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New Reloads
sirgknight
Member Posts: 109 ✭✭
well, I just completed my first 100 30.06 reloads. I used military brass (Greek HXP 4047-72), winchester primers, hornady 150 gr. SP bullets and IMR4896 powder (45.4 grains). according to my Lee reloading data the minimum length of a loaded cartridge should be 3.30 inches, and maximum length should be 3.34 inches. when i set up my bullet seating die i used a factory loaded round to try to get a very close estimate on seating depth, but it didn't turn out the way i figured. the very first round gave me a reading of 3.268, so I had to back off the adjustment a couple of turns and start readjusting. all the rest of my reloads ultimately had a reading of 3.317, 3l318 or 3.319. most gave a reading of 3.318. my question concerns that very first reloaded round. is the 3.268 too far out of tolerance to fire? Just how critical are these numbers? thanks.
Comments
Thats if a crimp is needed , some bullets don't have a cannalure on them , these types of bullets , I don't crimp . Also , your brass should be uniform to with-in .001 or .002 of each other , if not , invest in a case trimmer ( a must if crimping bullets in a cannalure )
Read up on the use of military brass , I have read that you should back the load down by as much as 5 or 10% .
and one other thing ,
quote:well, I just completed my first 100 30.06 reloads. I used military brass (Greek HXP 4047-72), winchester primers, hornady 150 gr. SP bullets and IMR4896 powder (45.4 grains).
I would only load about 20 or so rounds of an unknown load , to see if your rifle likes that load , you might find out at the range , that you have 100 rounds of ammo that won't group worth chit .
You can try different powder , primers and bullet styles or just change the powder your using by a few grains to tune in a " Pet " load for your rifle .
I was the same way when I started loading , hell bent and balls to the wall [:p][:p] load 100 rounds for everything , then start shooting [:p][:p]
Slow down , read up and keep asking questions , after all one of the perks of rolling your own is to save $$$ and shoot QUALITY ammo .
Just MHO and welcome to the world of reloading , you WILL enjoy it [;)]
I ordered some Accurate 2230 for my .223 that I want to try sometime on 30.06 but I'll use my Winchester casings for those loads. I'm very pleased with the way these first reloads turned out. Don't know how they'll shoot, but what the heck. Hey H&H, if you think I went overboard on 30.06, I've got 250 rounds of once-fired Winchester .223 casings that I'm just chomping at the bit to reload. My powder came today (Accurate 2230). I love plinking with my AR15. I'll also be reloading 30-30 and M1 carbine. Thanks for the feedback guys. I thought this was going to be a hobby, but it is rapidly becoming an obsession.....I love it. EDIT: by the way, I do have a case trimmer..I bought a Zip Trim from Lee along with the gauges for all of the calibers I'm loading. I haven't had to use it for MY casings yet, but I did a few for a friend and it is quite the tool. They named it correctly...zip and your done, and it does a nice clean job.
If your looking for bullets for your 223 , check the thread in this forum " 223 mil brass question " there are a few good links to some good deals on bullets .
Good luck with your new addiction [:p]
as for the military brass, I'm not that familiar at all about its performance so I used the beginning load data for these bullets and powder. The 45.4 grains was the lightest load in the data book. Do you think that I should have gone 10-15% below that?
I think you should be fine. It may be a bit "hotter" than a starting load in commercial brass but it is still on the low end. If they don't feel right when you are shooting them, you can always pull the bullet later. Don't know what kind of rifle you are shooting them from either.
As far as your "chomping at the bit" for you 223 cases, you can get them ready to load. Size, trim, chamfer, and seat your primer. If that doesn't tide you over than load 10-20 each of different loads, starting at the low end. Because you are just going to be plinking with them find one that reliably cycles the action and stick with it. No need to go to any higher. That way you can use less powder, which translates to more money for bullets. [:p][:D] No need for the higher pressures and extra wear and tear.