Couple of reloading questions

[Bradu]

I am just getting back into reloading and not sure on a few things that I can't seem to find the answers to. First, how much difference is there in primers? My reloading book calls for Remington primers for the .243 and I will be using Winchester primers which I have read can be a little hotter. I know I work my way up to max powder drop but will this make much of a difference in pressures?

My other question is the difference between Winchester .308 brass and FGMM brass with case capacity and powder charge. I know it can make a difference but I'm not finding the info I need. I have spent a lot of time lately searching trying to figure out all this stuff and haven't found all the info I need.

 

[Broken_Reticle]

Re: Couple of reloading questions

I think I can answer your first question... yes primers can make pressure differences. so can many other differences between our own rifle and the rifle used as the test bed in the reloading book. That is why they include the type of rifle they used.

So as you work up your own load watch for pressure signs etc. for that primer and powder. What they use might not be the optimal but what they just happened to use. I do km now that the new Sierra book I got does list when they think a magnum primer might be better suited for some powders. So read the first page of the caliber listing the book to get their opion on loading that round and their observations.

I hope this helps.

B_R

 

[roggom]

Re: Couple of reloading questions

Pick a primer and brass and work your powder to find your load. Then manipulate seating depth to attain a tighter group.

I use WLR primers and have very good results. As for max powder, work an OCW load to find the optimal node for your rifle. Choose a better BC bullet and go from there. Max velocity does not always equal accuracy. A higher BC bullet will be more advantageous bucking the wind. I guess it really depends on how far you will be shooting.

Between Winchester and FGMM, I would go Winchester. Even though winchester has less case capacity, the FGMM primer pocket will open up after about 3 loads (even without obvious pressure signs), thats why you always see them for sale.

If you want domestic brass with long case life, try Remington brass. You will have to do some brass prep though.

You can skip most of the headaches and get a box of Lapua and be done with it.

 

[Bob 964]

Re: Couple of reloading questions

I'll give your second question a try. I weighed a handful of FGMM and Winchester cases (.308). The FGMM weighed, on average, about 15 grains more than the Winchester. Since heavier cases will generally have less interior volume, I would expect (for any given charge weight) the interior pressure for the FGMM cases to be greater than the interior pressure of the Winchester cases, which weigh less and have a larger interior volume. These pressure differences should produce variations in velocities and larger long-range groups.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Re: Couple of reloading questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bradu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My other question is the difference between Winchester .308 brass and FGMM brass with case capacity and powder charge. I know it can make a difference but I'm not finding the info I need. I have spent a lot of time lately searching trying to figure out all this stuff and haven't found all the info I need. </div></div>

The only reliable way to determine the variances in case capacity between manufacturers and even between lots of same manufacturer is with water volume testing. You are starting to get pretty far out when you are looking at the connection between case capacity and cartridge performance...........just say'in.

 

[Bradu]

Re: Couple of reloading questions

Thanks guys, I found some info on the .243 load I'm working up and going from there. I started out on the low end and loading 10 rounds per increment in .5 grain increments to see where I'm at on pressure. Then I will mess around with bullet seating depth.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Re: Couple of reloading questions

Most books will have a certain caliber loads with a certain primer, but that is what the author for that load used. You can play and try out other brands but would pick what you like and trust or what is most often available. Start low as they can have a difference and don't want to note that difference in max+ loads.

There a lot of formal and backyard tests out there on the differential of "hotness" btw the primer brands. I lean from Remington primers. Like Winchester and Federal in my rifles loads and only use CCI mag pistol in my Linebaugh handguns. My best friend thinks I am smoking crack as he loves remington primers and loves how there is typically some selection amongst the remington primers when everything else is picked over. He thinks I am psychologically prejudiced by the green and orange color scheme. I think I just get pissed that the boxes are too small and don't stack for sh*t with my Winchester and CCI primers.