[electronrider]

Well, I have my first reloads completed. I did 5 loads of 10 each. I started with 23.0 gr. Varget over a 68 gr. BTHP in LC06 cases. I then increased each load by .2 gr. to a max of 23.8 gr on the hottest load. This range was recommended by a local reloader who is helping, as well as in the range in my Hornaday manual.

These are for a 24" 1 in 9 twist AR.

My OAL varied by .011 over the entire run. My shortest case was 2.449.5 and my longest was 2.4461. They all feed into my magazine fine. I made sure everything was tight on the press, and there was no change in the press while all of these were seated. Will this be ok for a first run?


I noticed that the varget filled the case pretty full, seems like it would be impossible not to notice a double charge, and hard to miss an empty charge, so I like that aspect of the powder. When seating the bullets, every once and a while I would feel a slight crunch, I am assuming that the bullet was displacing some of the powder? is this normal for varget and 68 gr BTHP on LC cases?

Each load was trickled up on the digital scale, then verified on my 5-0-5 scale. I'm new, and trying to get used to the measuring. I trust my powder dispenser now, but will still trickle them up, and then verify every 5th one or so on the 5-0-5 for now I think.

Thanks everyone. Should the weather hold, I will be able to try these out next weekend.

[243winxb]

The Hodgdon site lists shorter OAL for bullets in this weight range. Will your round let the action close fully? The info there lists a compressed MAXIMUM charge of Varget at 26.0C, your loading a lot less, i would guess that your not compressing the powder as of yet. Did you check you scale with test weights to make sure its accurate.

[Bitswap]

I'm working on a load now for a 223 and using varget as well. Be it, I'm using winchester instead of LC brass, my first set was from 23.8 to 26.5. Varget started compressing around 26.0 or so.

No pressure signs on the 26.5 loads. Have you read up on 'optimum charge weights' (ocw) for load development? If not, you may want to read about it and understand the concept. So far, this method has saved me many rounds.

Sometimes you can get a fantastic group, but you better be sure your spot-on in your reloading. With ocw, you get a bit of leeway.

I usually don't consider the overall length important unless your trying to fit the round in a magazine. What is important is to measure from the base to the ogive of the bullet your loading. For 223, a good starting point is 0.020 behind the lands. Hornady makes comparitors for this, and hopefully you already have a stony-point guage. May as well pick up the headspace comparitor while your at it.

[Bullet]

I’d say sounds like your off to a great start. Congratulations!!! :D You could probably increase your OAL some and still fit in your mag. If you haven’t been here you might want to check it out, there is Sierra data for AR’s here too -

http://www.6mmbr.com/223Rem.html

[electronrider]

The scales were calibrated and verified with the test weights that came with it. I am aware of OCW, but these are my first reloads, so I am just taking my time so to speak. I will start with these loads, and keep working up till I get a pressure sign. I do not have a chronometer right now, just don't have the funds. The local guy says he knows 3 people that use a load in this range for this bullet, case and powder combo, so I know I should be at least at a good starting point. I have come across several people online that load it a bit hotter, so I will work towards them. Once I top out, I will look at all my groups, then probably just to verify the best load I came up with, I will do a ladder load of the entire range I end up producing. This is overkill for working a load up, but I feel that it will be time well spent, being this is my first attempt at reloading.

I also need to get a comparator, that would tell me if my OAL is due to difference in bullet length after canelure, or if I have some sort of seating problem with the die I am using right now. I do get a little wobble if I pull the seater and try to put a bullet into it. I honestly don't know if I can shoot well enough yet to tell a difference of .005 in my bullet seating depth. I feel that it is safe, as I am only .010 longer than published OAL for this load, as well as it feeds reliably, and chambers properly in my magazine.

[Bitswap]

A good start indeed then.

I used to use a chrono on every batch I fired but it is now unnecessary. What really counts is where the bullet hits the target. With the ocw method, you don't need a chrono.

Now I will use a chrono on my final load, which appears to be 24.5 for my cz. Then I can use it to help with my balistics table. Even then, you don't need a chrono, just a long target :).

I usually have a problem overthinking things... somtimes it's best to relax, have fun and just look at the results.

[mrawesome22-250]

My OAL varied by .011 over the entire run. My shortest case was 2.449.5 and my longest was 2.4461.

That's .003", not .011".

[Bullet]

Something is wrong with those OAL's, Max is 2.260.

[flynlr]

Something is wrong with those OAL's, Max is 2.260.

what I was thinking. this is a .223 load right?

[electronrider]

My bad on my OAL, my current loads are 2.249 to 2.260. I brain farted on that guys, sorry to alarm anyone if I did.

[Bullet]

Then you're good to go.