0.223 Rem

[AlBur]

Bought some PPU 69 grain 0.224 FMJ bullets to reload for a 0.223 Rem. 26" barrel. 1 in 9 twist.
The bullets are much longer than the 62 grain bullets I have previously loaded.
Viht load data shows an OAL of 2.26" which means the bullet will be seated very deep, encroaching into the powder space but will fit into the magazine.
Loading a bullet to a case neck length gives an OAL of 2.32" which means the rounds will not fit into the rifle's magazine.

Question. Is it best to seat the bullet to the OAL maximum and fit into the magazine or load to one case neck depth & single feed the rounds.
Target shooting, so the latter is not a problem.
Anyone compared the above for accuracy. Which gives better accuracy.

Thanks
Al.

[sarge4318]

The 69 and indeed the 75s from PPU work very well loaded to mag length. Same with Sierra 69 and 77gn bullets and indeed the majority of them in that weight that I've tried.

A compressed load shouldn't be a problem, I use between 24 and 25gn of various powders with 69, 75 and 77gn bullets from several manufacturers and it is nearly always compressed. It is not an issue with pressure or extraction and the consistency is great.

With compressed loads it is best to initially work up to the charge you want and check for pressure but generally there isn't a problem with compressing the charge a small amount. With ARs and similar magazine fed rifles it is something to get used to and not worry about (once you've determined it's safe for your firearm of course), many manufacturer's and published reputable reloader's recipes state that the powder will be a compressed charge if loading to mag length.

[micken]

Better taking sarge4318's advice above that making up longer COAL cartridges that risk pushing the bullet into the lands of the rifling.