Mr_Logic 5 Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 Right then, quick newbie question... I have the reloading gear at last, and I also have a whole load of Hornet stuff I got when I had Hornet, but at the time no press etc to actually make the ammo. So... is it possible to make up a very light load in 223 based on a 35gr V-max bullet and Hodgdon lil' gun powder? I see from a forum that Lil' Gun is meant to be too fast for 223. I know nothing on this yet, at the start of a very long road! What does that actually mean? Does it mean really bad things? Could I use it in Hornet-sized amounts with the 35gr vmax to produce a Hornet-powered load in a 223 case? Apologies for the lack of knowledge, answers gratefully received. Quote Link to post
weejohn 3 Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 i havnt yet started reloading but i wouldnt risk it, i believe the Lil gun was originally designed for the .410 Quote Link to post
SportingShooter 0 Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 I'm no expert in reloading. I also don't know the properties of Lil Gun powder, other than it was designed for .410 shotgun. Some shoot subsonic loads in .308, there was an article in one of the magazines about two years ago about it. So, I imagine it is possible to work up lower powered .223 loads. But on the Bullet/Powder combination, you need to consult a specialist Quote Link to post
coldweld 65 Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Reloading Guides are just what they say GUIDES. They do not offer cast iron safety !! It is much better to start with the lowest powder in a Guide/manual of a proven powder for the cartidge. Make up 3-5 rounds in the low weight, then makes some more but increase by 1 grn each time up to the MAX weight. Next step off to the range to see what they group like ! But keep a look out for pressure increase. Remember reloading is rewarding BUT CAN BE DANGEROUS so be mindful of any strange sounding shots ! if in unsure stop shooting check bore/empty case. Quote Link to post
SNAP SHOT 194 Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 DO NOT USE lil'gun in the .223, it is a far more quicker burning powder, and will produce a very rapid build up of pressure, even with small loads!!!! you are playing with fire if you stray away form the recommended powder's for the calibre's you could end up blowing the bolt back into your face killing yourself and your GUN, give it to someone, or burn it off safely.................. Quote Link to post
Mr_Logic 5 Posted February 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Thanks Snap. What I don't get, is how in 22 Hornet, 13 grains of Lil' Gun produces a useful load, yet in the 223 which tolerates higher pressures, that same 13 grains of Lil' Gun doesn't work. Now, I understand that with different chamber sizes you get different results, but it's puzzling me that there seems no way to use this at all... (even if it ends up being rubbish - just for a try...) Quote Link to post
Mr_Logic 5 Posted February 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Oh, and next stupid question... Looking through various reloading guides, and people's loads on the web, some have gone considerably over the published manufacturer maximum load for a power/bullet combo. I understand that this will be done very carefully for a given rifle, but since it says don't exceed the max load, how have people done this? What am I missing here? Many thanks Quote Link to post
dicehorn 38 Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Oh, and next stupid question... Looking through various reloading guides, and people's loads on the web, some have gone considerably over the published manufacturer maximum load for a power/bullet combo. I understand that this will be done very carefully for a given rifle, but since it says don't exceed the max load, how have people done this? What am I missing here? Many thanks The maximum has a lot to do with litigation american style. Also these maximums have to cover the guy with a modern sporting rifle and also the guy with a rifle built in 1895 of the same calibre. At the end of the day it is all about common sense and sensible experimentataion. It is worth remembering that most of the most accurate loads are acheived by using loads well below the manufacturer's maximum. Just be sensible Peter Quote Link to post
Mr_Logic 5 Posted February 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Oh, and next stupid question... Looking through various reloading guides, and people's loads on the web, some have gone considerably over the published manufacturer maximum load for a power/bullet combo. I understand that this will be done very carefully for a given rifle, but since it says don't exceed the max load, how have people done this? What am I missing here? Many thanks The maximum has a lot to do with litigation american style. Also these maximums have to cover the guy with a modern sporting rifle and also the guy with a rifle built in 1895 of the same calibre. At the end of the day it is all about common sense and sensible experimentataion. It is worth remembering that most of the most accurate loads are acheived by using loads well below the manufacturer's maximum. Just be sensible Peter So basically have a play, and keep a very close eye on brass etc for signs of pressure? Quote Link to post
dicehorn 38 Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Oh, and next stupid question... Looking through various reloading guides, and people's loads on the web, some have gone considerably over the published manufacturer maximum load for a power/bullet combo. I understand that this will be done very carefully for a given rifle, but since it says don't exceed the max load, how have people done this? What am I missing here? Many thanks The maximum has a lot to do with litigation american style. Also these maximums have to cover the guy with a modern sporting rifle and also the guy with a rifle built in 1895 of the same calibre. At the end of the day it is all about common sense and sensible experimentataion. It is worth remembering that most of the most accurate loads are acheived by using loads well below the manufacturer's maximum. Just be sensible Peter So basically have a play, and keep a very close eye on brass etc for signs of pressure? Yes - the etc should importantly include primers Quote Link to post
SNAP SHOT 194 Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 difficult extraction is some case, cratered primers, or blowen back primers, sooty deposit around primer edge, are all signs of overpressure.... now in cases of loading, to little powder, is as danerous as too much as, the powder ignites it will result in a longer pressure build up before the bullet head is released, also the danger is then taht a squib round can get stuck in the barrel, and you may not notice it, upon firing another round which strikes the lodged round end of the line for the barrel. the volume of the case and the powder type used are all carefully considered, when reloading books are made however, some reloading books will air more on the side of caution for safety reasons, whereas other will take you close to max pressure for the calibre size. one such book is the lee modern reloading which lists loads for the same bullet to maybe 4 grains over the hornady max loading, therefore these loadings should be worked up carefully checking for the signs of overpressure.. lil gun is ranked about 75 or so in the powder burn charts if i remember right and most .223 powders will be around 110 downwards not all but most if i remember correctly... meaning lil gun is a more rapid burning power, and with a low powder weight and naer empty cartridge, pressure could be a problem....... So stick to reloading guidelines work up your loads carefully, and you should have no problems... i cant recall other problems off hand as i'm at work now.....but hope this is of help to you... snap. Quote Link to post
jamie g 17 Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 try some benchmark powder in your 223 mr l. as for the loads over the max well the people who do that have built it up in there rifles. if there isnt any presure signs then your more then likely fine. but just build up steady mate. after all fps isnt anything in less its accurate Quote Link to post
dicehorn 38 Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 no you Eh ????????? Are you trying to build up your post tally?? Quote Link to post
SNAP SHOT 194 Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 no you Eh ????????? Are you trying to build up your post tally?? Quote Link to post
Lewdan 17 Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Right then, quick newbie question... I have the reloading gear at last, and I also have a whole load of Hornet stuff I got when I had Hornet, but at the time no press etc to actually make the ammo. So... is it possible to make up a very light load in 223 based on a 35gr V-max bullet and Hodgdon lil' gun powder? I see from a forum that Lil' Gun is meant to be too fast for 223. I know nothing on this yet, at the start of a very long road! What does that actually mean? Does it mean really bad things? Could I use it in Hornet-sized amounts with the 35gr vmax to produce a Hornet-powered load in a 223 case? Apologies for the lack of knowledge, answers gratefully received. Hi Mate. i think the lightest load used in .223 is 40gn anyway go to " hodgdon reloading data centre" put in your info, and you get a list of bullet weights ,powders, velosities, pressure, ect very usefull good luck Quote Link to post
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