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reloading

Shotshell Reloading Equipment

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Shotgun Reloading:

The purpose of this guide is for all those who would like to start reloading for their shotguns either for economy or better selection of shot and wad, that don’t know where to start when buying reloading equipment. This guide will show you everything that you need to start reloading your own top quality shotshells.

The first press is one that I recommend to all that aren’t sure if they really want to reload their own shotshells, but it is one that will last a lifetime for the average shotshell reloader wanting to save money in both finished quality reloaded shotshells and equipment expenditures.

Lee Load-All Reloader
The Lee Load-All (pictured above) loads shotgun shells that look and shoot like new – without a big investment. You can load just as fast as other reloaders and still get all the velocity and uniform patterns. Twenty-four of Lee’s famously accurate, molded shot and powder bushings are included.

Features include: built-in spent primer catcher with easy-empty door; recesses at every station for speedy shell positioning; easy and economical gauge conversion; and receptacle for primer feed.

Available for: 12, 16 and 20 gauge.

Recommended add on – The Lee Primer Feed will provide faster, more convenient reloading. Transfers primers directly from box to feeder. The advantage of this add on is quite simple if you handle primers with your fingers it is possible to contaminate the primer with the oil from your skin causing your loaded shotshell to possible hang-fire or not fire at all. The above press and add-on cost less than $80.00.

The shotshell presses below are very good at loading shotshells in volume, and are excellent upgrades from a starter press.

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 can load eight to ten boxes per hour, and can be upgraded at a later date with the 285 CA primer feed. The press is adjustable for 3″ shells, and is available in 10, 12 16, 20, 28 gauge and .410 bore.
Die sets are available in all gauges.

Note: MEC’s best selling press.

The MEC 650N works on six shells at once. With every stroke, a reloaded shell is completed. The MEC 650N does not resize except as a separate operation. This is the ideal press for the person who wishes to resize and inspect their shells as a separate operation.

The MEC SuperSizer is recommended for your resizing needs. The Automatic Primer feed is standard. Available in 12, 16, 20, 28 gauge, and .410 bore.

Die sets are not available.

MEC 9000GN High-speed, high-volume reloading plus automatic indexing and finished-shell ejection for quicker and easier reloading. The Auto-Dex™ automatically moves the shells through each reloading stage by simply returning the handle to the top of its stroke. Accurately resized shells are achieved with each stroke. Finished shells are automatically ejected from the shell carrier after final crimping. Finished shells with every stroke. Available in 12, 16, 20, 28 gauge and .410 bore.
Die sets are not available.

MEC 9000E Combines speedy 9000GN with innovative Auto-Mate. With push-button simplicity, shells are produced with unmatched consistency. New MEC Progressive Primer Feed included. Finished shells are ejected and slide into your container where they can be boxed simply by pushing a button.
Available: 12 gauge.

Here are some other shotgun resources:

Steel VS Lead

How to Pattern a Shotgun

Choke Tube Selection

Shotgun Recoil Calculator

 

270 Winchester

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270 Winchester:

The 270 Winchester rifle cartridge is based on the popular 30-06 Springfield cartridge case necked down to accept .277″ diameter bullets. Winchester began producing the 270 Winchester in 1923. Although the 270 Winchester was in production in 1923 it was not officially announced until the introduction of their model 54 rifle chambered in their 270 Winchester cartridge in 1925, later it would be chambered in their famous featherweight model 70 bolt action rifle.

The 270 Winchester is a great dual purpose cartridge that can be used for varmints sending a 110 gr. bullet out the muzzle at a sizzling 3,450 feet per second or it can be used as a big game cartridge sending 130 grain bullets out the muzzle at speeds of 3,100 feet per second with sufficient power out to the 400 yard mark for deer sized game.

Using 140 grain bullets at 3,090 feet per second it will harvest an elk with bullet energy to spare out to about 350 yards.

While much has been written about the 270 Winchester cartridge it truly is a great North American, big game cartridge. There are plenty of excellent bullet choices for handloaders and as of late more factory ammunition choices are available in a variety of bullet weights as well, all of which adds up to better hunting ballistics.

The 270 Winchester with the power it offers down range will recoil somewhat to the shooters shoulder with heavier bullets in the 150 grain range but is still tolerable to shoot. If the recoil bothers you too much just find a quality gunsmith in your area and have a recoil pad installed on your rifle or shoot reduced recoil ammunition.

Ammunition:

270 Winchester Factory Ammunition:
Recoil Energy Based On Rifle Weight Of 8.5 Pounds.
Bullet Velocity Based On Rifle Barrel Length Of 24 Inches:
270 Winchester
Cartridge
Manufacturer		 Bullet
Weight
Grains		 Bullet
Ballistic
Coefficient		 Muzzle
Velocity
Fps.		 Muzzle
Energy
Ft. lbs.		 Recoil
Energy
Ft. lbs.
Remington 100 .252 3,320 2,447 13.52
Cor-Bon 110 .323 3,450 2,907 15.98
Remington 115 .295 2,710 1,875 12.95
Norma 120 .314 3,250 2,814 16.75
Hornady 130 .460 3,200 2,956 18.34
Hornady 140 .495 3,090 2,968 19.48
Federal 145 .410 2,200 1,558 11.66
Winchester 150 .503 2,950 2,898 20.29

Ballistics:

270 Winchester Factory Ammunition Ballistics:
Rifle barrel length: 24 Inches.
Ammunition: Hornady 130 grain SST bullet.
Bullet diameter: .277 inch.
Bullet weight: 130 grains.
Bullet ballistic coefficient: .460.
Rifle zero: 235 yards, 2″ mid-range rise.
Range Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. 200 yds. 300 yds. 400 yds. 500 yds.
Bullet Velocity: 3,200 fps. 3,090 fps. 2,984 fps. 2,778 fps. 2,582 fps. 2,393 fps. 2,213 fps.
Bullet Energy: 2,956 ft.lbs. 2,757 ft.lbs. 2,570 ft.lbs. 2,228 ft.lbs. 1,924 ft.lbs. 1,653 ft.lbs. 1,414 ft.lbs.
Bullet Drop: – 1.8″ + 0.4″ + 1.7″ + 1.2″ – 3.8″ – 13.9″ – 30.2″
270 Winchester Factory Ammunition Ballistics:
Rifle barrel length: 24 Inches.
Ammunition: Hornady 140 grain SST bullet.
Bullet diameter: .277 inch.
Bullet weight: 140 grains.
Bullet ballistic coefficient: .495.
Rifle zero: 265 yards, 3″ mid-range rise.
Range Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. 200 yds. 300 yds. 400 yds. 500 yds.
Bullet Velocity: 3,060 fps. 2,991 fps. 2,894 fps. 2,706 fps. 2,526 fps. 2,353 fps. 2,187 fps.
Bullet Energy: 2,968 ft.lbs. 2,780 ft.lbs. 2,603 ft.lbs. 2,276 ft.lbs. 1,983 ft.lbs. 1,721 ft.lbs. 1,487 ft.lbs.
Bullet Drop: – 1.8″ + 0.8″ + 2.4″ + 2.5″ – 2.2″ – 12.3″ – 28.8″
270 Winchester Reloading:

Bullet Diameter: .277 Inch.
Maximum Case Length: 2.540 Inches.
Trimmed Case Length: 2.530 Inches.
Primer Size: Large Rifle.
Maximum Cartridge Overall Length: 3.340 Inches.

