Powder residue on shell

[shootinblanks]

Just wondering if it is common to have have powder residue left on the neck of the shell after firing? I am loading .223 with 748 middle of the road charge , Hornady PSPw/cannalure bullets. Not willing to keep working up the load with this happening. My Varget and 10x loads haven't done this to the degree the 748 is.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I use W-748 in .30 WCF. If I run "middle of the road" powder charges I get the same thing. When I run at or near maximum powder charge the powder residue goes away.

 

[NCsmitty]

You have to realize that Win748 is on the upper end of the slower powders that work in the 223. I'm guessing that you are shooting a 55gr Hornady bullet, and you will find that 748 would work much better with a heavier bullet weight.
If you are smoking the case down past the shoulder area, that only means that you are not developing enough pressure to have the case seal properly in the chamber.
Alliant 10X would be a much better choice with the lighter bullets.
Are you using a magnum primer with the 748?



NCsmitty

 

[rcmodel]

I would have to disagree that WW748 is not a good powder for 55 grain bullets in the .223.

It was first developed as a military 5.56 powder when the military bullet was a 55 grain FMJ-BT.

It is a great .223 / 55 grain powder, but you have to use enough of it to expand & seal the case to prevent smoky cases.

It burns dirty at less then standard pressure.

rc

 

[shootinblanks]

Thanks for the helpful info! I will contiue working the 748 loads up and c if I attain the groupings i am looking for n if the powder residue resides.

 

[shootinblanks]

As far as moving to a heavier bullet, i have a 1:9 so do i go with a 60, 62 or do i make a jump 2 a bullet that is in that 68 grains area. Isn't that pushing it 4 the twist i have? Well, I appreciate all the info given, I need to finish off working up the 55 s and then move on! First, and formost! Finish the reloading room remodel!!!!!

 

[Remo-99]

Like rc mentions, once w748 is at it's optimal operating pressure the powder will burn more completely/efficently and the residue will disappear.
Most likely will find this at the max listed levels, but careful load workups are always the best advice.
Bullet weights of upto 70gr are OK in 1:9" barrels provided the velocity is fast enough, but for heavier than 70gr you would proberbly want a faster twist.