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I'm an experienced reloader for rifle cartridges but have only recently started reloading for 223 Remington. I have come across some issues that maybe other members may have seen and could perhaps comment on:
Components used:
1. Viht N140.
2. Ramshot Exterminator.
3. Geco FL sized and trimmed cases.
4. Hornady 68gn BTHP bullets
5. Hornady FL sizer die set.
6. COL 2.25 inches
Issue 1. I have predominantly used Viht rifle powders for the past 20 years and started reloading with the recommended starting weight of N140 23.6gn, incrementing by 0.5gn after 10 rounds... When I got to seating the bullets on the 24.6gn loads, the bullet started to compress the powder (I could feel and hear it). When I seated the bullet on the 25.1gn loads, I end up with an annular indentation about 3/16" from the point of the bullet caused by the seating stem in the die. Have any members had this or similar problem and what was the cure if any?

Issue 2. I bought a tub of Ramshot Exterminator and started a batch using this powder. This is a much denser fine grained ball powder that I have never used before. The issue this time is totally different, nothing to do with seating the bullet and powder compression. What i find with this powder is the amount of spillage when I pour the charge from the scale pan (I weight each charge with a Lyman Gen5) using a powder funnel into the case. I think the powder is so fine that it must escape in the very small gap between the case mouth and the funnel. Again have any members had a similar problem and was there a cure???

All the best, John..

What type of funnel are you using.

Issue 2: buy a funnel that fits inside the case mouth. I have a very small white one which was part of a set of three if I remember rightly. Think they were kitchen related.

Redcat

I have two funnels, a Redding and an RCBS. It's the same result with both.. What I find is a small amount of powder in the reloading block cavities..

Compressed load is normal with the charge you've mentioned and really nothing to worry about.

As above. Compressed load with N140. Viht list some "full" case loads in 223 with N140.
My 223 is actually a 5.56 and I can get 26gn N140 behind a 69gn SMK.
HOWEVER- I am loading way over "factory" oal on account of long free bore.
It may be worth your while experimenting with seating depth. You may find you can seat the bullet further out.
It might improve accuracy.
I use some Ramshot powders which are a fine ball type.
Its like dealing with running water-goes everywhere!
I use the Lyman plastic funnel with the inverted opening and not had any problems with it and fine powders.
Tony

Spoonrest wrote:the bullet started to compress the powder (I could feel and hear it).

You could try a long drop funnel.

..

@Tony and JSC.
I'm shooting a Colt AR15 HBAR so I need to stick to 2.25". I'm not so concerned with compressed charges but the deformation of the bullet having to seat so deeply into the case. I have some S&B cases which I will try reloading soon - maybe they will have a greater capacity..
My son shooting at 100m.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_GnVywEFwk

Vihtavuori is a nice bulky powder, so the solution to the compression is to either increase your overall length or to back off on the powder charge. If you're going with option one, then I'd suggest backing off a grain and work your way back when using the longer overall length.

For your second issue, as another person has suggested you could use a funnel that fits inside the case mouth. My loading blocks also contain some amount of Ramshot powder for the same reason.

Spoonrest wrote:@Tony and JSC.
I'm shooting a Colt AR15 HBAR so I need to stick to 2.25". I'm not so concerned with compressed charges but the deformation of the bullet having to seat so deeply into the case. I have some S&B cases which I will try reloading soon - maybe they will have a greater capacity..

I'm loading 77gn Sierras to the same OAL as you most of the time (for mag feeding) and have also tried real heavies too.

When I first started reloading .223 Rem, I had a few concerns myself regarding neck tension, OAL, compressed loads etc. but quickly realised it's not as critical as you might think.

I don't know what you mean by "deformation of the bullet", maybe you can explain? A compressed load is fine as long as you monitor the pressures. All the .223 loads I use are compressed to an extent. They all work fine. I don't think you'll see enough variation in capacity between brass brands to make much difference.

Just shoot them and look at the results. That's always the acid test.