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Posted: 6/28/2009 11:13:32 AM EDT
| I have just started reloading a little more than a month now. I have a LEE single stage press RCBS 10-10 powder scale and all the accessories and books to get started. The first 10 rounds were loaded with the LEE scoop that came with the die set. I know it is not the most accurate measuring device but I wanted to get the fundamentals down first. All 10 rounds fired fine no issues. I just loaded 20 more rounds this time using the 10-10 powder scale, used 25.5 grains of Varget and 10 more rounds using 26.2 grains of W748 with a 55 grain bullet. Both of these were the start grains. This time the powder came almost but not to the neck of the shell casing, higher than the LEE scoop. Is this the normal or am I looking into it more than I should. I feel I had everything set right, double checked several times. I hear people talk about taking your time to avoid a double load, Is this possible with the .223 round? |
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It depends on the powder although if you use recommended powders from a load manual, they specifically pick powders that make it hard for a double charge or partial double charge.
Regarding Lee scoops, that's an argument for the ages on which method is more accurate. In theory, powders can be compressed so you get a heavier powder charge in a same volume. On the other hand, you have a lot of progressive setups that use volume-based powder measures with great success. Again, if you're using recommended powders from a load manual, using volume or weight based systems is safe. |
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A double charge is just about impossible with normal loads in .223 Remington cases.
A powder such as Varget that is on the slow end of the burn range for a 55 grain bullet in this case will fill the case. This is not a bad thing as these cartridges are usually accurate. 26.2 grains of W748 is interesting. In the Hodgon #27 manual I have handy, that is shown as a maximum load (it's actually 26.3 grains) with a 55 grain Winchester PSP bullet. The pressure is shown as 39000 CUP with a speed of 3150 fps from a 24 inch barrel. I don't shoot this gunpowder, so I don't know if the case capacity is maxed out at 26.3 grains, or not. That pressure might be a misprint, but Hodgon's on line data agrees. Make sure your scale is leveled and the knife edges for the balance clean. That's a long way of saying that you're good to go. |
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