Compressed Load ?

[KAC1911]

This is about 223. I have 55gr & 62gr and both have a cannelure. My die is set to a loaded oal.

When going to the longer bullet like the 62gr besides to much powder is this what also causes a compressed load?

They both will crip on the cannelure just one bullet will sit deeper in the case correct?

 

[jstein650]

Yes. There is nothing wrong with slightly compressed loads, as long as your charge is appropriate for the load you're using.

 

[KAC1911]

Thanks jstein650, it also didn't seem to make sense that you would have to change the seating length when you changed bullet weights when the cannelures seem to be same distance from to the bullet tip. Thanks again.

 

[dsm]

Yep, compressed loads are common. Just follow load data for your bullet/powder combo.

 

[kingmt]

Also depends on of we are talking about a lead core, tracer, or solid brass bullet. You gave just enough information to get bad advice.

 

[gamestalker]

As long as the published data indicates a compressed load, and you've worked up to it, you'll be just fine. In my experience, I usually see a leveling off of pressures once I get into a compressed charge. Also remember to work up with the OAL you'll be using with that load, other wise you'll experience significantly higher pressures when you get close to the lands.
GS

 

[Kachok]

I use several compressed loads in 308 and 30-06, they work just fine. I have used up to a 114% compressed with some very slow burning powders. Only thing I really don't like about highly compressed loads is seating the bullet can be tough and I have had plenty of bullets get stuck in the die as a result of trying to pack down powder with them.

 

[jstein650]

Early on, the idea of a compressed load just 'bothered' me. I made a 1 foot long drop tube with one of those pants hanger tubes and a cut-off .223 on the bottom with a Lee red powder funnel on top. Makes a lot of compressed loads barely compressed after dropping the charge. That tube will also fit into some powder measures, but I preferred seeing the powder dispense, and drop just to make sure I got everything right.

 

[KAC1911]

kingmt

Also depends on of we are talking about a lead core, tracer, or solid brass bullet. You gave just enough information to get bad advice.

I bought a bag of federal 62gr M855 FMJ penetrator projectiles, they didn't have a painted green tip. This is all that was available at the gun show and in the panic I bought them.

Noticing that the 62 are longer than a 55 but the cannelure is in the same position to the tip I was wondering if this also what was considered a compressed load due to more of the bullet inside the case.

 

[ATLDave]

KAC1911, a compressed load is simply one where the load at rest intersects with where the bullet's base will actually be, such that, after seating, the powder is compressed.

Different bullet weights - and even profiles - require different powder loads. Less room in the case increases pressure, as does raising bullet weight, as does compressing the load. There are loads listed for certain powder bullet combos that are supposed to be compressed (usually denoted in the load manual with some indicator). Do you have load data for the actual bullets you are using, or are you trying to use the same load as for 55gr bullets?

 

[KAC1911]

ATLDave, none of my manuals have the 62, but have a 63. My brother just made a copy of his lee sheet for 223 that has 62 but none of the powders it lists I have.

 

[ATLDave]

KAC1911, then you're already off the map. If you want to proceed, you're going to have to extrapolate/interpolate between available data, work up slowly, and know that you're in a risky area. I'm no expert, as I only got into reloading last year, but there is no way in heck I would ever run a compressed load that was not in a manual or other published source.

A few stray thoughts: does the canelure lead to an OAL that is the same as/very similar to the OAL listed for the 63 grain data you have? Does your bullet have a similar length and profile to the 63 gr bullet in the data you do have? Are you trying to load something at/near max?

 

[James2]

When going to the longer bullet like the 62gr besides to much powder is this what also causes a compressed load?

Depends on how much powder is in the case. If it does not come above the point of the base of the bullet when seated, it will not compress the load. If the powder is at a level which comes up into the neck a ways, yes it is likely that seating a bullet will compress the powder. Different powders will fill the case to a different level. Always remember: Start low and work up.

As others have said, a compressed load is ok as long as you work up to it. You will likely use less powder for the heavier bullet so the longer bullet is not necessarily going to cause a compressed load.

They both will crip on the cannelure just one bullet will sit deeper in the case correct?

That is what I would do.

 

[FROGO207]

Some bullets are made for different caliber loadings. 22-250. 22 Hornet or such. With them the cannelure could be in a different spot for this reason. FWIW I do not crimp my ammo unless it is for a tube fed firearm or revolver.There is no need to crimp otherwise if you have enough neck tension to hold the bullet firmly already. Most loads that are compressed do in fact state that they are.

The rule of thumb that I was taught was:
If you can not find a charge for the precise weight bullet you have use the charge for the next heavier bullet and work up the load. It will work about as well while having a slightly lower pressure when shot. This works BUT special bullets like the Barnes X solid ones need to have that special data obtained from the manufacturer if it is not already published. A regular jacketed, plated, or lead bullet can be substituted for like kind if you start 10% BELOW MAX and work up as needed.

 

[KAC1911]

Thanks guys for all the great advice.

 

[kingmt]

If that is the bullet that has a steel core then it will be longer then a bullet of the same weight that had a all lead core. It will also increase pressure. Drop under your data & work up.

 

[KAC1911]

Agreed, kinda sorry I bought them.

 

[kingmt]

Don't be sorry. It's them just keep in mind what I said.