Hi all -
just getting started into the wide (wild?) world of reloading and am looking for some sage advice.
I made the investment into a Lee Classic Turret press in late July and am working up loads for my CZ-527 and DPMS M-4, both chambered in .223 and both with a 1:9 twist. I keep the brass from each rifle separate and am only doing neck-sizing on the brass.
First problem: I seem to be experiencing inconsistency in the amount of powder thrown by my Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure. I started with the non-Pro but upgraded after seeing wear on the non-Pro because I was constantly changing out the disks. I've spoken to Lee about the inconsistency and they said that a lot of the issue had to do with my choice of powder: Varget. Based upon some research on the 'net tonight, I think I should be sticking with extruded powders because of their consistency....the question becomes how to get a consistent powder charge. I'm sometimes seeing a difference of between .5 and .9 grains. This concerns me a bit - how can I determine which load is giving me the best accuracy if the amount of the powder charge is inconsistent??? I only chose Varget at a friend's suggestion and am too new to the process to be hooked on it. Suggestions for other powders would be gladly accepted. My current bullet choices are Hornady 75gn AMax BT's and Nosler 55gn Spitzer BT's. I realize the 75gn AMax's are a bit heavy for the 1:9 twist, but they were donated after I made whiny noises about the wind at Boise's outdoor range.
Second problem: I started with some once-fired factory brass from various manufacturers. Most of them I had no problem with but some of the brass (Speer) will not accept the primers (Winchester Sm. Rifle). If I try and seat the primer, it gets hung up and does not seat properly. The primer is not seated flush and forcing it only causes the edges to be flush with a bulge at the center of the primer. Is this a known issue with Speer brass?
Looking forward to learning from some of the more experienced reloaders!
Thx,
Mike
just getting started into the wide (wild?) world of reloading and am looking for some sage advice.
I made the investment into a Lee Classic Turret press in late July and am working up loads for my CZ-527 and DPMS M-4, both chambered in .223 and both with a 1:9 twist. I keep the brass from each rifle separate and am only doing neck-sizing on the brass.
First problem: I seem to be experiencing inconsistency in the amount of powder thrown by my Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure. I started with the non-Pro but upgraded after seeing wear on the non-Pro because I was constantly changing out the disks. I've spoken to Lee about the inconsistency and they said that a lot of the issue had to do with my choice of powder: Varget. Based upon some research on the 'net tonight, I think I should be sticking with extruded powders because of their consistency....the question becomes how to get a consistent powder charge. I'm sometimes seeing a difference of between .5 and .9 grains. This concerns me a bit - how can I determine which load is giving me the best accuracy if the amount of the powder charge is inconsistent??? I only chose Varget at a friend's suggestion and am too new to the process to be hooked on it. Suggestions for other powders would be gladly accepted. My current bullet choices are Hornady 75gn AMax BT's and Nosler 55gn Spitzer BT's. I realize the 75gn AMax's are a bit heavy for the 1:9 twist, but they were donated after I made whiny noises about the wind at Boise's outdoor range.
Second problem: I started with some once-fired factory brass from various manufacturers. Most of them I had no problem with but some of the brass (Speer) will not accept the primers (Winchester Sm. Rifle). If I try and seat the primer, it gets hung up and does not seat properly. The primer is not seated flush and forcing it only causes the edges to be flush with a bulge at the center of the primer. Is this a known issue with Speer brass?
Looking forward to learning from some of the more experienced reloaders!
Thx,
Mike