Check out our rifle ballistics chart for even more cartridge information.

223 WSSM Ballistics

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223 wssm ballistics
223 WSSM photo from Lucky Gunner

223 Winchester Super Short Magnum:

The 223 Winchester Super Sort Magnum is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed in partnership with Browning Arms Company and Winchester ammunition, making its debut and introduced to the shooting public in 2003. The new .224″ short magnum cartridge debuted chambered in Winchester’s Model 70 bolt action rifle.

The 223 WSSM is a centerfire rifle cartridge based on the 404 Jeffery cartridge case, shortening and necking down to twenty-two caliber and sharpening the shoulder angle to 28 degrees the 223 WSSM cartridge gets a definite boost in case capacity.

The 223 WSSM cartridge achieves true wildcat performance at the factory level, providing varmint hunters and shooters with a very high level of .22″ caliber super performance.

This is the first cartridge where handloaders will have the option in a cartridge to load their own to super performance beyond that of the 220 Swift or load at more modest barrel saving levels of 22-250 Remington velocities.

The 223 WSSM factory loadings show a velocity of 3,850 feet per second for a 55 grain bullet while this is only slightly more than the Remington 22-250 which shows a velocity of 3,680 feet per second, barrel life for the two rounds will not be the same, as the 223 WSSM chamberings in Browning and Winchester rifles have chrome bores to slow throat erosion, therefore the 223 WSSM will have an extended barrel life beyond that of the 22-250.

The 223 WSSM is certainly a handloading, varminters, and wildcatters dream cartridge. This was borne out by Hornady’s sixth edition of: Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (<–more recent 10th edition), where in the opening description of the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum they stated “We examined the throat of the rifle with a bore scope after approximately 350 rounds and the erosion was significant.

This cartridge is hard on barrels.

The 223 WSSM is such a revolutionary cartridge that Hornady when making the above statement also made a statement, same handbook, same page–Note: In the following data we were able to reach 4,600 fps with our 40 grain V-MAX.

Our trajectory tables only cover that bullet to 4,400 fps. Clearly in the Hornady statements, they as bullet manufacturers had never seen a commercial rifle cartridge produce such high velocities at saami safe chamber pressures, this exceeds anything prior by 200 feet per second.

This clearly made the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum, the fastest commercial .22” caliber centerfire cartridge on planet earth.

The 223 WSSM cartridge is only hard on barrels when handloaded to extreme velocities, all factory ammunition for this cartridge does not reach that point. Because the velocity is high on the 223 WSSM cartridge, anyone new to varminting is going to find out quickly their rifle barrels will carbon foul.

This cartridge should not be fired in any rifle barrel more than 3 shots between total barrel cleanings and the barrel should be allowed to cool between each shot to maintain top notch accuracy.

For a beginner just getting into the world of long range varminting, the 223 WSSM cartridge is highly recommended as it offers excellent down range trajectories with plenty of bullet energy for very effective, distant kills.

223 WSSM Ballistics:

223 WSSM Ballistics Chart rifle:
Rifle barrel length: 24 Inches.
Ammunition: Winchester 55 grain Ballistic Silvertip bullet.
Bullet diameter: .224 inch.
Bullet weight: 55 grains.
Bullet ballistic coefficient: .276.
Rifle zero: 240 yards, 1″ mid-range rise.
Range Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. 200 yds. 300 yds. 400 yds. 500 yds.
Bullet Velocity: 3,850 fps. 3,639 fps. 3,438 fps. 3,065 fps. 2,722 fps. 2,404 fps. 2,108 fps.
Bullet Energy: 1,810 ft.lbs. 1,617 ft.lbs. 1,444 ft.lbs. 1,147 ft.lbs. 905 ft.lbs. 706 ft.lbs. 543 ft.lbs.
Bullet Drop: – 1.8″ – 0.2″ + 0.8″ + 0.4″ – 3.7″ – 12.6″ – 27.5″
This is a ballistics chart for the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum rifle:
Rifle barrel length: 24 Inches.
Ammunition: Winchester 64 grain Power Point bullet.
Bullet diameter: .224 inch.
Bullet weight: 64 grains.
Bullet ballistic coefficient: .233.
Rifle zero: 260 yards, 2″ mid-range rise.
Range Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. 200 yds. 300 yds. 400 yds. 500 yds.
Bullet Velocity: 3,600 fps. 3,365 fps. 3,144 fps. 2,734 fps. 2,359 fps. 2,014 fps. 1,702 fps.
Bullet Energy: 1,842 ft.lbs. 1,609 ft.lbs. 1,405 ft.lbs. 1,062 ft.lbs. 790 ft.lbs. 576 ft.lbs. 412 ft.lbs.
Bullet Drop: – 1.8″ + 0.3″ + 1.5″ + 1.3″ – 3.6″ – 14.8″ – 34.6″

223 Winchester Super Short Magnum Reloading:

Bullet Diameter: .224 Inch.
Maximum Case Length: 1.670 Inches.
Trimmed Case Length: 1.660 Inches.
Primer Size: Large Rifle.
Maximum Cartridge Overall Length: 2.360 Inches.

For even more, check out our centerfire rifle ballistics chart.

Centerfire Rifle Cartridge Reloading Bullet Runout

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bullet runout

Centerfire Rifle Cartridge Reloading: Correcting Bullet Runout:

Bullet runout is the cause of most reloaded rifle cartridge inaccuracies. Most rifle cartridge case and bullet alignment is determined in the resizing die but there are other reasons and situations that will cause excessive bullet runout which are not readily seen with the human eye.

Bullet Runout Depiction:

The below cartridge centerline drawings are slightly exaggerated for viewing and demonstration purposes of bullet runout.
(a) .000″ – .002″ Bullet Runout.
(b) .003″ – .004″ Bullet Runout.
(c) .005″ – .010″ Bullet Runout.

Determining or Diagnostic For Bullet Runout:

The above conditions will go unnoticed by most reloaders because you have to check bullet runout with a accurate run-out gauge. If you go to the range and are consistently frustrated with group size and bullet flyers out of a good group and you have followed the steps in my accuracy guide read on.

Bullet Runout Correction:

Bullet runout correction begins right after the resizing die step of once fired cartridge cases in rifle cartridge reloading.

1. Cartridge Case Resizing:

Once you have resized a once fired cartridge case the next step is to check case-neck runout which should be less than .002″.
Note: If you are working with new unfired brass do not try to take accurate runout measurements other than bullet runout as brass needs fire formed one time to give consistent true readings.

1a. All cases that have more than .002″ neck runout should be set aside and checked for case neck thickness, if this is the problem the necks will have to be turned and trued.

1b. If your runout is consistently more than .002″ and case neck thickness is not the problem you should check to make sure that your resizing die is clean and properly set, if problem still persists a tighter tolerance resizing die should solve the problem.

