4895 in .222

[Birddogjake]

I was told a gun I purchased shoots 24.6 grains of 4895. when i try to seat a FB 52 bullet in that charge it swells the neck... any ideas

 

[K22]

Switch to IMR 4198 - the best powder I ever found for the 222 especially with 50 grain bullets.

 

[bheadboy]

some have had good luck with 4895 however i thinkit was with IMR not H, also that charge weight is hi for most chambers.

is this a full length size, or neck, is the case full up into the neck,, if so reduce the charge to the bottom of the neck and try with 52 flat base.

Bob

 

[gtl1946]

In my Rem. 700 Varmint I shoot a Sierra 53 w/Rem. 7 1/2 . It's an oldie but goodie that shoots in the .3's - .4's with 24.5 grn of IMR 4895. Sierra's accuracy load is 24.8 grn w/ 52 & 53 grn Sierra's . My Rem. 40XBBR can shoot H322 (21.5) & Rel.#7 (20.8) w/ 52 & 53 grn bullits. Very unusual to have a swollen neck as I'm sure you're aware .

 

[wapiti25]

Use neck only sized cases, you gain a little volume that way. IMR 4895 is a good powder in the 222. Are your bullets in the lands?

 

[Birddogjake]

yes there in the lands.

 

[bheadboy]

in my experience the 222 does not like in the lands seating, that is in my rifles, maybe not all, i won a number of br matches shooting jump

Back out to .010/.020 jump and thry that

bob

 

[gotcha]

Jake, Your 24.6 gr load is under max in my Hornady manual. You didn't mention if you were neck sizing only. Could you possibly be setting the shoulder back too far w/ a full length size? Case capacity can vary significantly between MFG's with the variances found in wall thickness. Winchester TENDS to be thinner walled (more capacity) than others. Just trying to brain storm a bit. I've never had a .223 or .222 that wouldn't shoot as good or better than anything else w/ IMR-4198. Faster powder than 4895, less volume. If all else fails give it a try.

 

[BulletBob3701]

I just got through loading some 222 new Winchester brass with 4895. 24.6 grains. The powder came to within a 1/8 inch of the top of the neck. I had no trouble seating 52 grain Bergers with a Wilson Seating die. Haven't shot this load yet - but will tomorrow.

Bob

 

[Birddogjake]

Thanks for all replies . I am using Laupa Blue box . Maybe I am bumping the shoulder back. 24.6 gr comes to the mouth of the case ...

 

[gtl1946]

After responding to your email and reading "gotcha's" post I see that I'm using WW brass and I always necksize . The funnel with a drop tube also helps when you dribble the powder down the side of the funnel where it will help the powder settle a bit in the case . See if you can find a funnel with a drop tube - they come in handy .

 

[robbor]

Darn i was hoping some of you would have something good to say. I have 8# of H4895 and was planning on trying it when i get my 222 barrel. As i recall H4895 seem to be better suited to heavier bullets according to my manual.

 

[bozo699]

I shoot both DuPont and H-4895 in my .222 with 50-53 grain bullets with excellent results, 4198 is a little better suited maybe but I can still get the old Sako to keep them in the twos with 4895 and a 50 v-max or Sierra MK and it meters much better then 4198.
Wayne.

 

[LHSmith]

When you say "swell the neck" , you do realize that after seating a bullet in a sized case the neck OD will increase?
Ditto on my findings about the need to jump .22 cal.'s.
Also, don't forget your lot of powder can be considerably different in burn rate than the previous owners. Work up from starting load listed in a good manual.
Also, try VV N-133, H322, BLC-2, and H-4198

 

[Birddogjake]

I mean a loaded round with a uncompressed powder charge fits fine in the chamber but cramming 24.6 gr of IMR expands the neck so that it will not chamber turned necks Laupa Brass.

 

[bheadboy]

TRY rem or ww brass, they are fine in mine and you may have a "brass thickness" problem. that charge only comes to the bottom of the neck in my experience.

Bob

 

[delmartin]

I have loaded a lot of 222 and never have I seen a compressed powder charge able to "swell the neck" of a case. There would be heavy pressure on the handle as you were seating the bullet for this to happen. There is something else going on here.
I would suggest a mentor who might be able to watch you loading procedure and come up with a solution. Tight necks in your rifle can cause very rapid pressure spikes. You want to be careful. Especially with compressed loads.

 

[LHSmith]

All my competition loads are compressed charges, .222, 6 PPC, & 30 BR...and I never experience bulged necks.....not even on PPC cases with .0075 neck walls. I do use Wilson seaters however. Lapua cases most likely have thicker walls....therefore you can't put as much powder in as the previous owner.
Just how thin did you turn them, and what's the chambers neck diameter?

 

[wapiti25]

Look and see if anything like the seating stem is hiting the case neck? I have seen swelled necks and shoulders when using a standard type of seater die that will crimp the bullet such as the press type. The problem shows when the die is adjusted to crimp and a bullet w/o a canlure is used. Also check the overall length of your brass after sizing, it may need triming.