Never had this problem

[GlockCop]

I was trying to work up a new load for .223 with Varget powder (which I have never used). I start at the recommended 25.5 charge and look in the case and it is partway up the neck. Checked my scale and do it again and same result. Question what are your experiences with Varget. Seems to me if I put a 55gr bullet on top of this I will have a very compressed load and dont want to blow up my rifle.The load info is the latest I could find...straight from the Hornady web site. Thanks.Just noticed this is post 556 the caliber Im working with. Oh well small things entertain small minds.

 

[FAL guy]

Looking at the data it shows a max load of 27.5C with the C meaning a compressed load. I bet you are OK on the 25.5 since they show max at 27.5 compressed.


All that being said, a compressed load kind of freaks me out too!!

 

[SDarkRage]

Are you using .223 Winchester cases or 5.56 NATO cases? The NATO cases have a little less internal room inside of them due to reinforced webbing and thicker walls. Just a thought. I've never loaded for .223 but I ran into this issue with my .308 loads using 7.62 NATO brass - I have to come back off my loads by about 1.5 - 2 grs.

 

[GlockCop]

Hmmmm Good ideas from both of you. These are commercial brass a mix of Federal and Remington. Im almost thinking that 27.5 would run over the top. I cant imagine a powder company giving out overcharged info like that. I may send Hodgons an e-mail and see what they say. Thanks for the ideas and please any other ideas let me know.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

GlockCop I referenced my reloading data and although I was loading a 55grain Nosler Boat tail, Varget powder was compressed loads and I tried up to 26 grains Varget. Sorry for run on sentence. I moved to Accurate 2230 and even though I am close to the same charge weight, it settles in the case better being a ball powder. I didn't get the accuracy out of the Varget that many brag about.

 

[Shadowrider]

GC,

Since Varget is a stick powder you may want to try to use a drop tube. I've not used Varget yet and probably won't in .223/5.56. I may use it for my .308 though.
The drop tube might help some, but a compressed load is somewhat common in rifle calibers. Don't worry too much about it.

I've not been able to tell any difference in case volume in 5.56 mil vs. .223 commercial brass. Not saying there isn't any difference, just that I can't tell. I know it IS and issue in larger calibers. But I try to load down just a touch just in case. My AR will reliably shoot a load of BLC(2) from 25.0 to 27.5 and it doesn't care. So I go with 26.0 and don't worry about the brass.

I'm currently loading BLC(2) but I have a big jug of 2230 which I prefer. Both are ball powders and work great in a progressive.

 

[JCW355]

Stick type powder doesn't settle as well as ball type. As long as you started out at the lowest charge, I wouldn't even bother emailing. Checking internal capacity is easy, use a syringe with water. Fill cases and compare amount of water, leave the spent primer in if you do this. Starting at the lowest charge is your best bet always, even if case capacity might be an issue which I doubt with what your loading

 

[technetium-99m]

Varget just does that, I load 25 or 25.5gr under a 68gr bullet (I can't remember which). Follow your manual and all will be well.

 

[GlockCop]

Thanks everyone. It just looks odd to see powder that far up the neck knowing a bullet goes there. I had some 69gr Sierras laying around and adjusted for those, The powder still looked a ways up but not as bad as the 55gr load. I shot them yesterday at the OSA meet. Seemed to shoot ok no signs of excess pressure. I guess Ill use the rest eventually on heavier bullets and continue the H335 for the lighter stuff.