Patriots. Successfully reloading for AR 15 with no problems and then switched CCI #41 primers and problems began. Usually use Varget but thought I might try the new 8208 with the cci 41's Is anyone else having ftf issues? Went back to the Varget loads and no problems. All my mags function fine with the Varget so that part is eliminated. Bullet is Sierra # 1400 53g hp match loaded to spec at 2.250. Ejects fine but round two makes it half way up and jams. Switch to various factory ammo and no problems. I have scoured lots of forums but pretty much coming up blank. I realize the AR may not be everybody's favorite here but it is a rifle and this is a reloading page. Thanks in advance. Newysan Don't trust a government that does not trust you to own a gun.
cci # 41 primers
- Thread starter Newysan
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Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
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Sounds like the load is burning a little different with the 8208 and the #41 primers?
Sounds like you have more than one variable going on. Try changing one variable at a time. The primer may be a little hotter than what you were using before. Try the new primer and work back up to your max Varget load or stay with the primer you were using and work up with the 8208. I like 8208 and the new CFE223 in my AR and the 204.
Good luck,
Scott
Good luck,
Scott
Antelope_Sniper
Handloader
- Jan 25, 2008
- 2,618
- 0
Keep in mind the #41's are a magnum primer designed to work with ball powders.
You mentioned switching powders, how did you go about doing this? Did you just load the max out of the book, or did you work up?
You mentioned switching powders, how did you go about doing this? Did you just load the max out of the book, or did you work up?
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks for looking. Went to the Hogdon site which lists a low load of 23g and a max of 25.4g. I went with an even 24g as I don't ever go to max even if working up. No use tearing up equipment. I did load to 2.250 inches which is standard 223 length and have occasionally gone 2.260 inches with no problems. Usually I use cci 400 srp or cci br4 srp's with great results. Maybe that bullet can't be loaded out to 2.250 although I think that would be unusual. What think? Thanks in advance. Newysan
Antelope_Sniper
Handloader
- Jan 25, 2008
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I've never had trouble with the Sierra's loaded to magazine length in my AR, but mine is a 5.56 chamber. If your is a .223 chamber it could be different.
So it sounds like you just started in the middle and assumed that would be an alright load?
Well, that's not always the case. The is especially trure if you are using a thick brass such as Remington or Federal.
Primers and brass can make more of a difference in presure then a person realizes. I can set up two loads with the same powder change and bullet, but use different brass and a different primer, and get a 200 FPS difference between the two loads. That's why when you change components, you need to back off and work up again.
So it sounds like you just started in the middle and assumed that would be an alright load?
Well, that's not always the case. The is especially trure if you are using a thick brass such as Remington or Federal.
Primers and brass can make more of a difference in presure then a person realizes. I can set up two loads with the same powder change and bullet, but use different brass and a different primer, and get a 200 FPS difference between the two loads. That's why when you change components, you need to back off and work up again.
- Thread starter
- #7
Thanks, all good points. I do have a 5.56 chamber. When I think about it a grain or so powder wise is a big percentage when dealing with these small amounts {as compared to an 06 or such}. These "problem loads" were done with new Winchester brass. I have read enough to know that the lake city brass is a lot thicker and a lot of caution must be used, ie start way low and work up. Thanks for your help, it is appreciated. Newysan
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 6
Big difference even in .223 between Lake City and W-W brass capacity. That explains your ejection issues. You changed three things at once.
- Thread starter
- #9
Slight misunderstanding, only changed powder and primers. still using same brass so only two changes. I think the cci 41's are very hot for extreme conditions and hard material to avoid slam fires from floating firing pin. It would be smart however to only change one thing at a time and then only in small increments. Thanks for input. Be safe. N
Antelope_Sniper
Handloader
- Jan 25, 2008
- 2,618
- 0
Newysan, Winchester is typically a low pressure brass, but there can be exceptions to everything.
I'd suggest starting with a minimum load and working up until you find where it groups the best.
I've never used the particular power you mentioned, but the rest of you components are one's I use on a regular basis. I expect with a proper work up you can find a good load.
I'd suggest starting with a minimum load and working up until you find where it groups the best.
I've never used the particular power you mentioned, but the rest of you components are one's I use on a regular basis. I expect with a proper work up you can find a good load.
