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Posted: 5/22/2008 7:35:33 PM EDT
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Hey guys, I just got into reloading due to the extreme prices of ammunition in Canada, as well as I like the idea of reloading as a hobby to develop accurate ammunition for my 1911, Beretta 92, and AR-15. I bought a Lee Classic Turret Press, along with all the appropriate hardware. The turret press is easy to use and seems very strong for the money. I have the safety prime, and it works well. Right now I am reloading .223 for the AR, using RCBS SB resizing and seating dies, along with a Lee Rifle Charging Die and a Lee Factory Crimp die. Right now I have the autoindex off so I can size and deprime in one step, then check the case length and trim if necessary, I also deburr the inside and outside of the cases if I trim them. I am using Winchester Small Rifle Primers, and 20 grains of Hodgdon H4198 powder behind 55gr FMJBT bullets. I have FC, LC, Winchester, S&B, and R-P Brass. I was wondering if you had any tips for me in regards to my reloading process. So far I have loaded 5 rounds. The brass has been cleaned by soaking it in vinegar and boiling water for 40 minutes, hot soapy water for another 40, then rinsed and left to dry for a day. I found this method on another website, it comes out nice and clean. I am using the double disk kit and the .88 and .66 disks for 1.54ccs of powder. I have been checking the weight of every charge, by triggering the pro autodisk with the primed case, and then dumping it out onto my electric powder scale. The charges are between 20 and 20.2 grains. I then seat the bullet by trying to get it nice and straight in the case mouth, then seat it to an OAL of 2.250. In the next step I have the crimp die set to 1/2 turn, then the cartridge is complete. I plan on increasing the load by .2 grains in 5 round increments, up to 21 grains. The max in the Lee reloading manual is 22 grains of H4198, does anyone else use this powder and have a good setup? I have many types of powder available at the range, from IMR, Alliant, Hodgdon, etc. Thanks for any tips you might have, sorry about my huge post. 
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First welcome to reloading. Now... You should either get some reloading manuals or go online to the powder manufacturers websites. Hodgdon contains the data for Hodgdon, Winchester and IMR. Alliant is another good one. You can find a wealth of info in both the books and websites. There are much better powders than 4198 in either IMR or Hodgdon. I personally use BLC-2 for 55 gr. loads. AA2230, H322, Win 748, Varget and several others would be better choices. I would say Varget may be a bit slow for 55 gr. bullets but it is great for 60 gr. and heavier. The best way to go is with a powder that will give a high load density. It usually results in more consistent loads which generally equates to more accurate loads. |
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I agree that there are better choices of gunpowder for that bullet weight. However, I really like H418 with 50 gr bullets in .222 Rem. The good news is that as long as you choose loads from published sources, you can't go far wrong, particularly if you buy powder in one pound containers to start. You should bump your load increment to 0.3 grains to reduce the amount of work and wear and tear on your rifle. |
IF you're using the LEE disk measure.............may I suggest a switch to a "ball powder." IMHO..........they (ball powders) seem to work better with that system. YMWV. As for your method of case cleaning...............IF you don't mind the time and effort, I guess your way is as good as any other. OR, switch to Birchwood Casey Case Cleaner. Just mix, dunk, swish, remove and let dry. Save solution for another day. Aloha, Mark |
| I use Vinager, SALT, and dishsoap (dawn) all in water as hot as I can stand it. Then rinse in ice cold water. I think you might find that this worlks quite well and is a little less work. For powder Varget (its just so clean burning) and BLC-2 are both great powders. G/L |
| I agree with most of the feedback that you have received in response to your post. I would add this: if you weigh every charge for every round you will be loading far more than you will be shooting. Get yourself a good powder dispenser that you can set up for the charge called for in the manual; check your charge about every tenth round, and you will speed up your production significantly (without compromising safety). AA 2230 is great ball powder for the .223 round, and runs through the dispenser smoothly while providing a repeatable charge weight. |
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