How full should a cartridge be?

I too am on the side of a powder that fills the case at least half ways - especially with pistol calibers. Totally agreement with Ben.

Excellent comments guys and reassuring. Somehow I thought there had to be a lot more room under the powder to allow complete combustion. I especially like the comment that with finer powders it is possible to double-charge. Win231 is like that which is why I visually check the powder level before seating the bullet. I only bother weighing the first and 10th, 20th bullet and the 50th. Once it's set, it doesn't usually change.
I'll make up a batch of 50 with the 700X and give it a whirl tomorrow at the range.
Thaks all for your input. Feel free to add any other thoughts if you want to.
- Rod
 
i've also found that weighing THE WHOLE ROUND will tell pretty quick if there's a double charge- establish the empty weight of the brass you're using within tolerances, add the weight of your bullet and primer, and all that's left is the powder charge- if it's way out you've got either a squib or a double charge
 
i've also found that weighing THE WHOLE ROUND will tell pretty quick if there's a double charge- establish the empty weight of the brass you're using within tolerances, add the weight of your bullet and primer, and all that's left is the powder charge- if it's way out you've got either a squib or a double charge

The dogs breakfast of a brass collection I load my 45acp with (I think I've got at least 15 different headstamps), would most certainly preclude this. There's a bigger variance in case weights than the powder charge.

Best way, is just to pay attention, have good lighting, and look INTO every single case after charging, before the bullet goes in. Reloading is a no distractions kind of thing.
 
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