Help needed, i reloaded according to my manual. but doesn't seem right.

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dz28

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Hello there, I just started reloading yesterday. I reloaded 18 rounds of .223 rem. 52gr BTHP with 26.4gr IMR4320 powder. Brass is Winchester white box. However I found, the 26.4 gr of powder almost fill the entire case. When I shake it now, I can't even hear the powder moving around inside the case. Am I loading too much powder? But according to my manual, that wasn't even a hot load. The weight scale is fine, I checked. Please help me. I don't want anything happen to me tomorrow in the range, I really hate to use my discount from my job. I work in a cemetery by the way:d
 
If you followed the recipe in your load manual and you know the powder charge is correct, then you have nothing to worry about. Different powders have different bulk densities which means X amount of powder 1 will fill the case to a different level than powder 2. And, depending on the powder you use, that may mean it fills the case or is a compressed load which in turn means you will not hear any powder when you shake the loaded cartridge. I have not used the powder mentioned, but if you look at your particular recipe, there may well be a "c" with the load information. This is to let you know it's a compressed load; meaning the seated bullet will compress the powder into the case.

ETA: in looking at my Lee manual, I see that the max is 27.5 gr of powder and it is a compressed load. You are only ~1 gr below max, so you likely have a compressed load as well. You won't hear any powder swishing when you shake the case.
 
I found the same with Reloader 7, powder comes right up to the top of the case depending how you're loading. In other words, not a concern with your powder. I did laugh over the work discount part though.
 
dz28 in some reloading manuals they actually give a percentage of case volume being filled.
Depends on the powder you are using and of course the reloading manual as well.
But, everyone has confirmed your concerns already, good thing you questioned it sooner than later.
Tight Groups,
Rob
 
You can use what is called a long drop tube when you put powder in the case. This allows the powder to fall from a little greater height, this will help to "pack" the powder in the case. It will look like you have a wee bit more room in the case. Enjoy your range day!
 
You work up to 26.4gr of IMR4320 or just pick it and hope? It's well under max, but you have to work the load up from the start load.
Like Chuckbuster says, max .223 loads of IMR4320(27.5. Lee tests nothing themselves. They use Hodgdon's data.) are compressed loads. Your 26.4 is compressed too. Compressed loads are nothing to worry about.
Neither is .4 of a grain. Or 53 vs 52.
 
i would suggest to work up the load and not randomly pick 26.4 as your starting load.
load 3 or 5 rounds starting at the low end and shoot some groups, get some trigger time and inspect each round after you shoot it starting with the obvious very light loads.
this will also help you learn what to look for in low pressure Vs high pressure signs in your rifle.

you may notice that the low pressure empty brass look more "dirty" since may not have full expansion to seal the gasses blowing around the brass for example.
 
I usually read data from a few manuals and determine what my starting point will be (usually near or at starting load). Then work up at at .5 grains more and so on until I have worked up to the max. Then I go out and shoot three shot groups over the chronograph. I have had loads that shoot at 1" at starting loads shoot 4" at max. once I find a range that I feel has the velocity and accuracy that I want I load up more rounds around that load and try it again. It's well worth working up for accuracy and especially safety. Once you have a feel for how your gun reacts to certain powders or bullet you can start cheating a little by not starting at the very bottom, but make sure you understand what you are doing. As others have stated I find that the best velocity and accuracy is from powders that make up more than 90% case capacity and their is an inherent safety that comes with a powder that nearly fills a case. It's hard to over charge a case when doing so will cause an over flow.

Have fun and I hope you don't use that discount for a long time. ;)
 
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