1c. At this point you will realize that some brass cartridge casings are going to have to be weeded out and not used. With all work done at this point separating process should be as follows:

.000 super accurate,
.001 very accurate,
.002 accurate
and beyond–.002 trash can.

2. Trimming, Chamfering and Deburring:

The next very important step with the cartridge case to minimize bullet runout is trimming, chamfering and deburring.

2a. Trimming:

Trimming cases can be done by many different types of tools but the bottom line is the case mouth has to be cut true to facilitate the bullet seating operation minimizing bullet runout.

Case Full Length Trimming Depiction:

The below drawings are exaggerated for viewing and demonstration purposes of full length trimming.
 (a) Trued Cut.
(b) Angled Bad Cut.

In the above drawings (a) when properly chamfered and deburred should allow proper bullet seating, (b) when chamfered and deburred will not allow the bullet to be seated properly and it will cause bullet runout.

2b. Chamfering:

Chamfering cases is normally done by hand with a hand tool and leads to a lot of bullet run-out problems. Chamfering cases needs to be done exactly the same on each and every case with machine like accuracy.

Case Mouth Chamfering Depiction:

The below drawings are exaggerated for viewing and demonstration purposes of case mouth chamfering.

 (a) Correct.
 (b) Deep.
 (c) Shallow.
 (d) Angled.

In the above drawings (a) properly chamfered should allow proper bullet seating, (b) chamfer to deep and will most likely leave slivers of brass in your rifles chamber causing accuracy problems, (c) chamfer to shallow will most likely shave copper from bullets causing accuracy problems and will cause bullet run-out, (d) angled cut will most definitely cause bullet runout.

2c. Deburring:

Deburring cases is normally done by hand with a hand tool and can lead to some bullet runout problems in certain bullet seating dies. Deburring case necks needs to be done exactly the same on each and every case with machine like accuracy.

Case Neck Deburring Depiction:

The below drawings are exaggerated for viewing and demonstration purposes of case deburring.

 (a) Correct.
 (b) Not Deburred.
 (c) Angled Deburred.

In the above drawings (a) properly deburred will allow proper bullet guide and seating in all dies, (b) not deburred will have some effect on bullet seating in certain dies and will create accuracy problems inside the rifle chamber, (c) angle deburred will have some effect on bullet seating in certain dies and will create accuracy problems inside the rifle chamber.

3. Bullet Seating:

The bullet seating operation and bullet seating dies vary between manufacturer of these dies, I classify bullet seating dies into 2 classes.

3a. Standard reloading dies (which is the accepted standard). These dies will yield bullet runout generally less than .005″. Standard bullet seating dies will seat bullets straight if the bullet is set on top of the piece of brass straight before you slowly lower the press handle to seat the bullet.

3b. Bullet guided dies which are classed as (competition dies). These dies will yield bullet runout generally less than .003″. Competition bullet seating dies have a collar, collet and or guide that automatically guides the bullet into the piece of brass straight reducing the human error factor.

Summary:

1. If your looking to gain a little more consistent accuracy than what you are getting now from your handloads. I highly recommend if you own a RCBS case trimmer, trimmer 2 or trim pro to add the RCBS Trim Pro 3-Way Cutter. Different caliber pilots are available.

 

 

RCBS Trim Pro 3-Way Cutter.

Trims, Chamfers & Deburrs with lathe like accuracy. Its unique 3-blade head trims cases like a standard cutting tool, the inside blades chamfer the case while an outside blade deburrs it. Excellent tool for precise bullet alignment and seating.

My Picks
RCBS 90276 Pro 3-Way Cutter .17 Cal Case Trim Tool
RCBS 90277 Trim Pro 3 Way Cutter, 20 Caliber
RCBS Trim Pro 3-Way Cutter.22 Caliber
RCBS 90279 Trim Pro 3 Way Cutter, 6mm Caliber

RCBS Trim Pro 3-Way Cutter.25 Caliber

RCBS 90282 Trim Pro 3 Way Cutter, 270 Caliber
RCBS Trim Pro 3-Way, 7-mm Cutter
RCBS .30 Caliber 3-Way Pilot/Chamfer
2. If you are looking to gain even more accuracy by eliminating bad cartridge casings and checking bullet runout. I highly recommend the RCBS CaseMaster® Gauging Tool, as this tool will save a lot in otherwise wasted bullets, primers, powder and time.

RCBS CaseMaster® Gauging Tool.

This tool is simplistic in design and easy to use and a must for diagnosing cartridge problems that are not readily seen by the human eye. How the complete cartridge fits in the chamber and throat of the rifle barrel directly affects accuracy. The RCBS CaseMaster® Gauging Tool, measures case neck concentricity, case neck thickness, case length and bullet runout.

My Picks
RCBS 90375 Trim Mate Case Prep Center
RCBS 90366 Trim Pro-2 Kit with Spring Load…
RCBS Rangemaster 750 Scale 9v-dc / 110V-AC
3. If you are looking to gain maximum accuracy from your handloads this can only be done with excellent quality competition reloading dies, bullet alignment has to be precise. I highly recommend RCBS competition dies.

RCBS Competition Dies.

Tight machining tolerances of these dies yield maximum concentricity between the die neck and body. The bullet seater die features a micrometer bullet seating head that lets you adjust the seating depth you want in .001″ increments. There is also a handy bullet window machined through the side of the die to allow much easier bullet insertion. Plus a special bullet seating sleeve assures correct bullet alignment before, during and after bullet seating.

308 Winchester Reloading Data Chart

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Cartridges:

308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO centerfire rifle cartridges are also known as their metric nomenclature 7.62x51mm. Both of which are .30″ caliber, rimless, bottleneck centerfire rifle cartridge case designs that are reloadable with various combinations of primer, powder and .308″ diameter bullets. 7.62 NATO cartridges are normally loaded to slightly lower chamber pressure levels for semi-auto and full-auto rifle usage.

7.62 NATO Maximum Average Pressure – 60,200 PSI.

308 Winchester Maximum Average Pressure – 62,000 PSI.

Reloading Safety:

7.62 NATO cartridge casings are usually thicker in the web area, thereby reducing cartridge case volume. Only use published reloading data where this is taken into consideration when reloading 7.62 NATO cartridge cases. Otherwise you will experience much higher chamber pressures and possibly exceed your rifles limitation.

308 Winchester Reloading Specifications:
308 Winchester Cartridge:

Bullet Diameter – .308″.
Primer Diameter – .210″.
Primer Type – Large Rifle.
Case Neck Diameter – .343″.
Case Shoulder Diameter – .454″.
Case Base Diameter – .471″.
Case Rim Diameter – .473″.
Min. Case Length – 2.005″ / Trimmed.
Max. Case Length – 2.015″ / Stretched.
Min. Cartridge Loaded Length – 2.490″.
Max. Cartridge Loaded Length – 2.810″.
Max. Average Pressure – 62,000 PSI.
308 Winchester Reloading Data:
Handloaders have ample choices for loading their favorite bullet weights for many different tasks. From zombie slayers to woodchuck busters, lightweight bullets of 110 grain to 125 grain do quite well and probably better than most people know.
308 Winchester Load Data:
Winchester Cartridge Case
Case Trimmed Length = 2.005″.
Barnes Bullet
Dia. Type Weight S.D. B.C.
.308″ TTSX 110 .166 .295
Cartridge Overall Length = 2.700″.
Winchester Primer
Type = WLR.
Accurate 2200 Powder
Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
43.8 3,168 48.7 3,448 61,753
Ballistic Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Ballistic Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 12″.

