Finally sent my firstborn out into the world today

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Bostekrisco

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After a month or two of reading, buying equipment, buying more equipment, reading, fretting and fighting confusion, I shot my very first reloads today.

It was COOL!:D

I loaded up 44 magnum with Magtech brass, 240 Remington JHP, 18, 18.4, 18.8 and 19.2 of 2400, 1.6 OAL and heavy crimp. The 19.2 had 4 of the 5 touching in the bullseye @ 15 yards. The 5th, which was actually the first, was WAYY off from flinching. This from a Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5"

I also loaded 223 for my S&W MP15. Remington brass, CCI 400 primers, 55 FMJ, 23, 23.5,24 and 24.5 of H335, 2.2 OAL and a light crimp. It liked the 24 and 24.5 the best but the 24.5 had more recoil than I'd like for a plinking load. I think next time I'm going to start at 24 and work up without a crimp.

In addition to just sharing my excitement, I do have a question. On each 223 charge weight, except 23, there was one of the five primers that was kinda flattened. Any ideas?

Also, I'd like to thank all the veterans on here for sharing your knowledge and expertise. This is where I did a considerable amount of my reading.

Happy New Year,

Bob
 
Thanks for the report Bostekrisco.

Hmmm... Quote: On each 223 charge weight, except 23, there was one of the five primers that was kinda flattened. Any ideas?

Someone else may chime in for the reason of the flat primers, but off-hand, it sounds like primers may not have been seated properly. What method of priming are you using, (Hand Held), (Single Stage), or (Progressive)?
 
I have a Lee Classic cast turret. For these rounds I used it as a single stage and primed by hand on the press while I wait for my Safety Prime to show up.

As these were my very first reloads, it wouldn't surprise me at all if I didn't have a consistent primer stroke. Are the flattened ones likely in too far, or not far enough?

Thanks for your reply
 
It's possible the primers weren't seated deep enough.
Since the flattened primers were one out of each series, I don't think it would be pressure related. Another factor is to much headspace in your firearm, but again it didn't affect all the cartridges.

Using the hand primer, you should be able to feel when the Primer bottoms out in the Primer Pocket. Don't over press, but make sure each primer seats completely into the pocket.

edited: p.s. If the Primer inserts way to easily into the pocket, mark the primer with a blue marker, and don't reload that cartridge the next time.
 
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