Uh oh. Scale malfunction

[bernie1978]

I just loaded some .223 with 55gr solid copper bullets and h335. I discovered that my scale didn't calibrate right so they are loaded with 19 gr of powder instead of the intended 22.5. Safe to shoot or bring out the puller?

 

[joem1945]

I'd pull them. Can't be too safe.

 

[wally]

Since its under charged instead of over charged, unless 22.5 is the absolute minimum charge I'd just shoot them as I find pulling to be very tedious.

Might make your AR a single shot, though.

If these bullets are too expensive for casual shooting then suck it up and start pulling!

 

[moxie]

Even the 22.5 looks awful light.

Speer #14 shows starting charge of 24.0 grs. H335 for 55 gr. bullets, although there's no specific data for that longer all copper bullet. But that's about a 25% reduction under recommended starting charge. Probably safe but I'd pull them. Hope "some" isn't too many.

 

[higgite]

Don't know what your OAL is, but your charge is way below what Hodgdon shows for a 55 gr Barnes TSX. I'd pull them, but that's just me.

Curious, what does your manual say for minimum load?

Edit: Hodgdon says 21.3 to 22.7 gr with a C.O.L. of 2.180".

 

[noylj]

Shoot 'em. You have more than enough powder to get them down range. If you checked four different manuals, you may even have the starting load from one of the manuals.

 

[gamestalker]

I would shoot them.

Hodgdon data shows a minimum charge of 21.3 gr. H335 with a 55 gr. Barns TSX. It will very likely be a mild load, but since it just barely falls below the 10% reduction rule, which would be 19.2 grs., it should be ok.

If it was a jacketed bullet I probably wouldn't recommend going with that charge.

Considering this is a case of the scale not being properly zeroed, I would recommend pulling one to make sure it's 19.0 grs..

GS

 

[bernie1978]

Thanks to all.

 

[bernie1978]

My manual says 21.3 min and they are loaded at 2.25.