Bullet
@		 Velocity
/ FPS.		 Energy
/ FT.LBS.		 Trajectory
/ IN.
Muzzle 3,448 2,904 – 1.5
100 yds. 3,096 2,342 + 1.1
200 yds. 2,773 1,878 0
300 yds. 2,471 1,492 – 5.6
400 yds. 2,189 1,171 – 16.9
500 yds. 1,926 906 – 35.6
308 Winchester Load Data:
Winchester Cartridge Case
Case Trimmed Length = 2.005″.
Nosler Bullet
Dia. Type Weight S.D. B.C.
.308″ B-Tip 125 .188 .366
Cartridge Overall Length = 2.750″.
Winchester Primer
Type = WLR.
Accurate 2460 Powder
Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
45.3 3,042 50.4 3,302 61,301
Ballistic Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Ballistic Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 12″.

Bullet
@		 Velocity
/ FPS.		 Energy
/ FT.LBS.		 Trajectory
/ IN.
Muzzle 3,302 3,026 – 1.5
100 yds. 3,026 2,541 + 1.2
200 yds. 2,767 2,125 0
300 yds. 2,523 1,767 – 5.7
400 yds. 2,292 1,458 – 16.9
500 yds. 2,072 1,192 – 34.7
For the deer, elk, or moose hunter hand-loading or reloading his or her own 308 Winchester ammunition, 150 grain bullets will work fine. For larger animals 165 grain bullets will deliver good energy and deep penetration further down-range.
308 Winchester Load Data:
Winchester Cartridge Case
Case Trimmed Length = 2.005″.
Hornady Bullet
Dia. Type Weight S.D. B.C.
.308″ SST 150 .226 .415
Cartridge Overall Length = 2.735″.
Winchester Primer
Type = WLR.
Accurate 2520 Powder
Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
44.5 2,770 49.4 3,006 61,771
Ballistic Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Ballistic Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 12″.

Bullet
@		 Velocity
/ FPS.		 Energy
/ FT.LBS.		 Trajectory
/ IN.
Muzzle 3,006 3,009 – 1.5
100 yds. 2,778 2,570 + 1.5
200 yds. 2,561 2,185 0
300 yds. 2,355 1,847 – 6.8
400 yds. 2,158 1,550 – 19.9
500 yds. 1,970 1,293 – 40.6
308 Winchester Load Data:
Winchester Cartridge Case
Case Trimmed Length = 2.005″.
Sierra Bullet
Dia. Type Weight S.D. B.C.
.308″ G-K 165 .248 .404
Cartridge Overall Length = 2.810″.
Winchester Primer
Type = WLR.
Accurate 2520 Powder
Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
42.9 2,636 47.7 2,861 61,834
Ballistic Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Ballistic Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 12″.

Bullet
@		 Velocity
/ FPS.		 Energy
/ FT.LBS.		 Trajectory
/ IN.
Muzzle 2,861 2,999 – 1.5
100 yds. 2,634 2,542 + 1.8
200 yds. 2,419 2,143 0
300 yds. 2,213 1,795 – 7.7
400 yds. 2,018 1,492 – 22.6
500 yds. 1,834 1,232 – 46.0
Handloaders of 308 Winchester cartridges have a couple good choices for loading heavier bullets that penetrate quite deep when used on large animals, 180 grain bullets can normally be driven fast enough to make it worth loading them for stopping power.
308 Winchester Load Data:
Winchester Cartridge Case
Case Trimmed Length = 2.005″.
Speer Bullet
Dia. Type Weight S.D. B.C.
.308″ SP 180 .271 .441
Cartridge Overall Length = 2.800″.
Federal Primer
Type = 210M.
IMR 4064 Powder
Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
40.7 2,445 45.2 2,683 58,200
Ballistic Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Ballistic Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 12″.

Bullet
@		 Velocity
/ FPS.		 Energy
/ FT.LBS.		 Trajectory
/ IN.
Muzzle 2,683 2,877 – 1.5
100 yds. 2,483 2,464 + 2.1
200 yds. 2,291 2,099 0
300 yds. 2,109 1,777 – 8.7
400 yds. 1,934 1,495 – 25.3
500 yds. 1,770 1,251 – 51.2
308 Winchester Load Data:
Winchester Cartridge Case
Case Trimmed Length = 2.005″.
Hornady Bullet
Dia. Type Weight S.D. B.C.
.308″ SST 180 .271 .480
Cartridge Overall Length = 2.740″.
Winchester Primer
Type = WLR.
Accurate 2520 Powder
Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
40.9 2,486 45.5 2,711 61,483
Ballistic Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Ballistic Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 12″.

Bullet
@		 Velocity
/ FPS.		 Energy
/ FT.LBS.		 Trajectory
/ IN.
Muzzle 2,711 2,937 – 1.5
100 yds. 2,526 2,549 + 2.0
200 yds. 2,348 2,203 0
300 yds. 2,177 1,894 – 8.3
400 yds. 2,014 1,621 – 24.0
500 yds. 1,858 1,379 – 48.2

Reloading Powder Manufacturers

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Alliant smokeless powder: is backed by a century of manufacturing experience and the most exacting quality control procedures in the industry. They check and control chemical composition, the shape and size of powder grains, even the propellants’ density and porosity.

Hodgdon Powder Company: Hodgdon Powder offers one of the largest selections of quality propellants for all types of reloading. Their mission is to provide quality propellants to sportsmen for all shooting sports.

IMR® Powder Company: produces powder for rifle, pistol, and shotgun reloading. This company was purchased by Hodgdon in 2003.

Winchester reloading powders: produces powder for rifle, pistol and shotgun reloading, licensed to Hodgdon in 2006.

Goex Black Powder: Since 1802 GOEX has manufactured black powder to the most precise specifications for competitive shooters, recreational shooting, muzzleloading hunters, and the U.S. Military. This company was purchased by Hodgdon in 2009.

Vihtavuori powders: come in three different series: N100 offers traditional single base propellants for rifle calibers, N300/3N offers porous single base powders and precise measuring capability for pistol cartridges, rimfire ammunition and shotgun shells, and N500 series powders are special high energy rifle propellants enhanced with nitroglycerin for extra ballistic performance.

Western Powders, Inc.: has been one of North America’s leading distributors of gun powder since 1972. They decided to develop and market their own brand of propellants in 1998 under the “Ramshot” name. To further broaden their operations, they purchased “Accurate Arms” in 2005. 

Accurate Powder: is an American company that offers a complete line of smokeless powders for handgun, rifle, and shotgun cartridges.

Blackhorn 209: is a low residue, high performance propellant for modern muzzleloaders and black powder cartridges that consistently shoots at high velocities and with great accuracy.

