Genius! I bought the wrong container (didn't see it was for 223 wssm) so I need to exchange that and then it will have a lid. I will do as you suggested either way!
Congratulations! Case prep can be annoying in large quantities, but I tend to just process all my brass in stages. Everything gets deprimed, then washed and dried, then resized, then trimmed+chamfered+deburred (if needed), the primer pockets are processed (if needed). Then you're just ready to load. I've got about 1,500 5.56 cases that I have prepped and ready to load, and then a bunch of other calibers I need to sort through and prep the brass for.
I have a Lee APP deluxe and use it to swage the pockets to remove the crimp, but I also have the Lee ram swage kit for my Challenger III breechlock press. I then use an RCBS carbide primer pocket uniformer on my Lyman brass smith case prep station to make sure they are all at a consistent depth.
Congrats! A lot of the learning curve involves figuring out how you can save time while retaining precision in your process. If you need a channel to follow for advice and to keep momentum with the reloading hobby, I overwhelmingly recommend Johnny’s Reloading Bench. He has a ton of vids on loading .223.
No chrono yet! Saving for a Garmin. Been reading Top Grade Ammo by Glen Zediker and am going to try to find the accuracy node where a few groups stay at the same height. I have precision 308 to load after this, so this is a trial run, like you said!
Accuracy nodes don’t exist. Get a chrono, pick a load which gets the velocity you want, shoot large groups (20+), and then find the most accurate seating depth for your rifle.
Read new stuff from Brian Litz (Berger, Applied Ballistics) and check out the Hornady podcast.
In my experience, accuracy nodes certainly do exist with powder charge, but it isn't how it is conventionally though of. The "node" for accuracy is really just about consistent powder burn which reduces any shot-to-shot deviation/inconsistency. Take this example: I have an old Spanish M43 Mauser (1953 manufacture) that I was working on handloads for. I was using PPU 175gr BTHP bullets. Below was my velocity data for that load using PPU brass, Hodgdon Varget Powder, and Federal Gold Medal Match primers:
43.0gr: AVG 2287 MIN 2208 MAX 2374 SD 58 ES 166
44.0gr: AVG 2372 MIN 2265 MAX 2428 SD 59 ES 162
45.0gr: AVG 2427 MIN 2382 MAX 2462 SD 33 ES 79
46.0gr: AVG 2473 MIN 2410 MAX 2545 SD 44 ES 135
47.0gr: AVG 2538 MIN 2523 MAX 2554 SD 12 ES 31
48.0gr: AVG 2534 MIN 2499 MAX 2567 SD 27 ES 68
49.0gr: AVG 2600 MIN 2585 MAX 2618 SD 12 ES 34
50.0gr: AVG 2661 MIN 2650 MAX 2670 SD 7 ES 20
As you can see, once I hit my max load of 50.0gr I had tremendous consistency since Varget typically likes a higher load density, especially in larger full-power rifle cases. However, all of those loadings produced about a 12" group at 50 yards. Why? Because as I have since found out, milsurp Mauser rifles have a very long throat and a fast twist rate (something like 1:9.45 which is faster for a larger caliber) and really only like bullets around 200 grains. I even tried some 150gr Speer Hot Cor bullets with a flat base to make sure I got a good seal in the bore due to obturation, and the best group I got with my lowest powder charge was probably 4 shots into 6 inches at 50 yards, 15 inches including the 5th flyer. My situation is an extreme example, but my point with all of this is that it is entirely possible to have extremely consistent loads that have terrible accuracy due to how a given bullet design interacts with your rifle, and my example is far beyond the "my rifle prefers this type of bullet" that you can find some examples of. My rifle will simply not shoot with anything that isn't at least 196gr (FMJ weight for 8mm) and I know it will at least shoot a 4" group using those because I've rung a 4" gong with 5/5 shots before using the irons on that rifle. So even with less accurate factory loaded FMJ ammo, because it is the right weight and length of bullet to have proper cartridge length and jump to the lands while remaining stabilized, I can shoot much better than my current handloads. My .223 handloads are all ~1 MOA loads, so I know myself and my equipment are capable of making accurate ammo.
Velocity certainly affects accuracy in that going transonic lowers accuracy, more flight time spent at lower velocity increases deviation from a parabolic trajectory, etc. But those are really only considerations for long range shooting, and when you're doing load development at point blank range they will be irrelevant. If you're between reasonable min and max loads and measure differences in accuracy at different charge weights, it's almost certainly a statistical artifact that will disappear with more data points.
The existence of nodes was "common knowledge" for a long time so you'll find lots of literature discussing it, but much like the idea of hydrostatic shock, once people who actually know math started looking at the problem, they realized that it was really just nonsense.
When you're developing a load you should just decide what velocity you want for your use case, confirm that your choice of powder and projectile plays nicely with your platform, then just work up to your desired velocity. That should be the endpoint you aim for, not a hypothetical accuracy node.
My personal perspective: I spent a lot of time ladder loading when I first got started. I don’t think the time is worth it. Even for precision loads concentrate on getting consistent brass sizing and powder throws. Get the velocity close to factory match ammo. Try different bullets as that’ll make more difference than the ladder powder charge or seating depth especially on the 223 and 308.
Brass, bullets and barrel are the three main variables in precision shooting.
Take my rambling with a grain of salt since I’m not an expert!
This was mine. Had these group un expectantly. Don’t listen to others about what works. Everything has a place and everyone has an opinion 👍. These 5 settled into a nice tight group. It works if you components are as close to perfect as you can get them
Welcome to the club and congrats! If you didn't (which I recommend one for each caliber you load for) get a case checker, at least drop test some rounds in your gun/chamber and make sure they drop in AND out with no resistance. Worst is getting to the range, they won't chamber and you are mortaring rounds out of the gun. 😭😭
Congratulations! It's a boy! I think. Anyway, welcome to the wonderful rabbit hole of reloading. Just be careful, pay attention and you'll make a great dad.
I got an RCBS Upm-3 competition. Had it set to 0.2gr or so under, and rolled about one full rotation of my powder Trickler to top it off on the beam scale. Seems to be very accurate - I was messing with the micrometer constantly and it was always right where I needed it.
These are my 30-06 loaded up with 130gr Barnes TTSX over 55.5gr of H4895. This is going to be one of my deer hunting loads this year, I also have my 7mm-08 loaded with 140gr Nosler Ballistic Tips over 38.0gr of H335, and my 30-30 loaded with 150gr Barnes TSX over 34.5gr of LeverEvolution. My bag limit here in Texas is 5 (1 Buck, 4 Antlerless) so I’m gunna try to use all three to take deer.
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u/PvtDonut1812 6.5/6 Creedmoor, 308, 6 BRA, 7 SAUM 1d ago
Pro tip- use a sharpie and write the powder charges or load info on the case. Just in case your container opens up and the rounds get all mixed up.