First go at reloading, sanity check.

Alexj said:

Hi all,

I'm in need of some advice please.

I am about to start reloading for the first time and thought I would start with .223. I want to load some 40gn Vmax and got some N130, that seemed a sensible choice according to Viht. When I compare Hornady and Viht tables, they are close on max load and velocity, all very reassuring. I have also had a look at ApexLOAD PRO, to apply some more accurate figures to the various parameters. This is where my questions come from.
I have adjusted my case volume, barrel length etc. The recommended max loads are showing 400fps less, I expected to lose some speed with 3 and 4 inches less than the published data but that would be disappointing.

I suppose I should actually ask some questions!

1/ How close do these apps tend to correlate with reality?

2/ Do people worry about incomplete combustion? I'm not keen on powder collecting in the mod. I tried the same length barrel as the manufacturers in the app, still gets warnings over incomplete burn.

3/ Looking at the ApexLOAD PRO, would the collective go with N120? Seems to give better speeds at lower pressure and with 100% burn.

Salient info:- Norma case 31.05, 22 inch barrel .223 40gn vmax N130 or maybe N120....

Thanks in anticipation of some sage advice

Alex

Click to expand...

Alexj said:

3/ Looking at the ApexLOAD PRO, would the collective go with N120? Seems to give better speeds at lower pressure and with 100% burn.

Click to expand...

Alexj said:

Hi all,

I'm in need of some advice please.

I am about to start reloading for the first time and thought I would start with .223. I want to load some 40gn Vmax and got some N130, that seemed a sensible choice according to Viht. When I compare Hornady and Viht tables, they are close on max load and velocity, all very reassuring. I have also had a look at ApexLOAD PRO, to apply some more accurate figures to the various parameters. This is where my questions come from.
I have adjusted my case volume, barrel length etc. The recommended max loads are showing 400fps less, I expected to lose some speed with 3 and 4 inches less than the published data but that would be disappointing.

I suppose I should actually ask some questions!

1/ How close do these apps tend to correlate with reality?

2/ Do people worry about incomplete combustion? I'm not keen on powder collecting in the mod. I tried the same length barrel as the manufacturers in the app, still gets warnings over incomplete burn.

3/ Looking at the ApexLOAD PRO, would the collective go with N120? Seems to give better speeds at lower pressure and with 100% burn.

Salient info:- Norma case 31.05, 22 inch barrel .223 40gn vmax N130 or maybe N120....

Thanks in anticipation of some sage advice

Alex

Click to expand...

NullMac said:

You are over thinking it for starting out.

You have N130 use that.

Use the Viht tables initially. If there is not an exact match to the bullet you are going to use pick the same weight lead bullet. Be sure it’s lead not copper.

Full length resize. Load to the recommended cartridge overall length.

Start test loads a couple of grains off max load and go up in 0.2 gr increments.

Check for pressure signs. There are unlikely to be any.

Shoot some. Try to take you out of the test shooting. See what happens then work out where you go from there.

This is a huge topic. Just make some safe bullets, test them and load some more.

The trouble with reloading is you will get loads of different answers. Much of it will be a rehash of old theories that have since proven to be wrong.

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MTheaded but happy said:

You've answered your own question .3/
or use N130 if you've already got some .

Remember, all data is based on the batch of powder and the barrel it was tested in , so you may reach pressure before book max and see different velocities.

As @Norfolk Deer Search , use a good manual and learn to recognise pressure signs .

There's too much emphasis placed on internal ballistics programmes , the reality is you still need to do load development to see real world results.

Click to expand...

Alexj said:

Thanks MT, I'll have a play with what I have.
I appreciate the feedback.

A

Click to expand...

MTheaded but happy said:

You've answered your own question .3/
or use N130 if you've already got some .

Remember, all data is based on the batch of powder and the barrel it was tested in , so you may reach pressure before book max and see different velocities.

As @Norfolk Deer Search , use a good manual and learn to recognise pressure signs .

There's too much emphasis placed on internal ballistics programmes , the reality is you still need to do load development to see real world results.

Click to expand...

MTheaded but happy said:

There's plenty of videos on YouTube on how to correctly set up a F/L sizing die . You really need minimal shoulder bump , by that I mean no more than 0.002" in a 223 . If you size them too hard you may be looking at case separation in as few as 3 firings .

Sorry for setting you homework.

Enjoy .

P.S buy a sharpie to write the loads on the brass .

Click to expand...

Alexj said:

Hi all,

I'm in need of some advice please.

I am about to start reloading for the first time and thought I would start with .223. I want to load some 40gn Vmax and got some N130, that seemed a sensible choice according to Viht. When I compare Hornady and Viht tables, they are close on max load and velocity, all very reassuring. I have also had a look at ApexLOAD PRO, to apply some more accurate figures to the various parameters. This is where my questions come from.
I have adjusted my case volume, barrel length etc. The recommended max loads are showing 400fps less, I expected to lose some speed with 3 and 4 inches less than the published data but that would be disappointing.

I suppose I should actually ask some questions!

1/ How close do these apps tend to correlate with reality?

2/ Do people worry about incomplete combustion? I'm not keen on powder collecting in the mod. I tried the same length barrel as the manufacturers in the app, still gets warnings over incomplete burn.

3/ Looking at the ApexLOAD PRO, would the collective go with N120? Seems to give better speeds at lower pressure and with 100% burn.

Salient info:- Norma case 31.05, 22 inch barrel .223 40gn vmax N130 or maybe N120....

Thanks in anticipation of some sage advice

Alex

Click to expand...

Liveonce said:

I would hope published data by the likes of powder manufactures use test barrels which are manufactured to minimum CIP or SAAMI dimensions for the calibre being tested as that would give maximum pressure. Or at least all shotgun test barrels i have seen are like that and full choke. Test barrels are precision things and expensive.

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Cyres said:

Here you are.
View attachment 464660View attachment 464661

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MTheaded but happy said:

There's plenty of videos on YouTube on how to correctly set up a F/L sizing die . You really need minimal shoulder bump , by that I mean no more than 0.002" in a 223 . If you size them too hard you may be looking at case separation in as few as 3 firings .

Sorry for setting you homework.

Enjoy .

P.S buy a sharpie to write the loads on the brass .

Click to expand...

NP435 said:

There is no substitute for pressure tested printed data, and the manuals have a safety section that needs a good read and understanding before you begin to load. Any questions you have, and post here will get numerous reply's that may not agree. Good luck and feel free to ask me anything about the process.

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fizzbangwhallop said:

I’ve found P-Max to be very good… developed by borbal, one of our resident experts

P-Max internal ballistics

Cheer
Fizz

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