Norma Powder: developed in Sweden, is once again available in the United States and Canada because of an exclusive distributor agreement between Norma Powders and Western Powders, Inc.

Ramshot reloading powder: includes rifle, handgun, and shotshell powders that are double-based, spherical-shaped, smokeless powders.

Powder Burn Rate And Reloading Data:

1. Load Data For: Norma R1 Powder.

2. Load Data For: Winchester WAALite Powder.

3. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N310 Powder.

4. Load Data For: Accurate Arms Nitro 100 Powder.

5. Load Data For: Alliant e3 Powder.

6. Load Data For: Hodgdon TITEWAD Powder.

7. Load Data For: Ramshot Competition Powder.

8. Load Data For: Alliant Red Dot Powder.

9. Load Data For: Alliant Promo Powder.

10. Load Data For: Hodgdon CLAYS Powder.

11. Load Data For: Alliant Clay Dot Powder.

12. Load Data For: IMR, Co Hi-Skor 700-X Powder.

13. Load Data For: Alliant Bullseye Powder.

14. Load Data For: Hodgdon TITEGROUP Powder.

15. Load Data For: Alliant American Select Powder.

16. Load Data For: Accurate Arms Solo 1000 Powder.

17. Load Data For: Alliant Green Dot Powder.

18. Load Data For: Winchester WST Powder.

19. Load Data For: IMR, Co Trail Boss Powder.

20. Load Data For: Winchester Super Handicap Powder.

21. Load Data For: Hodgdon INTERNATIONAL Powder.

22. Load Data For: Accurate Arms Solo 1250 Powder.

23. Load Data For: IMR, Co PB Powder.

24. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N320 Powder.

25. Load Data For: Accurate Arms No. 2 Powder.

26. Load Data For: Ramshot Zip Powder.

27. Load Data For: IMR, Co SR 7625 Powder.

28. Load Data For: Hodgdon HP-38 Powder.

29. Load Data For: Winchester 231 Powder.

30. Load Data For: Alliant 20/28 Powder.

31. Load Data For: Alliant Unique Powder.

32. Load Data For: Hodgdon UNIVERSAL Powder.

33. Load Data For: Alliant Power Pistol Powder.

34. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N330 Powder.

35. Load Data For: Alliant Herco Powder.

36. Load Data For: Winchester WSF Powder.

37. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N340 Powder.

38. Load Data For: IMR, Co Hi-Skor 800-X Powder.

39. Load Data For: IMR, Co SR 4756 Powder.

40. Load Data For: Ramshot True Blue Powder.

41. Load Data For: Accurate Arms No. 5 Powder.

42. Load Data For: Hodgdon HS-6 Powder.

43. Load Data For: Winchester AutoComp Powder.

44. Load Data For: Hodgdon CFE Pistol Powder.

45. Load Data For: Ramshot Silhouette Powder.

46. Load Data For: VihtaVuori 3N37 Powder.

47. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N350 Powder.

48. Load Data For: Hodgdon HS-7 Powder.

49. Load Data For: VihtaVuori 3N38 Powder.

50. Load Data For: Alliant Blue Dot Powder.

51. Load Data For: Accurate Arms No. 7 Powder.

52. Load Data For: Alliant Pro Reach Powder.

53. Load Data For: Hodgdon LONGSHOT Powder.

54. Load Data For: Alliant 410 Powder.

55. Load Data For: Alliant 2400 Powder.

56. Load Data For: Ramshot Enforcer Powder.

57. Load Data For: Accurate Arms No. 9 Powder.

58. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 4100 Powder.

59. Load Data For: Alliant Steel Powder.

60. Load Data For: Norma R123 Powder.

61. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N110 Powder.

62. Load Data For: Hodgdon LIL’GUN Powder.

63. Load Data For: Hodgdon H110 Powder.

64. Load Data For: Winchester 296 Powder.

65. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 4227 Powder.

66. Load Data For: Hodgdon H4227 Powder.

67. Load Data For: IMR, Co SR 4759 Powder.

68. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 5744 Powder.

69. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 1680 Powder.

70. Load Data For: Norma 200 Powder.

71. Load Data For: Alliant Reloder 7 Powder.

72. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 4198 Powder.

73. Load Data For: Hodgdon H4198 Powder.

74. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N120 Powder.

75. Load Data For: Hodgdon H322 Powder.

76. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 2015BR Powder.

77. Load Data For: Alliant Reloder 10X Powder.

78. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N130 Powder.

79. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 3031 Powder.

80. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N133 Powder.

81. Load Data For: Hodgdon BENCHMARK Powder.

82. Load Data For: Hodgdon H335 Powder.

83. Load Data For: Ramshot X-Terminator Powder.

84. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 2230 Powder.

85. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 2460s Powder.

86. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 8208 XBR Powder.

87. Load Data For: Ramshot TAC Powder.

88. Load Data For: Hodgdon H4895 Powder.

89. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N530 Powder.

90. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 4895 Powder.

91. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N135 Powder.

92. Load Data For: Alliant Reloder 12 Powder.

93. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 2495BR Powder.

94. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 4064 Powder.

95. Load Data For: Norma 202 Powder.

96. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 4064 Powder.

97. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 2520 Powder.

98. Load Data For: Alliant Reloder 15 Powder.

99. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N140 Powder.

100. Load Data For: Hodgdon VARGET Powder.

101. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 4320 Powder.

102. Load Data For: Winchester 748 Powder.

103. Load Data For: Hodgdon BL-C(2) Powder.

104. Load Data For: Hodgdon CFE 223 Powder.

105. Load Data For: Hodgdon LeverEvolution Powder.

106. Load Data For: Hodgdon H380 Powder.

107. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 4007 SSC Powder.

108. Load Data For: Ramshot Big Game Powder.

109. Load Data For: VihtaVuori H540 Powder.

110. Load Data For: Winchester 760 Powder.

111. Load Data For: Hodgdon H414 Powder.

112. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N150 Powder.

113. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 2700 Powder.

114. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 4350 Powder.

115. Load Data For: Hodgdon H4350 Powder.

116. Load Data For: Alliant Reloder 17 Powder.

117. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 4350 Powder.

118. Load Data For: Norma 204 Powder.

119. Load Data For: Hodgdon HYBRID 100V Powder.

120. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N550 Powder.

121. Load Data For: Alliant Reloder 19 Powder.

122. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 4831 Powder.

123. Load Data For: Ramshot Hunter Powder.

124. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 3100 Powder.

125. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N160 Powder.

126. Load Data For: Hodgdon H4831 & H4831SC Powder.

127. Load Data For: Hodgdon SUPERFORMANCE Powder.

128. Load Data For: Winchester Supreme 780 Powder.

129. Load Data For: Norma MRP Powder.

130. Load Data For: Alliant Reloder 22 Powder.

131. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N560 Powder.

132. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N165 Powder.

133. Load Data For: IMR, Co IMR 7828 Powder.

134. Load Data For: Alliant Reloder 25 Powder.

135. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N170 Powder.

