Safety question, loading sierra 52, lapua, varget, cci450

[Linko]

I am reloading this combination for the first time.

.223 Sierra 52 HPBT, Varget, Lapua brass and CCI 450, coal per manual is 2.250

Sierra loading amnual has a range of 24.3 - 26.7 ( I have loaded some 24.4 thru 25.8)

I have two questions before I shoot this load.

1) I have not had a load for this cartridge where the powder is up into the shoulder area. is this normal and Safe to be so close to the neck area? (2.250) recommended coal leaves bullet base 3/4 into neck leaving little space to the powder.

2) with this combo are cci 450 magnium primers safe to use or should I switch to BR4 or Win 7 1/2 ?

 

[John Russell]

I am reloading this combination for the first time.

.223 Sierra 52 HPBT, Varget, Lapua brass and CCI 450, coal per manual is 2.250

Sierra loading amnual has a range of 24.3 - 26.7 ( I have loaded some 24.4 thru 25.8)

I have two questions before I shoot this load.

1) I have not had a load for this cartridge where the powder is up into the shoulder area. is this normal and Safe to be so close to the neck area? (2.250) recommended coal leaves bullet base 3/4 into neck leaving little space to the powder.

2) with this combo are cci 450 magnium primers safe to use or should I switch to BR4 or Win 7 1/2 ?

It is normal for the powder to go to the bottom of the bullet - even to be so filled to the mouth that the bullet compresses the powder.

CCI 450 primers are fine with this combination.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

A slow pour with a drop tube will allow you to get more powder into a small space. I run 27+ grains of Varget with 50-55 grain bullets.

I agree that 450's work just fine.

 

[RonAKA]

Hodgdon shows 27 grains compressed as the max load for a 53 grain bullet. You should be fine. The Sierra manual looks slightly conservative.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

In adition to a drop tube I use a vibrating tool etcher to settle powder. Works great and only takes a sec to use.

 

[Linko]

Thanks guys. Cant be too safe. I will load a few hotter loads along with this batch for load development.

 

[Mozella]

Varget is a relatively low density powder. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. Generally speaking, nearly filling the case is beneficial when it comes to consistent muzzle velocities. In other words, a full case will usually produce better ES and SD values and that is usually associated with better precision. Normally a lot of air space in the case is undesirable.

So in simple terms, using Varget, which fills the case more than a powder with equal power but higher density, can be good.

However, if you reach your case capacity before you reach the muzzle velocity you're looking for, assuming you aren't running into over pressure issues, then Varget may not be the powder you should use. You might have to switch to a powder which provides more power in a more dense formula. A powder with smaller kernels will provide a similar effect because it packs better.

There are many variables to consider other than the powder itself like bullet weight, temperature, case capacity, bullet seating depth, etc.

It sounds like you're on the right track. But don't forget to approach any load development program with caution, working up slowly, and constantly checking for signs of over-pressure. Blowing your face off gives your friends the creeps.

 

[Shynloco]

If I may ask, what are you going to shoot this load in? And as other have said, I have various loads (different rifles) where the powder is up to and even exceeding the shoulder line. Beyond that, where the bullet may contact the powder, is what they call a compressed load. And that's where you have to watch closely for "pressure signs."

Alex

 

[Linko]

If I may ask, what are you going to shoot this load in? And as other have said, I have various loads (different rifles) where the powder is up to and even exceeding the shoulder line. Beyond that, where the bullet may contact the powder, is what they call a compressed load. And that's where you have to watch closely for "pressure signs."

Alex

This load is to be shot in a Savage Model 10 F T/R target rifle.

 

[Linko]

If I may ask, what are you going to shoot this load in? And as other have said, I have various loads (different rifles) where the powder is up to and even exceeding the shoulder line. Beyond that, where the bullet may contact the powder, is what they call a compressed load. And that's where you have to watch closely for "pressure signs."

Alex

This load is to be shot in a Savage Model 10 F T/R target rifle.

 

[AckleymanII]

A slow pour with a drop tube will allow you to get more powder into a small space. I run 27+ grains of Varget with 50-55 grain bullets.

I agree that 450's work just fine.

I and others run the same thing with Benchmark, bolt gun only, sps 700 with bug hole results, 450's seal the deal.

 

[Longtrain]

Shot 52's and 25 gr of Varget in XTC reduced matches, so, so accurate. You can go hotter, but why, they are still moving right along with 25 grains. Faster isn't always the best.