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Posted: 9/24/2008 6:01:24 PM EDT
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Alright, not your typical x-die question...I've got one for .223. I do the initial trim to 1.740" as per the instructions. My question is this: Let's say a load recipe calls for the brass length at 1.750" and an OAL of 2.250. If I use my x-die processed brass at 1.740 should I decrease the OAL to 2.240 or keep it at 2.250? ETA-I was arbitrarily using 2.250 as an example. I'm not concerned with loading anywhere near max magazine length. I should have used 2.225 as an example. |
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There are two factors to consider; 1. magazine's cartridge length capapcity (how long a cartridge will it take) 2. the chamber's length (ability to accept a bullet without lodging in the throat running up pressure or leaving to much brass behind to get the bolt to close. The magazine often will be your limiting factor assuming you desire to run rounds through the magazine (an 80 grain match load won't mag load) the chamber throat length determines case shoulder datum to bullet to barrel throat contact length. To determine this hornady makes an OAL gage kit that uses mod'd cases. ETA- generally, keep the oal length the same as the book, you normally are losing brass off the neck only,....assuming your dies are set up correctly. |
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Good question. Leave the length at 2.25, or try some loads at 2.24 if you want. Your start charges will protect you and the gun and you might find out that the load shoots better with more of the bullet in the case neck. .223 Remington has a fairly short neck compared to many other cartridges and this is the main reason I don't care for trimming to lengths less than 1.75 inches, but I have. |
Use the mag OAL of 2.250 unless they are 80 grain. OAL is not based on neck length. Go thru the X-die instructions very carefully when setting them up understand why they are set that way and you will be good to go. mince |
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