.223 Handloads

[RASteele]

I have been attempting to load some .223 rounds using Reloader 15 (24.9 grains) and 75gr Hornady AMAX bullets. I have spray-lubed the casings and belled the case mouth.

I have crushed six casings and not fully loaded a single one. What's going on? Should I lube the bullets, too?

The powder sits almost at the top of the case mouth, so I quadruple checked the load data, and it is correct with what I am putting in.

Too frustrated to continue. Can anyone offer some advise?

[dlewis45auto]

How are you belling the mouths of the cases? Usually, a rifle case neck is sized down, after the expanded ball has passed thru the neck. Then the expanded ball is pulled thru the neck to expand it to the necessary diameter. I'm pretty sure those bullets are boattails, so there should not be a problem with aligement between the case mouth and bullet.

First I would re-double check powder charge weight...(always), and second made sure the case mouth is not hanging up on the bottom edge of the die. Compressed powder charges usually just push out the bullet, until until enough pressure is released. You can change the amount of grip by adjusting the diameter of the expander ball, to help retain the bullet in the case.

I just loaded 500 rounds of 223 with the hornady 68 hpbt with Ramshot TAC.

Hope this helps...

dlewis45auto

[dlewis45auto]

and I forgot, if the powder weight is right, you can use a drop tube to help pack the powder in the case. I always had to when loading 222 with 3031.

But I'd check to die mouth for burrs, alignment, and whether the case mouth is hanging up.

dlewis45auto

[Rocky Raab]

I think the problem is the belling, also.

You shouldn't have to bell case mouths for jacketed bullets at all. Just the slight curve at the bottom of the jaket (or a boattail) and a light chamfering of the case is plenty.

I'd bet that you are catching the bell on the lip of the seater die. I've done it hundreds of times if I bell case mouths too much (when loading cast bullets).

Simply stop belling and I bet the problem disappears.

I do have to ask, though: is that 24.9 a START load for that bullet? If it is, and it fills the case almost to the mouth, then how would you work up? If it's NOT a start load, then why in heck are you starting there?

[Adam Helmer]

RASteele,

How long have you been reloading and what tools are you using? If you are new to reloading, did you read a good current reloading manual on reloading steps before you began?

Who told you to bell the case mouths? I see you got good advice so far. Either you belled the cases too much or are catching the case mouth on the edge of the seating die.

If you are new to reloading, I suggest you get an experienced reloader from your gun club to help you get started.

Adam

[Ol` Joe]

Sounds like a pretty stiff load, I`m sure it is compressed. How did these bullets seat for you in the past? You did work up to this level, right?

[Catfish]

As already stated DO NOT BELL the cases. Also RE- 15 is a very slow burning powder for the .223 and you are at or just over max. loads. I would back it down to at least 22 gns. to start. Something in the burn rate of H-335 would be a better choice of powder for the .223. RE-15 is only listed for the heavest bullet, which means it is slow for the round. RE-12 would be a better choice.

[spike1]

I don't think thats it ? I have data showing 26 grains of #15 so I know it will fit if I did it. I don't remember a problem ??

Could he be crimping or have the setting die set way down too far doing a crimp before the bullet gets in ?