136. Load Data For: Accurate Arms Magpro Powder.

137. Load Data For: Hodgdon H1000 Powder.

138. Load Data For: Ramshot Magnum Powder.

139. Load Data For: Hodgdon RETUMBO Powder.

140. Load Data For: VihtaVuori N570 Powder.

141. Load Data For: Accurate Arms 8700 Powder.

142. Load Data For: Hodgdon H870 Powder.

143. Load Data For: VihtaVuori 24N41 Powder.

144. Load Data For: Hodgdon H50BMG Powder.

145. Load Data For: Hodgdon US869 Powder.

146. Load Data For: VihtaVuori 20N29 Powder.

243 Winchester Reloading Specifications

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Cartridge:
The 243 Winchester centerfire rifle cartridge is a .24″ caliber, rimless, bottleneck centerfire rifle cartridge case design that is reloadable with various combinations of primer, powder and .243″ diameter bullets by handloaders.
243 Winchester Reloading Specifications:
243 Winchester Cartridge:

Bullet Diameter – .243″.
Primer Diameter – .210″.
Primer Type – Large Rifle.
Case Neck Diameter – .276″.
Case Shoulder Diameter – .454″.
Case Base Diameter – .471″.
Case Rim Diameter – .473″.
Min. Case Length – 2.035″ / Trimmed.
Max. Case Length – 2.045″ / Stretched.
Min. Cartridge Loaded Length – 2.540″.
Max. Cartridge Loaded Length – 2.710″.
Max. Average Pressure – 60,000 PSI.
For the varmint or predator hunter hand-loading his or her own 243 Winchester ammunition wanting to shoot a lightweight bullet, the 243 Winchester will launch Nosler 55 grain Ballistic-Tip varmint bullets in the exces of 4,000 feet per second. Those handloaders desiring a slightly heavier bullet, Sierra 80 grain varminter bullet does a better job when dealing with stiff cross-winds when varmint hunting.
243 Winchester Load Data:
Winchester Cartridge Case
Case Trimmed Length = 2.035″.
Nosler Bullet
Dia. Type Weight S.D. B.C.
.243″ B-Tip 55 .133 .276
Cartridge Overall Length = 2.635″.
Remington Primer
Type = 9 1/2 Large Rifle.
Ramshot Hunter Powder
Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
49.4 3,771 54.9 4,086 59,368
Ballistic Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Ballistic Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 10″.

Bullet
@		 Velocity
/ FPS.		 Energy
/ FT.LBS.		 Trajectory
/ IN.
Muzzle 4,086 2,039 – 1.5
100 yds. 3,651 1,628 + 0.6
200 yds. 3,259 1,297 0
300 yds. 2,901 1,028 – 3.8
400 yds. 2,570 807 – 11.8
500 yds. 2,263 625 – 25.1
243 Winchester Load Data:
Winchester Cartridge Case
Case Trimmed Length = 2.035″.
Sierra Bullet
Dia. Type Weight S.D. B.C.
.243″ V 80 .194 .319
Cartridge Overall Length = 2.635″.
Winchester Primer
Type = WLR.
Hodgdon Superformance Powder
Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
44.0 3,236 48.7 3,460 58,400
Ballistic Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Ballistic Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 10″.

Bullet
@		 Velocity
/ FPS.		 Energy
/ FT.LBS.		 Trajectory
/ IN.
Muzzle 3,460 2,126 – 1.5
100 yds. 3,133 1,743 + 0.9
200 yds. 2,830 1,423 0
300 yds. 2,547 1,153 – 5.2
400 yds. 2,281 924 – 15.9
500 yds. 2,031 733 – 33.2
For the Antelope, Hog, Blacktail Deer, Whitetail Deer or Mule Deer hunter, hand-loading or reloading his or her own 243 Winchester ammunition, bullet choices and selections are very good. Berger VLD bullets offer a very flat trajectory and Sierra Gamekings are excellent as well.
243 Winchester Load Data:
Winchester Cartridge Case
Case Trimmed Length = 2.035″.
Berger Bullet
Dia. Type Weight S.D. B.C.
.243″ VLD 95 .230 .486
Cartridge Overall Length = 2.650″.
Remington Primer
Type = 9 1/2 Large Rifle.
Ramshot Hunter Powder
Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
40.1 2,874 44.6 3,165 59,883
Ballistic Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Ballistic Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 10″.

Bullet
@		 Velocity
/ FPS.		 Energy
/ FT.LBS.		 Trajectory
/ IN.
Muzzle 3,165 2,113 – 1.5
100 yds. 2,962 1,851 + 1.2
200 yds. 2,769 1,617 0
300 yds. 2,584 1,408 – 5.8
400 yds. 2,406 1,221 – 16.8
500 yds. 2,235 1,053 – 33.8
243 Winchester Load Data:
Winchester Cartridge Case
Case Trimmed Length = 2.035″.
Sierra Bullet
Dia. Type Weight S.D. B.C.
.243″ G-K 100 .242 .430
Cartridge Overall Length = 2.650″.
Remington Primer
Type = 9 1/2 Large Rifle.
Accurate Magpro Powder
Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
45.2 2,861 50.2 3,107 59,880
Ballistic Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Ballistic Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 10″.

Bullet
@		 Velocity
/ FPS.		 Energy
/ FT.LBS.		 Trajectory
/ IN.
Muzzle 3,107 2,143 – 1.5
100 yds. 2,881 1,843 + 1.4
200 yds. 2,667 1,580 0
300 yds. 2,463 1,347 – 6.3
400 yds. 2,268 1,142 – 18.2
500 yds. 2,082 962 – 37.0

223 Remington Reloading Data

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Written by the late Kim Lockhart, a master gunsmith.

223 Remington Centerfire Rifle Cartridge:

The popular 223 Remington centerfire rifle cartridge is a commercial, rimless, bottleneck cartridge case design that is loaded commercially (factory produced ammunition) or reloaded by individual handloaders with various combinations of primer, powder and .224″ diameter bullets. Handloaders can calculate the kinetic energies of their handloads with the use of these formulas.

223 Remington Reloading Specifications:

Bullet Diameter – .224″.
Primer Size – Small Rifle / .175″ Diameter.
Case Neck Diameter – .253″.
Case Shoulder Diameter – .354″.
Case Base Diameter – .376″.
Case Rim Diameter – .378″.
Minimum Case Length – 1.750″ / Trimmed.
Maximum Case Length – 1.760″ / Stretched.
Minimum Cartridge Overall Loaded Length – 2.125″.
Maximum Cartridge Overall Loaded Length – 2.260″.

223 Remington Reloading Data:

For the Predator hunter hand-loading or reloading his or her own 223 Remington ammunition, Western Powders, Accurate 2520 rifle powder does an impressive job of launching 60 grain .224″ diameter bullets at high velocity. Accurate online reloading data shows that a 60 grain .224″ diameter Nosler Partition bullet using 23.0 grains of Accurate 2520 powder can be driven to a velocity of 2,856 feet per second loaded at a maximum cartridge overall length of 2.205″ in the 223 Remington. This load does not top out until the 60 grain bullet is at 3,121 feet per second at a chamber pressure of 54,500 PSI.

