The US military changed to a 1:7 twist while still using vast quantities of 55gr, so I don't think you'll have any issues!
Registered User
The US military changed to a 1:7 twist while still using vast quantities of 55gr, so I don't think you'll have any issues!
Killer Vampire Lesbians on scooters
I'm getting ready to load my first round. I have set everything out, the four hole turret is ready on the press, I look up the load data and....... Vectan's website is down!
No problem, I'll look up the equivalent to tu3000. There it is! Or rather there they are. Each equivalent gives a different start and finish weight, AND a different minimum OAL.
Far too complicated for me today. I'll wait to see if they fix the website
Registered User
The link from Arris is working so you could use that one
Killer Vampire Lesbians on scooters
Originally Posted by JB101
I tried. Unfortunately it doesn't include data on 50 or 62gr bullets. Oh, and the case is full to the brim at 23.5gr of tubular powder.
And my powder measure has just committed Hari Kari!
Registered User
Registered User
I'm sorry. Yes, you buy the bullets that will work in your barrel, but your first post seemed to imply that the bullet length is dictated by the twist, not limited by it - it read as a fast twist needed a longer bullet when actually a fast twist can take a longer bullet, just doesn't need to be a longer bullet.
Military bullets (FMJs) are inherently less stable than match bullets like the SMK. A small error in finishing the jacket point on a HP bullet is a much smaller turning moment than the same error on an FMJ which is finished at the bullet base. This leads to slightly greater instability in the FMJ and which is why SMKs cost double or more than a similar military FMJ.My .223" was 1:8 I could get clover leaf groups at 100 yards, (prone unrested with a scope) with 68 gr Sierra Match Kings and 68gr Hornady.
I tried the military bullet and it was on target but would have need developing to be accurate, maybe!
I have found that some particular faster .223 loads give me a very similar group when I test them at 100yds as at 200yds. I was told this could be because the bullet needs time to settle down into its flight and being fast it may travel more than 100yds before it achieves this. I don't know how true the explanation is but it still works out on paper.
Good deals with: Muskett, Dreben, roger.kerry, TALL, Helidave1, Chelseablue, Leeroy7031, Mousemann, pnuk, Practical, NEWFI, HOOGS, Webb22, lazybones1416 and deanw5262 among others. Thanks Guys.
Killer Vampire Lesbians on scooters
I have made up some rounds for testing, I have followed the minimum COL in each case, but they are all catching on the lands?
Do I just reduce the length until they don't?
Registered User
You need an oal gauge
https://www.hornady.com/modified-cases#!/
And a .223 modified case.
And a comparator.. and a caliper to measure.
Start at 30 thou off the lands.
Reloading is fun!
Owns three Roy orbison albums
I'm not qualified to advise you, but for what it's worth I have read that pressures can climb rapidly if the bullet can't gain at least some momentum before encountering the rifling. Please don't simply experiment with this, good advice is available in reloading manuals.
Awesome Shooting Coach and Author.
First, to answer the simple query, you match the bullet to the barrel, 1 in 8 twist is ideal for 60 to 80 gn bullets.
The COAL length is specific to the bullet, and the barrel free bore, (i.e where it touches), and is specifically importantly to the load, get it wrong, and you have high pressures!
The wife and I shoot at top level, and shoot Internationally at 300 mts, and load our own ammo (6mmBR and .223) to the highest standards, capable of world level scores at 300 mts, with .223 using 80 gns bullets in a 1 in 8 twist. I do not intend to go into any more detail.
Reloading if performed correctly is safe, BUT, there are big risks for the inexperienced, you are clearly very inexperienced. There are very high pressures involved, and very dangerous repercussions of getting it wrong, possibly fatal.
The NRA report they have seen several serious injuries in 2022 from reloading accidents, and they are considering and will likely be putting in mandatory requirements on reloaded ammo using Bisley and any MoD range.
The questions you are asking, raise serious concerns, and leads me to suggest that before you load any thing at all, that you get proven expert advice, face to face. I suggest you contact the NRA, and get on a NRA reloading course, or as a minimum any reloading course, and get advice from a proven expert.
As a bare minimum get a good book on the subject, and read it cover to cover, to at least understand the requirements, and the risks of getting it wrong, not only to you, but innocent bystanders, then get on a course.
The internet is not the place for you to start getting advice.
Take care, and Have Fun
Robin
Walther KK500 Alutec expert special - Barnard .223 "wilde" in a Walther KK500 Alutec stock, mmm...tasty!! - Keppeler 6 mmBR with Walther grip and wood! I may be a Walther-phile?
Killer Vampire Lesbians on scooters
Thankyou Robin. I have my well thumbed "Modern reloading" book, but unfortunately, in the world of Richard Lee, Vectan powders simply don't exist! Conversely, on the Vectan loading data, the 50 and 62 grain bullets I have don't exist!?
I have found COL data for the 62 grain on the Hornady website, still struggling to find the same for Winchester 50 grain PSP. I am heading to the gun shop/range/reloading centre later this week and am going to spend time there with their data and load records for the same calibre/powder/bullets. I have also gained information from club members at the range where I am a member.
I have been reloading for handguns for a few years now, it really is childsplay compared to this!
Moderator
Excellent post Robin and full of good info and suggestions.
I shoot around 7 or 8 thousand reloaded rifle rounds annually, more than half being .223 but also 6.5CM and .308. The vast majority of fellow competitors are reloaders too. I have witnessed several potentially serious accidents in the last year due to negligence on the part of reloaders. Without trying to patronise anyone, please be very, very careful and take credible advice as suggested by Robin. Some 'mate's advice' can be downright dangerous.
The most recent incident was during a major competition, pressure on and the shooter fired and was about to chamber another round but the guy behind shouted 'Stop, stop stop'. He (guy behind, unlike the shooter) had realised that it was a squid round, in this case, no powder and it was only the primer that had detonated which dislodged the bullet from the case's neck tension and propelled it some distance up the barrel. The ejected case looked normal but the rifle was in a very dangerous state with a barrel that was blocked.
I believe that in Jun 2021 a similar incident happened on Century and the new target rifle failed destroying the rifle although thankfully, with no serious injury. This incident may have one of those that contributed to the NRA/MOD's recent comments on reloading safety.
These situations happen when people get distracted during the reloading process. And as someone who has reloaded several hundred rounds over the weekend, I know only too well how mind numbingly boring the process can be and how critical it is to develop a systemic routine that leaves no (minimal) margin for error.
Keep safe and have fun.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote