Leade for 223 Chambering - is this OK?

[kskevin]

I posted this in the Rifles section but wanted to post it here too as the topic may be more relevant for this forum.

I have a Savage model 11 in 223 Rem. Just getting ready to start reloading for it. Leade measurement is 1.964". Is this OK, excessive, etc? If loaded to the lands, is this too long to ensure decent bullet seating depth (ie is this barrel worn out or is this just typical excessive leade as part of normal factory chambering). A few other key dimensions: Headspace 1.466", Chamber length 1.784".

I wanted to start my load devlopment with seating depth loaded to the lands. I realize I may not end up there as I work up load accuracy, but know this is where I should start.

I've played around with Hornady 68g BTHP, Sierra BlitzKing 55g, Hornady 55g Vmax, and Hornady 75g Amax bullets. If loaded to the lands, OALs are: 2.480" (75g Amax), 2.377" Hor 68g BTHP, 2.359" (Sierra 55g). Max length for magazine fit is 2.420" so all fit but 75g Amax. However, on all of these, the bullet seating depth is running about 0.210 - 0.220" (ignoring the boattail portion of the bullet). I've read I should have a min bullet seating depth approximately equal to caliber diameter (0.224"). I'm close, but on the low end here.

Would these loads be seated deep enough, what are the potential issues? Should I be concerned about OAL given they exceed the Max cartridge OAL of 2.260" (as stated in Hornady reloading manual 4th edition)? Any other issues/concerns that I'm overlooking?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[kskevin]

Re: Leade for 223 Chambering - is this OK?

anything guys???

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Leade for 223 Chambering - is this OK?

It’s nothing to be concerned about. You can run to the lands if you choose which is good for the long A-max’s and VLD designs provided you have the twist to stabilize them. Both of my 223 bolts have long leads, one is custom and the other is Remington factory. One load than shines in both is a 69smk at 2.250-2.260 OAL. It has to jump at this seating depth but shoots awesome groups. In the custom barrel I also run 80 VLD’s touching the lands, leaving room for more powder. It shoots well there too. The Remington barrel doesn’t have the required twist to stabilize those but I can load the 75-77 bthp's closer to the lands and put a little more fuel in. Don’t sweat it.

 

[MALLARD]

Re: Leade for 223 Chambering - is this OK?

+ 1 your fine

what are you using to measure your leade ?

 

[kskevin]

Re: Leade for 223 Chambering - is this OK?

i took an empty cartridge fired in my rifle, loaded a bullet at very long length and gently chambered it. Measured ogive length each time. Did this several times with each of the different bullets I want to load for. Got the exact same measurement each time within 0.001".

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Leade for 223 Chambering - is this OK?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Niles Coyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> One load than shines in both is a 69smk at 2.250-2.260 OAL. It has to jump at this seating depth but shoots awesome groups. </div></div>

I must have been half asleep, varget at 25.3 and winchester or LC-09 brass, WSR primer.

 

[kskevin]

Re: Leade for 223 Chambering - is this OK?

Is there a min seating depth that I must maintain (how shallow is too shallow)?