dukeflr
10-13-2011, 03:07 AM
I've spent the last couple of weeks reading a bunch of posts here and all over the net. Since the 223AI will be my first wildcat, I would feel more comfortable with some advice. I would like to run my plan by y'all and get your criticisms or confirmation before ordering my components in about a week.
I ordered an E.R. Shaw barrel from Gunshack. It is a varmint contour with a 1 in 9" twist. It will be mounted to a SA and bedded to a BVSS stock. I plan on using the Lee FL sizer die when the brass needs it, but the 223rem collet die on a regular basis. I'll be using a forster press and RCBS chargemaster.
I was planning on shooting the 70gr or 75gr VLDs, and the 75gr A-max. Should I even bother trying the 75gr VLD? I suspect it may be too long. The plan was to start out with RL-15 and H4895. Secondary powders would be H380 and Varget.
What is the lightest bullet this barrel will likely shoot well? I would still like to send some 40gr down range once in a while. Should I just buy some vmax and BT and see which the barrel likes? I will have Benchmark, H335 and H4895 for the lighter bullets.
I have a ton of Federal brass on hand. It is once fired, with the crimped primer pocket. I'll de-crimp the Primer Pocket with my Dillion super swage. If I loose some to fireforming or after a few reloadings, no big deal. I have a bunch.
I was going to fireform by loading a 40gr about 1 grain less than 223rem max, and seat it .010 into the lands. Maybe it won't be long enough, and I'll have to fireform with one of the longer bullets. I'll make up a couple of dummy rounds after the rifle is assembled and adjust my plan from there.
Feel free to give any tips or tricks you've learned. Any loads you're willing to share would be good too. I fully understand that I need to work up to my rifle's max, which may be lower than others. Speaking of max loads; What is typically the first pressure signs with the 223AI? The normal stuff like sticky bolt and flattened primers? I did read where someone had sticky extraction, but no other signs. Is it best to begin working up a load just under the original 223 max with the formed brass and increase the charge by .2 grains at a time?
Thanks in advance,
Duke
I ordered an E.R. Shaw barrel from Gunshack. It is a varmint contour with a 1 in 9" twist. It will be mounted to a SA and bedded to a BVSS stock. I plan on using the Lee FL sizer die when the brass needs it, but the 223rem collet die on a regular basis. I'll be using a forster press and RCBS chargemaster.
I was planning on shooting the 70gr or 75gr VLDs, and the 75gr A-max. Should I even bother trying the 75gr VLD? I suspect it may be too long. The plan was to start out with RL-15 and H4895. Secondary powders would be H380 and Varget.
What is the lightest bullet this barrel will likely shoot well? I would still like to send some 40gr down range once in a while. Should I just buy some vmax and BT and see which the barrel likes? I will have Benchmark, H335 and H4895 for the lighter bullets.
I have a ton of Federal brass on hand. It is once fired, with the crimped primer pocket. I'll de-crimp the Primer Pocket with my Dillion super swage. If I loose some to fireforming or after a few reloadings, no big deal. I have a bunch.
I was going to fireform by loading a 40gr about 1 grain less than 223rem max, and seat it .010 into the lands. Maybe it won't be long enough, and I'll have to fireform with one of the longer bullets. I'll make up a couple of dummy rounds after the rifle is assembled and adjust my plan from there.
Feel free to give any tips or tricks you've learned. Any loads you're willing to share would be good too. I fully understand that I need to work up to my rifle's max, which may be lower than others. Speaking of max loads; What is typically the first pressure signs with the 223AI? The normal stuff like sticky bolt and flattened primers? I did read where someone had sticky extraction, but no other signs. Is it best to begin working up a load just under the original 223 max with the formed brass and increase the charge by .2 grains at a time?
Thanks in advance,
Duke