For the 60 grain bullet reload if you sighted your 223 Remington hunting rifle in dead on at 210 yards it would only be 2 inches high at 125 yards and only 4.8 inches low at 275 yards which would be an excellent Predator load.

223 Remington Load Data And Ballistics Table
Test Powder Used = Accurate 2520.
Test Bullet Used = Nosler – Partition – .224″ Diameter.
Test Primer Used = Winchester – WSR.
Test Case Used = Winchester – 223 Remington.
Test Case Trimmed Length = 1.750″.
Loaded Cartridge Overall Length = 2.205″.
Test Barrel Length = 24″.
Test Barrel Twist Rate = 1 in 12″.
Nosler
Bullet
Weight
Grains		 Nosler
Bullet
Sectional
Density		 Nosler
Bullet
Ballistic
Coefficient		 Powder
Start
Load
Grains		 Start
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Powder
Maximum
Load
Grains		 Maximum
Load
Velocity
Fps.		 Maximum
Load
Pressure
P.S.I.
60 .171 .228 23.0 2,856 25.6 3,121 54,500
Short Range Ballistics Table For Above Load:
Recommended
Cartridge
Usage:		 Bullet
Weight
Grains		 Bullet
Ballistic
Coefficient		 Muzzle
Velocity
Fps.		 Muzzle
Energy
Ft. Lbs.		 Rifle
Zero
100 Yds.		 Bullet
Drop
200 Yds.		 Bullet
Drop
250 Yds.
Predator 60 .228 3,121 1,296 0 – 3.3″ – 7.3″
Long Range Ballistics Table For Above Load:
Bullet 100 yds. 200 yds. 300 yds. 400 yds. 500 yds. 600 yds. 700 yds.
Velocity Fps. 2,704 2,323 1,974 1,660 1,390 1,179 1,041
Energy Ft.lbs. 974 719 519 367 258 185 144
Trajectory + 1.7″ 0 – 8.2″ – 25.3″ – 55.3″ – 103.3″ – 176.4″

223 Remington Load Data Sources:

Hodgdon Reloading Data Center: The reloading data information displayed on this site, including ballistic data, was derived from tightly controlled laboratory conditions, by ballisticians and expert handloaders. Lists pressure test results as well. Features load data using Hodgdon, IMR & Winchester Rifle Powders.

Accurate Reloading Data Center: The reloading data information displayed on this site, including ballistic data, was derived from tightly controlled laboratory conditions, by ballisticians and expert handloaders. Lists pressure test results as well. Features load data using Accurate Rifle Powder. Accurate is an exclusive brand of Western Powders Incorporated.

Ramshot Reloading Data Center: The reloading data information displayed on this site, including ballistic data, was derived from tightly controlled laboratory conditions, by ballisticians and expert handloaders. Lists pressure test results as well. Features load data using Ramshot Rifle Powder. Ramshot is an exclusive brand of Western Powders Incorporated.

Barnes – 223 Rem.: Load data for the 223 Remington featuring the use of Barnes bullets.

Nosler – 223 Rem.: Load data for the 223 Remington using Nosler bullets. Features; varying case capacity and load density for each bullet weight and accuracy loads.

Norma – 223 Rem.: Load data for the 223 Remington featuring the use of Norma rifle powders.

Vihtavuori – 223 Rem.: Load data for the 223 Remington featuring the use of Vihtavuori rifle powders.

IMR – 223 Rem.: Load data for the 223 Remington featuring the use of IMR rifle powders.

Fair Use, Educational Copyright.

All About Rifle Reloading Bullets

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Centerfire Rifle Cartridge Reloading Bullet Selection:

Rifle bullets have to form a seal with the rifle’s bore. If a strong seal is not achieved, expanding gasses from the ignited powder charge leaks past the bullet, thereby reducing efficiency and accuracy. The bullet must also engage the rifling without excessively fouling the rifle’s bore, and without damaging the bullet, which will also reduce accuracy.

The leade angle is the angle cut by a chambering reamer on the very end of the rifling lands. This allows the bullet to begin its engraving into the lands on a relatively gentle angle.

Rifle bullet caliber is the outside diameter of a bullet that fits the maximum inside diameter of a rifles rifled bore in the rifling grooves, expressed in hundredths or thousandths of an inch and typically written as a decimal fraction.

–.17″ – .20″ – .22″ – .24″ – .25″ – .26″ – .27″
–.28″ – .30″ – .31″ – .32″ – .33″ – .35″ – .37″
–.41″ – .43″ – .45″ & .51″

Here is an in depth Rifle Ballistics Chart for all mentioned calibers.

The interaction between rifle bullet and rifled bore are termed as internal ballistics. The action of the bullet once leaving the rifle barrel is usually referred to as external ballistics.

Bullet Sectional Density:

Bullet sectional density is a mathematical factor expressing the relationship between the weight of the bullet and its cross-sectional area. Sectional density describes a bullet’s length as to its diameter, the higher the number, the longer the bullet. Generally speaking, longer bullet’s of a given diameter (high S.D.) will penetrate deeper than will shorter bullet’s of the same given diameter (low S.D.).

Bullet Ballistic Coefficient:

A ballistic coefficient is the measure of a bullet’s relative ability to overcome air resistance. Each bullet is assigned a numerical value expressing this efficiency. Ballistic coefficient calculations combine both bullet shape and sectional density factors. Higher B.C.s mean flatter trajectories and higher retained energy down-range.

Rifle Cartridge Bullet Reloading:

Today, bullet selection is excellent for reloaders who have or train with a wide diverse rifle shooting battery, varmint rifles, sporting rifles, tactical rifles, big game rifles and target rifles each of which require top notch accuracy and superb bullet performance.

Bullet Selection:

1. Bullet selection determined by rifling twist rate for proper bullet spin. A good rule of thumb is that the heavier and longer a bullet is, the faster the twist rate needs to be to stabilize the bullet in flight, therefore a lighter shorter bullet needs a slower twist rate to give proper bullet spin for correct flight.

2. Bullet selection determined by bullet construction. Today, bullet manufacturers to stay on top of what the shooting public wants, offer bullets with different construction for different uses. A good example of this is the Hornady bullet line up which offers their V-MAX for varmints, SST for deer and larger game animals and the A-MAX for target work all of which are very accurate with high ballistic coeffecients.

Bullet Precision:

How does anyone really know how precise a bullet is? Well short of x-raying the bullet or using a juenke machine you don’t, but you can sort out most bad bullets by weighing them on a very accurate scale.

While bullet manufacturers are very close today of creating perfect precise bullets the occasional bad bullet can be sorted out. Many reloaders still overlook the reloading value of using scales for their accuracy and ease of use for bullet sorting.

When weighing bullets separate them in increments of 1/10 of a grain. The reason for doing this is that the bullets components when assembled can create slight air pockets or antimony differences depending on the bullets construction which will change the bullets overall weight.

Bullet Seating Depth:

Bullet seating depth has a great impact on rifle accuracy, which directly affects maximum cartridge overall length. The bullet seating depth for each individual rifle free-bore area and bullet varies and should be set accordingly.

