weighing .223 brass for precision loads.

[Vaquero]

I went through 100+ casings. Not sorted by headstamp. Just resized, de-primed, primer crimp removed and trimmed/deburred. Got a decent sampling of cases. Then sorted by headstamp.
Approximately 1/2 are LC and 1/2 FC.
Should I measure by volume and cull? Or just go with the scale?

 

[shortround]

Unless all the cases are manufactured in the same lot, weighing will be a futile chore.

From my humble experience, .223 is very forgiving as to case weight.

Where the .223 shines, is that unless you have to compress the powder, most all cases give precision accuracy if they are trimmed to the same length, primed with the same primer, are crimped consistently, and topped off with a match grade bullet.

My favorite load is a 68 grain Hornady BTHP sitting on 23 grains of AA2230 contained in a LC case, and a CCI small rifle primer.

I've tried different cases with the same load, but did not see any notable difference in accuracy.

On the other hand, using once-fired Remington brass, that load split the case mouths and rendered them unusable for future use. (In a 5.56 chamber -- both in a Colt 6920 and a Mossberg MVP).

Accuracy was unaffected, but the brass was ruined.

It is my firm belief that at the moment of ignition, the case gets instantly formed to the chamber, and the bullet gets launched through the bore.

Were I to describe this in a University class room, I would be accused of a micro-aggression.

Be well.

 

[Dawico]

Unless all the cases are manufactured in the same lot, weighing will be a futile chore.

From my humble experience, .223 is very forgiving as to case weight.

Where the .223 shines, is that unless you have to compress the powder, most all cases give precision accuracy if they are trimmed to the same length, primed with the same primer, are crimped consistently, and topped off with a match grade bullet.

My favorite load is a 68 grain Hornady BTHP sitting on 23 grains of AA2230 contained in a LC case, and a CCI small rifle primer.

I've tried different cases with the same load, but did not see any notable difference in accuracy.

On the other hand, using once-fired Remington brass, that load split the case mouths and rendered them unusable for future use. (In a 5.56 chamber -- both in a Colt 6920 and a Mossberg MVP).

Accuracy was unaffected, but the brass was ruined.

It is my firm belief that at the moment of ignition, the case gets instantly formed to the chamber, and the bullet gets launched through the bore.

Were I to describe this in a University class room, I would be accused of a micro-aggression.

Be well.

I agree with most of this.

I would add to sort by headstamp and then weigh, but it may not make any difference. The weight may be in different areas by different headstamps, thicker walls, thicker heads, or whatever. But it really may be unnoticeable. Thicker necks on one headstamp may vary the groups a bit though.

Also, I don't crimp ammo that I am shooting for accuracy. It seems to cause a bit of inconsistency. But again, it may not make much difference. I just like every advantage I can get.

 

[TexMex247]

This may not apply here but I once made duplicate batches of rifle ammo(280 remington specifically) all sorted, trimmed, processed,charged and seated the same. When I applied a crimp, the rounds had a lower SD from what I believe is more consistent neck tension. Unless you turn necks, a crimp is a good way to maintain uniformity from round to round.

Like I said though, it may not even apply to the 223. Kinda makes me want to re-do that experiment just to know.

I do agree with others about the sorting of 223 brass. Sorting by headstamp and cutting to similar lengths will help. Otherwise, the case volume test is said to be a common technique for BR shooters.

 

[Deavis]

Given your choices and that you think it will help, do it by weight until you can equal the gun's capability. Then by volume if you still think there is more potential.

 

[robocop10mm]

Doubtful you will be able to see enough of a difference on the target to make it worth your while. In my experience LC NATO headstamped brass seems to have one of the largest variances in case weight.

I have found deburring flashholes to have more impact on accuracy than sorting by weight. Coincidentally, LC seems to have some of the smallest burrs outside of Lapua (drilled flashholes) and not worth bothering with.

Trim length is importan. Consistency will yield more repeatable crimps with lead to accuracy

 

[Vaquero]

LC brass yielded lousy accuracy.
I'm sticking with FC for now.

 

[Dawico]

LC brass yielded lousy accuracy.
I'm sticking with FC for now.

Did you weigh them and all that?

 

[Vaquero]

Did you weigh them and all that?

Yes.
Exact steps as the FC brass.

 

[Deavis]

Lapua

 

[Dawico]

Lapua

Yup. When you care to send the very best.

 

[Vaquero]

I've weight sorted a couple hundred FC.
Got a couple of substantial "batches".
Will report back.

 

[memo43]

Also what is the intended purpose of the ammo, as well as platform.
Are you shooting them from an AR or Bolt gun.
was the load being developed or did you already have one set up
Memo

 

[Vaquero]

Also what is the intended purpose of the ammo, as well as platform.
Are you shooting them from an AR or Bolt gun.
was the load being developed or did you already have one set up
Memo

Intended purpose is ringing steel out to 600 yd +-
AR15
Load development is part of it, but down to minor tweaks now.

 

[orbitup]

I should go ahead and tag this thread.

 

[Charlie]

Tagged! Did it for ya' Orbit!

 

[orbitup]

I need all of the help I can get.

 

[Vaquero]

FC brass is my go to now.
7 rounds from a single magazine loading.
2 flyers due to shooter error.
Load development is completed.

Shooter needs practice.

 

[memo43]

That's a good looking group was the test distance at 100 yds, if so you have a good half moa group.
what are the velocities of those, as well as barrel length and what kind of optics.
I know you stated that you wanted to shoot steal at 600+. With a group like that I don't see why you wouldn't be able to. as it stands the rifle/shooter combo is shooting 3"+ at 600 with same conditions as you tested.
if you can try shooting a bit further 200/300 yards and see what the end results are.
Just remember are you going for Minute OF Angle or Minute of Steel.
If your not satisfied let me know I might have something for you.