optimum minimum 223 case length

[davemuzz]

Now that we know the length, I'm agreeing with Bill. However, my other question wasn't answered…which may explain why your getting powder burns on the neck or neck and shoulder (you were not specific on that, and if you could post a pic that would be helpful) but…are your loads near the bottom end of the loading data or the top end?

Loads near, at, or a little above the "book" usually will have your neck expand quickly and block any gas from blowing back over the outside of your cartridge.

Dave

[BillPa]

However, my other question wasn't answered…which may explain why your getting powder burns on the neck or neck and shoulder
Dave

Blow by on the necks isn't all that uncommon. Usually its a result of generous chamber to case neck clearance dimensions. Soot on the shoulders on the other hand is an indication of too light of a charge and or a result of excessive shoulder bump.

How hard the brass is also comes into play, it resists changing shape. When sizing its called "spring back", when you have to run a case into a die two or three times to get the shoulder bumped back to where you want it.

Rarely will one see those conditions using factory ammo or the first firing on virgin brass because of the loading and the brass is soft having been annealed when its was made.

Bill