I intend to use into a fired case (from your bolt gun) extra long. I don't use a sized case as neck tension might be too much. I then insert it into the chamber and close the bolt on it. Pull it out and measure the OAL of the cartridge. This should be your theoretical maximum. I back off 0.01" as a starting point. This is what I do. Others may have a different method.

What bolt gun are you shooting? What is the bullet, case, powder and recipe of this load? Just curious.

Mahalo Inspector, I'm shooting a Savage 26" 1:9 barreled action in an XLR chasis with AICS style magazines. This load is 69 SMKs over 23.5 grains of Varget , BR4 primers with headstamp sorted once fired brass. The other load in question is 25 grains of Varget, still lower than the data I've seen for max. At some point I would like to shoot out to some distances so would like to take advantage of the velocity of the higher load if deemed safe.

I did have a huge variance checking my chamber length as stated. I slowly lowered my neck sizing die until I could slide the bullet in and out of the case with hand pressure. I will try again.

I will PM you my wireless number and email. Thank you for the offer.

By the way, at this point my AR reloading will be primarily for plinking style ammo. I prefer to shoot irons on it.

My first leg points were won with these loads, tried & true:
http://www.whiteoakprecision.com/info-reloading.htm

You may already know this, but...

The best way I have found to measure pressure signs is to use a micrometer to measure the diameter of the web before and after firing. Primers can be deceptive. I had an experience with my savage in 6BR where I was too hot but my primers looked fine. I got Shillen pre-fit barrel and found that my brass wouldn't chamber in the tight match chamber. I was able to squeeze down the brass with a small base die but I threw the brass away anyway so I could start fresh. 200 rounds of Lapua brass in the trash was a tough lesson. Could have been worse though.

You may already know this, but...

The best way I have found to measure pressure signs is to use a micrometer to measure the diameter of the web before and after firing. Primers can be deceptive. I had an experience with my savage in 6BR where I was too hot but my primers looked fine. I got Shillen pre-fit barrel and found that my brass wouldn't chamber in the tight match chamber. I was able to squeeze down the brass with a small base die but I threw the brass away anyway so I could start fresh. 200 rounds of Lapua brass in the trash was a tough lesson. Could have been worse though.

Justin,  Sorry I do not know what the "web" is. I do work in an industry where I have many micrometers to use and the knowledge to use them properly. What exactly is the web and what would be considered too much growth from before and after measurements as far as over pressure is concerned?

the web is the portion just forward of the extractor groove.


Here's an article with some numbers for .223.
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-education/tips-and-tricks/simple-trick-monitoring-pressure-your-rifle-reloads

They say you have to use a blade mic but i found a normal micrometer will work. having one that reads .0001 is preferable.

Good info, Thank you!

So I've been doing some reading on reloading for my AR. Will only be loading "plinking" type ammo for this.  I hear some crimp, many say it's not needed. Anyone have had actual issues with not crimping.

Also, looking for recommendations for sources to purchase bullets in the low/mid 60s range. I have loaded several Armscor 62grn FMJBT from WGS. They shot well but kind of pricey for what I'm looking to do. Opinions?

Armscor are OK bullets. I believe they are made in the PI.
For plinking Hornady 55 FMJs are more consistent.
MidSouth has a special going on as well as Wideners.

So I've been doing some reading on reloading for my AR. Will only be loading "plinking" type ammo for this.  I hear some crimp, many say it's not needed. Anyone have had actual issues with not crimping.

Also, looking for recommendations for sources to purchase bullets in the low/mid 60s range. I have loaded several Armscor 62grn FMJBT from WGS. They shot well but kind of pricey for what I'm looking to do. Opinions?

I don't crimp for my AR ammo. Never had a problem nor have I ever had a bullet back into the case. There is so little recoil in this caliber.

I have tried the Armscor bullets and I gave a way what was left over from what I bought. Thery were very inconsistent. I also have tried the Hornady 55gr bulk packed bullets and to be honest I was disappointed in them as well. They were much better than the Armscor, however. Try looking through the Powder Valley website and see if there is anything more in your budget. I know YG used to sell the Hornady's in large bulk bags. I found I could buy Sierra 62-64 grain bullets from PV for slightly more or the same as the Armscor from WGS. So I use those for plinking and I get target grade results at a plinker price.

Let us know what you find.

I never crimp ammo for my AR's either. I size my brass to have .002 neck tension. I have found Crimping causes your cases to stretch more.

I have some hornady 55 grain bulk stuff that I got from midway usa for cheap. I haven't tried them yet. I have used midway usa dogtown 55gr hp bullets with decent results.