Want to make sure my rifle doesn't blow up

[model 49 rick]

I am loading 26.0 gr of 748 behind a 55 gr. boat tail bullet in .223. Good load in my AR.

My Hornady 2006 manual indicates a max load of 27.0 gr of 748 for a 63 grain boat tail bullet, so I felt comfortable charging the same 26.0 gr of 748 behind my 62 grain boat tail bullets.

When I did it, the powder crushed down a bit, and there is no loose space in the casing. Is it too heavy a load?

 

[model 49 rick]

I am loading 26.0 gr of 748 behind a 55 gr. boat tail bullet in .223. Good load in my AR.

My Hornady 2006 manual indicates a max load of 27.0 gr of 748 for a 63 grain boat tail bullet, so I felt comfortable charging the same 26.0 gr of 748 behind my 62 grain boat tail bullets.

When I did it, the powder crushed down a bit, and there is no loose space in the casing. Is it too heavy a load?

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Does the manual indicate this is a "compressed load"? If so, that's not unusual, particularly since it doesn't seem too compressed.

MORE IMPORTANTLY -- is this military or commercial brass you are handloading? Military brass is generally thicker, therefore has less internal volume. Loading manuals usually make reference to this. Loads should be reduced slightly. However, if max is 27.0 your charge is about a 5% reduction. Make sure OAL is correct for your bullet; too much seating depth will increase pressures too by reducing internal volume.

 

[WR Moore]

I'm a bit concerned about your comment about compressed loads. I typically use 25.5 gr 748 behind a 69 gr Sierra Match King. In military brass, the powder generally comes up about to the shoulder.

If the 62 gr bullet has a penetrator core, making it longer, you are well advised to drop your initial load and work upward. You may experience higher than expected pressures due to the bullet construction. Can you pick a bullet up with a magnet?

BTW, the military brass is thicker issue is highly questionable with the .223. Still, when working up loads, start low and work up. Do the same when you change components also.

 

[model 49 rick]

Thank You Gentlemen,

I too was a little concerned. It is military brass. 26.0 gr comes up almost to the top of the part that tapers into the case neck. The bullets are the SS109 bullets, and they are significantly longer. I haven't tried a magnet, that would be interesting to know.

I will knock the ones I loaded back out, and reduce the load to 25.5 grams I think. I check OAL on every cartridge. I try to hit 2.630" - 2.640". The manual says nothing about compressed loads on the pages for .223, maybe it's a general note that is somewhere else?

 

[Beans]

I will knock the ones I loaded back out, and reduce the load to 25.5 grams I think

Are you loading GRAINS or GRAMS ????????????????

 

[WR Moore]

I doubt that 25 grams of powder will fit in the case. IIRC, a 10 gram bullet is over 100 grains. Still, have you ever checked your scale with check weights? They're cheaper than a rifle and/or eye.

Rick, I'd back off to 24 grains, load 5 and run them over a chronograph to see what you've got. If you have access to new, unfired brass, try loading in those. Mike the case web diameter just ahead of the extractor groove before and after firing. Expansion of the web more than 0.0005 inches is cause for serious concern.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

You'd be hard pressed to get 25 grams into an empty 20 ga case!! That would be roughly 1/16 of an entire pound of powder. There are 28.35 grams per ounce. There are approximately 7000 grains per pound.

W748 powder filling the case to the shoulder/neck line sounds about right for military brass, but I agree with backing off a half grain, although if OAL is OK and the weight is correct as 26.0 it shouldn't be a problem normally, except perhaps for SS109 steel core, then backing off is advised.

 

[jjones33]

You are going to hear one of Ted's cardinal rule. If you have a question about a load's safety then STOP. I don't know what your load should be and wouldn't advise. It could very well be safe. Call Winchester Powder and ask them. Check a couple more manuals. If you feel like you need to close your eyes when you pull the trigger behind a load then there is a problem.

Just make sure, that's all. Guns are not cheap and hands and eyes are not replacable.

 

[model 49 rick]

Whoops! Grains - definitely grains. I tried the magnet. It picked the bullet right up. The manual calls 24.0 grains the starting load. I have always felt like I wasted my time when I test the starting load. My practice is always to split the difference between the maximum & starting loads, and then to try something a little more, but still less than the maximum. I use an auto charging column for loading powder, and I have the charging sleeves for 25.0 & 25.5 grains. I'll try 15 of each and go to the range on Saturday. If they aren't too bad, I might even keep a few of the 26.0 grain loads and try them.