Hi all,
So I'm a new reloader and I loaded my first batch of .223 with 55 grain Nosler FBHP Varmageddons. I followed the book exactly with regards to powder and OAL. My OAL is 2.258 (just short of the recommended 2.260). I haven't shot the rounds yet but inserted them into my upper receiver of my AR-15 and noticed two things.
1. The cartridges did not slide out easily and needed the assistance of a rod down the barrel (no pressure was needed I had the upper separated from the lower for the sake of safety). I assume this is the result of using full size dies rather than small base and hope it won't cause a FTE when I shoot.
2. Striations appearing just beyond the ogive of the bullet that appeared to be (not sure though) rifling. Could the bullet be contacting the rifling at this OAL? My concern is causing an overpressure issue due to contact with the rifling upon ignition. I didn't think this was possible with this bullet length in a semiauto loading from the magazine. I loaded the cartridges with 23.5 grains of IMR 4850 and used the lowest pressure loading provided.
Should I be concerned with either of these issues or am I over thinking it?
So I'm a new reloader and I loaded my first batch of .223 with 55 grain Nosler FBHP Varmageddons. I followed the book exactly with regards to powder and OAL. My OAL is 2.258 (just short of the recommended 2.260). I haven't shot the rounds yet but inserted them into my upper receiver of my AR-15 and noticed two things.
1. The cartridges did not slide out easily and needed the assistance of a rod down the barrel (no pressure was needed I had the upper separated from the lower for the sake of safety). I assume this is the result of using full size dies rather than small base and hope it won't cause a FTE when I shoot.
2. Striations appearing just beyond the ogive of the bullet that appeared to be (not sure though) rifling. Could the bullet be contacting the rifling at this OAL? My concern is causing an overpressure issue due to contact with the rifling upon ignition. I didn't think this was possible with this bullet length in a semiauto loading from the magazine. I loaded the cartridges with 23.5 grains of IMR 4850 and used the lowest pressure loading provided.
Should I be concerned with either of these issues or am I over thinking it?