Loading my first .223 rounds

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Lowe14owner

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I'm loading my first ever .223 rounds. I'm using 25 grains of H4895 under a 55 grain bullet.

The powder comes up to the point where the neck starts. I guess there's not a lot of room in a .223 round, but I would have thought there would be more room with the powder.

Is this normal?



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Often, reloading data sources will note that when a charge does not leave space in the case after bullet inserton, it is marked wih a "C" which stands for "compressed load".

I load 55 grain 223, also, but I don't use H4895. I note that on the Hogdgon reloading data website, the max load for a 55 grain SPR SP is 26 grains of H4895, but it is not noted to be a compressed load.

But the max load for a 55 grain SFIRE using this powder is 24.6 grains which is marked as a compressed load.

So, it looks like the exact type of bullet being used bears on compressed loads.

A a suggestion, have you checked your bullet type and your seating depth and COAL?
 
Yes. I use mainly benchmark, but have used H4895, Both of those powders with my loads (24 grains and 25 grains, respectively) are about 1/2 way up the shoulder.
 
Yes. And is actually pretty ideal. Less empty space leads to better ignition (not that we'd ever notice) and prevents accidentally over charging the case. Always work up from starting loads.
 
What brass are you using, FC is thicker then most, causing less space in the case, should reduce listed loads by 1.0 grain. Are you using Federal or ADI brass? What type of rifle are you shooting in .223?
 
Yep. 25.0 is the start load of H4895. 26.0 is max. Bulky stuff that H4895.
Kind of daft too. Hodgdon showing it's compressed with 24.6 grains with an S(Sinterfire and is an oddball frangible bullet)Fire and 23.9 for a Barnes TSX, but not for a Speer SP.
It's nothing to worry about, but if you wanted to you could try IMR4895. Starts at 23.0 at 2,843 fps to 26.2(C) at 3,219 fps. The (C) means it's a compressed load. Bullet tamps the powder down a bit. Also nothing to worry about.
 
Some times using a longer drop tube will help settle the powder a bit. Not all measure can do that. If loading by hand, RCBS funnel kit works good.
 
Yeah, it's normal. Your filling ratio is around 94.5% which is pretty full. That is desirable from an ignition standpoint. Sometimes cases with a lot of air space result in inconstant ignition.

But nearly full cases are good from the standpoint of safety, especially for a new reloader.

There are many ways to go wrong when reloading. Thankfully most of them are more irritating than dangerous. For instance, if you haven't yet put powder in a case without a primer in place, someday you will.

One mistake you do NOT want to EVER make is loading a "double charge". If your normal charge is half full, it might be easy to accidentally double charge a case, not notice the mistake, and shoot your eye our just like Mom warned.

But if a single charge nearly fills the case, then trying to double charge that case will result in powder spilling all over the place and it is hoped that you will notice the mess and start over.
 
Which bullet? Is this a minimum load? If it isn't, it should be - pull any assembled rounds and start over. If your cases are this full at minimum, they may be unusually thick walled and require backing down.

If you are loading for a bolt action, you can afford to back down a grain easily; if an auto-loader, you will have to keep a very careful eye out for squibs. Shoot at minimum range and check that you're getting holes in the target with every shot.

Look VERY carefully for pressure signs with each shot.
 
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