How full should a cartridge be?

Prospector

Prospector

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I wanted to switch from Win 231 and try out IMR 700X for my 9 mm and .45 reloads as it's a bit cheaper.
When I weighed the first shell (9mm) I found that the 700X is bigger grained, and takes up more room in the cartridge than 231. It was a lot higher to the top of the case with only about 1/3" of space between the powder and the rim so the bullet would possibly be compressing the powder. I'm wondering if this is a good thing or not? With 231, it only took up perhaps 1/3 of the space. I couldn't find any guidance on this in my reloading book or in a search here so I'm hoping you guys might be able to help? I read somewhere here that 98% full cartridges are good; is that right?

Data: 124 gr FMJ 9 m.m. over 3.0-3.6 gr 700X to be fired in a Jericho Baby Eagle.
230 gr FMJ .45 ACP over 4.4-4.9 gr 700X in a Norinco 1911

Thanks for your thoughts.
 
As a reloader, I find it helpful to use a powder with lower density, so that the case is filled more compared to a low density powder.

This way, double charges are easier to see. I use a progressive press for 38 spl reloading and I discovered a double charge because 700x is bulkier than Accurate No. 2. Whew!

Universal works well for 9mm as the case looks full and double charges overflow.
I load 4.2 grains under 125 grain PHP (full load) and 3.6 grains under 125 grain TC TL cast lead. I visually inspect every round loaded in my Lee Classic Turret.
 
I use scales it takes longer but every load is the same,when in dot i dump in out and reway it.I also only do 20 to 100 at a time it is better for myself to take longer then to pound them out and make a mistake.It is good to write it down in a book as you make them if your trying different loads all of which i am sure most people do.
 
45acp case with bullseye can be triple charged :eek:

So while it is an accurate powder, a double charge would almost go unnoticed in poor lighting
 
I would use the data on Hodgdon's. In comparing the 2 powders it looks like you should start with 2.9gr of 700X and move up from there if you feel more power is required. A chrono would be good.
 
chemo said:
45acp case with bullseye can be triple charged :eek:

So while it is an accurate powder, a double charge would almost go unnoticed in poor lighting
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No disagreement there, but that's just one more argument for reloading benches having good lighting. My most accurate .45 load uses Bullseye and I make damned sure I check and then recheck, using both a goose-neck lamp and a small flashlight.
 
I hear ya :) a lot of guys are having problems with those progressives.Has Grande praire over run Fairview yet it was getting close when i left.


frykasj said:
Or you can do like I do, and seat the bullet immediately after charging the case. Don't even let the case leave my fingers after charging..
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Your worries are addressed and factored in to the PUBLISHED LOAD DATA. Powder density, charge and case volume have all been taken into consideration in the manuals. Again you should only be following PUBLISHED LOAD DATA.

If you are concerned about a double charge you may want to consider a progressive reloader. Most of these now make a double charge next to impossible (nothing is 100% foolproof mind you: care and attention to the task at hand is always a must) because you have to index the shell plate and seat the bullet after a powder dump in order to process the next empty casing.

Realistically I am willing to bet 99% of reloaders do not VISUALLY CHECK OR WEIGH all their rounds. Anyone tells you that they weigh / check every round in a bulk reloading sesion either:
A) Shoots no volume and gets 20-30 rounds ready for a range visit
B) Is a serious competition / precision rifle shooter
C) Is lieing
D) Is a loser with nothing better to do.

When I set up my progressive I adjust and weigh. Every time I adjust my powder I dump three charges (it gets dumped back into the dispenser) to compensate for the powder to settle into the new volume and weigh again. I repeat as necessary until it throws the desired charge. After that I load and weigh every 5th round up to 50. After that if all remains constant I only weigh 1 in 100 rounds in a bulk session.

Just my $0.02

Regards,
 
I like that idea but i don't like the idea of something measuring the powder for me taking note of the problems some people are having with progressive.That is just me and i am not in a hurry it is just a hobby for me.


QUOTE:
When I set up my progressive I adjust and weigh. Every time I adjust my powder I dump three charges (it gets dumped back into the dispenser) to compensate for the powder to settle into the new volume and weigh again. I repeat as necessary until it throws the desired charge. After that I load and weigh every 5th round up to 50. After that if all remains constant I only weigh 1 in 100 rounds in a bulk session.
 
if you don't like progressive, then use a turret with the AUTO INDEX- either way, the case gets charged ONLY ONCE, and then rotates onto the next station- it's an INTERRUPTION in the loading sequence that leads to double and triple charges- ie you charge the case, the phone prings, or some other distraction, you come back, don't LOOK IN THE CASE, and charge it again- if you seat a bullet IMMEDATELY after charging the case, you CAN'T dounle charge, likewise if you ROTATE TO A DIFFERENT STATION- a lot of the problems guys have with progressives are OPERATOR ERROR and they don't travel the lever the WHOLE WAY through the cycle- which CAUSES misfeeds, failures to rotate, etc- oh yea, my qualifications?- 3 lee 1000s, a LOADMASTER, and a dillon 550- it's ONLY THE DILLON that CAN DOUBLE CHARGE, and that's b/c it doesn't AUTO INDEX
 
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