• The Shot You’ll Never Forget Giveaway - Enter To Win A Barrel From Rifle Barrel Blanks!

    Tell us about the best or most memorable shot you’ve ever taken. Contest ends June 13th and remember: subscribe for a better chance of winning!

    Join contest Subscribe

Did I load to Hot???

SPRINKLE

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 23, 2009
147
0
44
New Mexico
I just bought a dillon 550 and after a few stuck case problems I finely loaded my first rounds. I used IMR 4198. to be honest with you I wanted to buy the 4895. I also bought varget. I want the speed as well as the accuracy.
I am shooting a DPMS mark 12 with a 1-8 twist 18" barrel. I am trying to get to 900 yards with it as well.
I bought some 69 grain SMK
I loaded my first set with 23.4 grains of Imr 4198
2nd 23 grains
3rd 22.5
4th 22

now as I read they say 22 is with a 60 grain bullet. and with the 69 the charge is more like 20.
im using lake city brass cci primer.

have I loaded the ammo to hot am I asking for trouble to shoot it ? Thanks
 
Re: Did I load to Hot???

As far as the stuck case issue did you first clean your dies and use case lube on your brass before shoving them in there?

As for the powder question: if you are automatically jumping 10-15% over the listed maximum powder charge in your rifle without working up to it first from BELOW the max charge, then you are in for a world of hurt in your possibly quite short reloading carreer.

Good luck...
 
Re: Did I load to Hot???

read your load data again. Then get a puller yank the pills and start over! Ohh and read the loading manual again. I'm not trying to be a hard ass, just trying to stop you from having your bolt stuffed through your cheek and out the back of your head!!!
 
Re: Did I load to Hot???

always start at or near the minimum charge listed in the manuals. and remember every variable you change has impact on the data. if the manual indicates a load range of say 22-25 grains with varget, it will also indicate a specific bullet with an expected ogive, COAL, barrel length and twist, primer and brass selection and of course powder selection. changing any of those can and will effect pressure. some more than others but until you are really familiar with the compnents and the rifle and how pressure will change as you change variable dont take the risk.
 
Re: Did I load to Hot???

That doesn't sound very hot; 23 gr is near the minimum with Varget. I'm not very familiar with 4198 though.

I use 23.4 gr Varget with 75 gr Amax. What BC are those 69 SMKs? You might wanna try 77 gr SMK or Hornady 75 gr Match for the accuracy part of it. The 1:8 twist will handle all of those...
 
Re: Did I load to Hot???

Remember...What you are dealing with is a "Controled Explosion"! What these guys said +1. I as well, am not trying to be smart a$$, reloading is fun, but you CANNOT be fooling around (experimenting) with controlled explosions.
 
Re: Did I load to Hot???

I did figure out the stuck cases. I needed to let the Dillon oil dry before I started. And then I found I needed to oil the necks. I believe I have that down. And to be honest with you I saw some loads loaded in the 22 and 23s. What I didnt realize is that they were for a 60 grain bullet. Thats why I am asking. I didnt load 100 of them just a few of each. I am shooting an AR and dont want to hurt anything.

so common thought PULL THEM? start at 18?????????
 
Re: Did I load to Hot???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Acehigh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">buy a reloading manual! </div></div>

+1...

Find a copy of Lyman's Centerfire Handloading Handbook. Then read the whole thing (not counting the load specific data chapters). Read the safety chapter twice.

Then remember, every time you pull the trigger, you are setting off an explosion inches from your face.
 
Re: Did I load to Hot???

Well, according to the IMR loading data for IMR4198 with a 69 GR. HPBT your starting load should be 18.3 grn. and max 19.5.

Varget starting is 24 grn. and max is 26.

Don't confuse the two, and yes my guess is you are loading too hot for the 4198..........especially starting where you are. Not trying to offend you but you might want to do a little more research before you continue.
 
Re: Did I load to Hot???

Is the powder too slow for your gas port location or gas port setting? Slower powders and heavier bullets often, but not always, require modification of the rifle. Could you be getting hard cycling?
 
Re: Did I load to Hot???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Acehigh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">buy a reloading manual! </div></div>

+1...

Find a copy of Lyman's Centerfire Handloading Handbook. Then read the whole thing (not counting the load specific data chapters). Read the safety chapter twice.

Then remember, every time you pull the trigger, you are setting off an explosion inches from your face. </div></div>


These guys are right on.You really need to step back and do more research,or you may do damage to yourself or your gun.Always start 10% lower then loading manual specifies and work up loads from there