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Question from a new reloader

At 67 I am a Brand new reloader. Loaded my first .223 rounds today.

My question is regarding my powder amount. Lee turret press, auto disc pro powder measure. IMR4895 powder. the Lee manual indicates 170 cc double disc setup. Witch gave me a measured weight of 22.5 grains. Load data indicates a starting load of 23.3 grains. Am I ok with my 22.5 grains?
 
No. Always use recommended starting charge weights as a minimum and work up from there. Never exceed manual listed maximum charge weights
 
Depending on powder type and cartridge, under loading can be just as dangerous as overloading. So like the mountain man said .ALWAYS use the published data. I might add, that disk measure works super good with ball and small flake powders, but I would never rely on it for use with stick type powders as it will meter inconsistently. If you're only loading a box or so at a time I'd weigh my powder or if you don't want to weigh each charge, the Lee dippers work well.
 
Depending on powder type and cartridge, under loading can be just as dangerous as overloading. So like the mountain man said .ALWAYS use the published data. I might add, that disk measure works super good with ball and small flake powders, but I would never rely on it for use with stick type powders as it will meter inconsistently. If you're only loading a box or so at a time I'd weigh my powder or if you don't want to weigh each charge, the Lee dippers work well.
Ok... But the Lee dipper #170, threw the same charge the disc. Was very consistent.

So, I should pull all the bullets and start over? Is the Lee data that bad?
 
At 67 I am a Brand new reloader. Loaded my first .223 rounds today.

My question is regarding my powder amount. Lee turret press, auto disc pro powder measure. IMR4895 powder. the Lee manual indicates 170 cc double disc setup. Witch gave me a measured weight of 22.5 grains. Load data indicates a starting load of 23.3 grains. Am I ok with my 22.5 grains?
Without knowing what bullet and the seating length . I can't even give a guess . Larry
 
Ok... But the Lee dipper #170, threw the same charge the disc. Was very consistent.

So, I should pull all the bullets and start over? Is the Lee data that bad?

Another suggestion...never load rounds when you are unsure about the safety factor. I'm assuming you loaded rounds then at a later point weighed the charge being thrown by the Lee measure? Always verify charge weights of powder measures. Never assume they are correct. Even when they have been verified and appear to be consistent, continue to monitor the weights with a scale every 5 to 10 charges to be certain that no adjustments have to be made. You can never be too careful when handloading ammunition. Always remember that you are essentially creating bombs that ignite in a machine sending a projectile downrange at blistering speeds. It is a science that has been tested and verified by the powder and bullet manufacturer's to provide users with information that will keep them safe. If you deviate from the provided information in manuals by undercharging or overcharging the case, you do so at your own peril. Always play it safe ;)

Ask as many questions as you can before performing any reloading tasks. Or get an experienced mentor if someone is available to help you. Nobody knows it all, but most experienced handloaders will be able to keep you loading ammo safely and that is whats most important.

Would also advise against using a powder measure when developing test loads. I weigh each test round on a scale to make sure the charge weights are exactly the same. Once an accurate load is found, then I may use a powder measure to mass produce the ammunition.
 
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Another suggestion...never load rounds when you are unsure about the safety factor. I'm assuming you loaded rounds then at a later point weighed the charge being thrown by the Lee measure? Always verify charge weights of powder measures. Never assume they are correct. Even when they have been verified and appear to be consistent, continue to monitor the weights with a scale every 5 to 10 charges to be certain that no adjustments have to be made. You can never be too careful when handloading ammunition. Always remember that you are essentially creating bombs that ignite in a machine sending a projectile downrange at blistering speeds. It is a science that has been tested and verified by the powder and bullet manufacturer's to provide users with information that will keep them safe. If you deviate from the provided information in manuals by undercharging or overcharging the case, you do so at your own peril. Always play it safe ;)

Ask as many questions as you can before performing any reloading tasks. Or get an experienced mentor if someone is available to help you. Nobody knows it all, but most experienced handloaders will be able to keep you loading ammo safely and that is whats most important.

Would also advise against using a powder measure when developing test loads. I weigh each test round on a scale to make sure the charge weights are exactly the same. Once an accurate load is found, then I may use a powder measure to mass produce the ammunition.

Maybe I should clarify, I followed the Lee load data. Before I started I did weigh the powder to verify, but my thinking is if the data was correct the powder weight was ok being less. Just a little slower.
 
Maybe I should clarify, I followed the Lee load data. Before I started I did weigh the powder to verify, but my thinking is if the data was correct the powder weight was ok being less. Just a little slower.
I don't shoot 4895 but the load look very good. Larry
 
I found this in the Nosler #7 manual- for 5.56x45 NATO-69 gr HPBT Custom Comp bullets, Nosler case, c.o.a.l.=2.260, WSR primer.......IMR 4895,start- 21.5gr. =88% load density/ MAX.=23.5 gr.
 
I found this in the Nosler #7 manual- for 5.56x45 NATO-69 gr HPBT Custom Comp bullets, Nosler case, c.o.a.l.=2.260, WSR primer.......IMR 4895,start- 21.5gr. =88% load density/ MAX.=23.5 gr.

Data on IMR web site matches Lee data as 23.3 min and 24.8 max. So if I had you manual I would be right on.
 
A 223 Rem SAAMI case is rated for 55000 PSI a 223 Rem the case is rated for 62366 PSI
The load i stated was using the SAAMI for a reference. Larry
 
Their is two different rateings on the same case . The bolt guns have a higher pressure rate The higher rating is not for AR type
guns . Don't worry your load will work in both. Larry

Go easy on him Larry...Baby steps :D

PS: No way implying you are a baby Number6, just jokin with Larry :)
 

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