are all .223 chambers set to 2.260

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super7

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The reason I'm asking is because I have a new rifle that when I use either a dummy round with loose bullet or a reloaded round....when I chamber it, the bullet gets pushed back to approx 2.179 (depending on the shape of the bullet).
I was under the impression that every .223 should be able to chamber a bullet with a OAL of 2.260 even if the bullet was square. Some of the factory .223 I have measures approx OAL of 2.15 and 2.20....these do not get pushed back because the ogive of the bullet seems to slide a bit past the rifleing. If I take the same round and pull the bullet so the the OAL is 2.260, when I chamber it, take it out and remeasure OAL, its been pushed back to about 2.24. Today I reloaded about 40 rounds to what my manual says for the particular bullet and powder I'm using (OAL 2.235) but when I chamber them, they come out 2.179....I'm afraid to shoot these now. Is there something wrong with this chamber or am I out to lunch?
 
The bullet was 45grn and 50 grn. The cases I tried were a factory unfired case and a once fired case (both WWB). The factory unfired case was 1.757 and the once fired was 1.753.
 
If the rounds chamber at all, case length is not likely an issue. Have you tried factory ammo in it? If you have factory ammo available, try measuring it to make sure that there is not a problem with your calipers (not likely, but a cheap and easy place to start). Does the bullet get pushed back on factory ammo as well? Make sure your calipers read "0.000" when closed (digital and dial type calipers both have adjustable zero points). Also maximum length does vary with the shape of the bullet as well as the weight, and also from one rifle to another. Figure out a length that fits and feeds in YOUR rifle then start with the starting loads in your manual and work up. Keep in mind that 2.260" is the MAXIMUM COL, not the minimum, or even the recommended COL.
 
Here is a question along the same topic. I am not an experienced reloader, but I am getting better and better. However, I am just starting to reload .223. I am using 68gr Hornady BTHP and using the max OAL, the bullet is in the brass .38 inches. As I am not experienced, and am always thinking of excessive pressures, is it right that the bullet is so far into the brass? I am starting off with a min load of 22gr of 4895. And what should I be trying to send them out at? Approx 2950 fps? I know this will vary with the rifle.

Paul
 
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Workin Man said:
If the rounds chamber at all, case length is not likely an issue. Have you tried factory ammo in it? If you have factory ammo available, try measuring it to make sure that there is not a problem with your calipers (not likely, but a cheap and easy place to start). Does the bullet get pushed back on factory ammo as well? Make sure your calipers read "0.000" when closed (digital and dial type calipers both have adjustable zero points). Also maximum length does vary with the shape of the bullet as well as the weight, and also from one rifle to another. Figure out a length that fits and feeds in YOUR rifle then start with the starting loads in your manual and work up. Keep in mind that 2.260" is the MAXIMUM COL, not the minimum, or even the recommended COL.
Click to expand...

The factory ammo I have does not get pushed back, but only because its a fair bit shorter to begin with. The AE 50grn stuff is 2.15, the Fed 55 grn is 2.15 and the win 45 and 55 grn is 2.20. The shape of their particular bullets (ogive?) let them sit out over the rifling a smidge. I found with the wwb 45 grn bullet, which have an OAL of 2.20, and doesn't get pushed back....If I take the bullet all the way out to see how far it gets pushed back in, it will only get pushed back to 2.23....so that factory length is fine for this gun.
The other bullets I was using that were getting pushed back was Win 50grn psp - pushed back to 2.179. Win 46 grn hp - pushed back to 2.133 . So it depends on the bullet weight and shape which makes sense.
I spoke to my smith about it and he says the same thing you did......that the chambers vary from manufacture to manufacture and to not worry about it. Just use the correct OAL for that particular bullet in my chamber and start at the beginning load and work up.
 
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p14shooter said:
Here is a question along the same topic. I am not an experienced reloader, but I am getting better and better. However, I am just starting to reload .223. I am using 68gr Hornady BTHP and using the max OAL, the bullet is in the brass .38 inches. As I am not experienced, and am always thinking of excessive pressures, is it right that the bullet is so far into the brass? I am starting off with a min load of 22gr of 4895. And what should I be trying to send them out at? Approx 2950 fps? I know this will vary with the rifle.

Paul
Click to expand...

From the Hornady manual:

OAL: 2.250" / 68 gr. HPBT / Colt AR-15 20" 1:9 twist barrel

IMR 4895 - 22.6gr @ 2500fps - 23.4gr @ 2600fps - 24.2gr @ 2700fps - 24.9gr @ 2800fps(max.)

Keep in mind also different bullets will need longer OAL such as with the 75gr. AMAX -its COL is 2.390"
 
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