NatureBoy Posted April 19, 2016 Share Posted April 19, 2016 (edited) So this weekend I made my second batch of .223 using Varget and encountered an issue on my 650. Several times when indexing powder would dump all over the press. It was as if it was bridging at the neck. There would be roughly 1/2 the charge in the case and the rest all over me. Took the powder assembly apart and reinstalled it per the instructions and still encountered the problem. Any ideas? Other than the mishaps, metering was very consistent. Edited April 19, 2016 by NatureBoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyOne Posted April 19, 2016 Share Posted April 19, 2016 Give a 3 second pause when dropping the powder into the case... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctordan70s Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 I've been using a lee auto drum for .223 no powder leak anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrassWhore Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 I use 8208XBR with good success. The "sticks" are about half the size of Varget, meters better and drops into the case better. It also shoots well. BH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
308Prepper Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 So this weekend I made my second batch of .223 using Varget and encountered an issue on my 650. Several times when indexing powder would dump all over the press. It was as if it was bridging at the neck. There would be roughly 1/2 the charge in the case and the rest all over me. Took the powder assembly apart and reinstalled it per the instructions and still encountered the problem. Any ideas? Other than the mishaps, metering was very consistent. Yes, it's bridging. More than likely due to the small case neck. I never have that issue when loading 308. I switched to H335 for 223, and totally solved that issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dillon Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 Use a Dremel tool and a cratex polishing cone to smooth the interior of the upper part of the funnel, where the powder goes into the case. I switched to Hodgdon CFE223 powder for loading 223, it is a spherical powder that meters very well, works for both 55 grain and the heavier VLD bullets in .223 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NatureBoy Posted April 20, 2016 Author Share Posted April 20, 2016 Thanks for all the feedback. I'll try that polishing trick and see if it makes a difference. I have some very accurate Varget loads for my bolt action and don't want to give up on it. As you guys know, spilling even a few grains of powder feels like you just dumped half a pound. I also have some W748, BLC(2), VVN135, VVN140 and Benchmark to play with Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NatureBoy Posted April 21, 2016 Author Share Posted April 21, 2016 Made 50 rounds with W748 tonight with no spills. Definately powder related. Will try polishing the funnel this weekend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NatureBoy Posted April 23, 2016 Author Share Posted April 23, 2016 Followed the advise above. 1. Polished distal end of the powder funnel. Used a fiber buffing tip on a dremel and some maas polishing compound. Couldn't find any cratex tips. 2. Waited longer at the top of the stroke. Made 100 rounds with Varget. No powder dumps. Thanks fellas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max It Posted October 31, 2016 Share Posted October 31, 2016 On 4/20/2016 at 8:56 AM, NatureBoy said: Thanks for all the feedback. I'll try that polishing trick and see if it makes a difference. I have some very accurate Varget loads for my bolt action and don't want to give up on it. As you guys know, spilling even a few grains of powder feels like you just dumped half a pound. I also have some W748, BLC(2), VVN135, VVN140 and Benchmark to play with hiya, i have two pounds of H322 and it is spilling over when loading .223's. i read that above to change powder. before i give up on H322 any other intel? much obliged, max Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxerglocker Posted October 31, 2016 Share Posted October 31, 2016 (edited) On 4/19/2016 at 2:24 PM, NatureBoy said: So this weekend I made my second batch of .223 using Varget and encountered an issue on my 650. Several times when indexing powder would dump all over the press. It was as if it was bridging at the neck. There would be roughly 1/2 the charge in the case and the rest all over me. Took the powder assembly apart and reinstalled it per the instructions and still encountered the problem. Any ideas? Other than the mishaps, metering was very consistent. Switched to RL-15 works well with the Dillon powder measure. Edited October 31, 2016 by Boxerglocker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max It Posted October 31, 2016 Share Posted October 31, 2016 51 minutes ago, Boxerglocker said: Switched to RL-15 work well with the Dillon powder measure. what is an RL15? not in my book. much obliged, Max Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxerglocker Posted October 31, 2016 Share Posted October 31, 2016 8 minutes ago, Max It said: what is an RL15? not in my book. much obliged, Max http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/powder/reloder15.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max It Posted October 31, 2016 Share Posted October 31, 2016 25 minutes ago, Boxerglocker said: http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/powder/reloder15.aspx for heavier bullets than what i shoot. am loading 55gn for target shooting. RL15 is for heavier and no load data on 55gn. but thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted October 31, 2016 Share Posted October 31, 2016 Try H-335, works well in .223 for 50/55/60 grain bullets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxerglocker Posted October 31, 2016 Share Posted October 31, 2016 (edited) 1 hour ago, Max It said: for heavier bullets than what i shoot. am loading 55gn for target shooting. RL15 is for heavier and no load data on 55gn. but thanks. The OP was questioning the bridge issues with Varget, you can get Varget performance with better metering using RL15. Though I would not use it other than for possibly a high velocity 52 or 55 varmint load in my bolt gun, you can find previously published data in Lee manuals. Edited October 31, 2016 by Boxerglocker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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