Armory Sponsor
Posted: 10/16/2008 5:06:00 PM EDT
|
hey all... started reloading with varget, hornaday fmj bt 55gr projectiles, once-fired military brass and rem primers. I started out at 26 grains, but quickly discovered that is a lot of powder volume if you are using varget. It puts the powder level right at the bottom of the neck. It obviously is compressed when the projectile is seated. Being new to all of this it made me nervous. BTW the OAL is spot on so that's not the issue. Is this normal for a powder like varget? It's not like I'm using some super hot off the chart charge or anything. thanks, jay |
| Yeah, Varget is like that. Your charge is still below the published max in my Sierra Manual. I took a case and opened up the neck until my 55 gr Hornady bullet would slip in and out easily. then added Varget until the bullet sat at 2.250 COL. The powder weight was around 25 grains. After testing I settled on 25.3 grains. The load is very lightly compressed, if at all. It's kind of on the slow end of 55 gr loads, but it's very accurate in my gun. I use Winchester brass and CCI 400 small rifle primers. |
Yep.. The most Varget I've been able to get in Nato headstamped 5.56 LC brass without spilling as I index to the next station is 26.4gr. 27gr fills it almost to the top of the neck but it spills out when I index. You can't hurt yourself with 55gr bullets and varget in 223. |
|
thanks for the responses. I kind of figured it out after reading a few posts down.h.gif jay |
+1... The best thing for Varget in .223 is a long drop tube. - AG |
|
If you have read Hodgdon's reloading data on the 'net, you will see that their max load is "27.5C". The "C" denotes a compressed load. So Hodgdon was giving you a heads-up on what would happen. As mentioned, there is absolutely nothing wrong or in your case, dangerous, with compressed loads. In fact some feel that using 100% of the case volume has some benefits. In extremely compressed loads, especially in heavy recoil rounds, the bullet may want to work forward, but this should be no issue in the .223. Also, you won't need a crimp to prevent the bullet from being shoved further into the case on occasion, which is a slim possibility, depending on rifle and action type (AK gas pistons are known for this) etc. |
I would suggest to you to get a reloading book and read it. Starting @26 grains is not working up a load and also military cases have a smaller volume than commercial brass. Reading and understanding will make you less nervous. That being said yes it is normanl for a powder like that. you will find that ball/spherical powder (BLC2) will not fill it up as much as stick powders(Varget) 25.5 grains of Varget 55FMJBT= most accurate charge for me |
How do you know this is true in .223? Have you checked it yourself? What military cases vs. what commercial cases? While your advice is generally good - this "truism" may turn out to be a myth on occasion when it comes to the .223 Rem. Do a check and see if LC 5.56 cases generally run the same volume/weight as .223 Winchester and Remington cases. Then check the infamous FC 223. |
Armory Sponsor