NOTE; Caution: Do not use this procedure for rifles chambered for weatherby cartridges as these rifles have extremely long throats or free-bore cut into the rifles bore.

Step 1. Insert a bullet into the neck of a unprimed resized case. Do not fully seat the bullet but seat it deep enough that it is gripped fully by the cartridge neck.

Step 2. Using a black magic marker or dykem steel layout blue, color the entire bullet.

Step 3. Insert the case and bullet into the chamber of the firearm and gently start to close the action. Stop as soon as you feel resistance.

Step 4. Remove the cartridge from the chamber, now look at the bullet, it should have well defined marks where the bullet contacted the rifling in the barrel.

Step 5. Continue seating the bullet deeper and chambering the cartridge until you only feel a slight amount of resistance when the bolt is closed completely. There should only be marks left on the bullet from the lands of the barrel.

Step 6. Now take another resized casing and with your bullet seating die set, repeat seating another bullet in the cartridge case to verify that this is your maximum cartridge overall length.

(NOTE) Never start working up a load with a bullet set against the lands in the barrel as this will sky rocket your load pressures.

Step 7. Shorten your cartridge maximum length by .06250″ or 1/16″ this is where you want to start to tune your load for seating depth.

(NOTE) Best overall accuracy, velocity, pressure uniformity and overall bullet performance will usually be obtained with most bullets seated from the barrels lands between .062″ – .005″.

Checking Accuracy:

Once you have loaded a round of ammunition for your rifle there is one final step that you can take that helps eliminate fliers before you go to the rifle range and that is checking bullet run-out.

Bullet Run-Out:

Checking bullet run-out is nothing more than gauging the accuracy of the bullets alignment with the cartridge case. It is this one simple task that can make or break 1 inch groups or tiny 1 hole groups.

Learn more about bullet run-out here.

RCBS CaseMaster® Gauging Tool:

This tool is simplistic in design and easy to use and a must for diagnosing cartridge problems that are not readily seen by the human eye. How the complete cartridge fits in the chamber and throat of the rifle barrel directly affects accuracy. The RCBS CaseMaster® Gauging Tool, measures case neck concentricity, case neck thickness, case length and bullet runout.

Have any interest in rimfire rifle ballistics?

Rifle Reloading Equipment Guide

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rifle reloading equipment

The center fire rifle cartridge is a type of rifle ammunition that has a bullet as a projectile that is fired from a breech loading rifle. The interaction between rifle bullet and rifled bore are termed as internal ballistics. The action of the bullet once leaving the rifle barrel is usually refereed to as external ballistics.

The components consist of a piece of brass or cartridge case that contains a rifle powder propellant charge, a primer that ignites the powder charge after being struck by the rifles firing pin and a bullet which is expelled out the muzzle end of the breech loading rifles barrel, by means of the expanding gases of the ignited rifle powder.

The center fire rifle cartridge is reloadable with the use of proper reloading equipment and is generally more accurate than factory ammunition when accuracy reloading guidelines are followed.

Rifle Cartridge Case:

Rifle cartridge cases consist of approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc combined metals and is the fundamental reloading component that does not get spent in the firing process of a center fire rifle cartridge. The cartridge casings main function is to seal the chamber area of the rifle barrel preventing high pressure gases from getting past the cartridge case in the chamber. The reason for using brass for the cartridge case is that it will expand readily and make a seal.

Rifle Cartridge Primer:

The center fire rifle cartridge is aptly named because the cartridge ignition source is a primer located in the center of the cartridge casings web. The type of primer used in American manufactured ammunition is boxer, which have an internal anvil and small explosive charge that when struck by a firing pin ignites, the flame travels through the flash hole in the cartridge case web and enters the case body where the main powder charge is then ignited.

Rifle Cartridge Powder:

Modern smokeless powder once ignited produce expanding gases that push the bullet down the rifles bore giving us a certain amount of velocity to our bullet. Modern smokeless powders come in two types, single base nitrocellulose and double base nitrocellulose with the addition of nitroglycerin. Modern smokeless rifle powder have various shapes and they are, extruded or tubular, ball or spherical, round flat flake and diamond flat flake.

Rifle Cartridge Bullet:

Rifle bullet caliber is the outside diameter of a bullet that fits the maximum inside diameter of a rifles rifled bore in the rifling grooves, expressed in hundredths or thousandths of an inch and typically written as a decimal fraction.

Centerfire Rifle Cartridge Reloading Equipment:

When first starting out to reload your own empty rifle cartridge cases, reloading kits are a very good place to start when selecting reloading equipment. Lee offers probably one of the most economical approaches to reloading with a good solid O-frame press in their kit. There are convenient loading tools offered by other manufacturers as well, all are high quality.

Rifle Cartridge Reloading Data:

Once you have selected a reloading kit (more individual parts, below) you will need a source of reliable reloading data. Bullet manufacturers offer some of the best data as they use a multitude of powder, cartridge casings, and primer combinations for their test results.

Great reloading books:

Rifle Cartridge Reloading:

The first step is to clean and inspect the cases, then lube the inside of the cartridge case neck with the case neck brush, and then lube the cases on the exterior with the lube pad.

RCBS Case Lube Kit 

The linked RCBS Case Lube Kit is the best and simplest way to properly clean and lube cases. Included is the case lube pad, a 2-oz. bottle of Case Lube, and an accessory handle with interchangeable Case Neck Brushes for .22 through .30 calibers. Will not harm primers.


Lee Challenger Press 

The “O” frame press by design is one of the strongest. This is by far the most popular style press. The larger than average opening is angled at 30 degrees for maximum hand clearance. The spent primer catcher is effective and the easiest to empty.

In this step you resize and de-prime the cases by threading your resizing die into the press and attaching the shell holder on the ram of your press.

Lee Pacesetter Dies 

The Lee Pacesetter Dies include the exclusive Lee Factory Crimp Die, resizing and de-priming die, conventional bullet seater & roll crimper die, shell holder, powder dipper, load data and storage box.

In this step you check the case length and will need a stainless dial caliper.

Stainless Steel 6″ Dial Caliper

The one linked will deliver unfailing .001″ accuracy for checking cartridge case length, takes inside, outside, and depth measurements. It also includes a protective storage case.

In this step, when necessary, you trim the cases chamfer and deburr.

The Lee Cutter and Lock Stud with Chamfer, linked above, works for all calibers. Trim cases by hand or electrically.


The Lee Case Length Gauge (Pilot) and Shell Holder

A combination set must be ordered for each specific caliber you plan to reload.

In this step you clean the primer pocket of the case.

Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner

The double ended design on the above tool cleans both large and small primer pockets. Primers can be fully seated for better accuracy and safety. (This is included in the above kit with the lock stud and chamfer).

In this step you prime the case with a new primer.

Lee Auto Prime and Shell holder Set

The Lee Auto Prime and Shell Holder Set is the fastest, most accurate priming tool made. You never touch the primers from the box to the shell. It automatically feeds and installs just as fast as you can place shells in the holder. Both large and small trays and 11 of the most popular shell holders.

In this step you weigh out your powder charge and add it to the case.

Lee Perfect Powder Measure, Lee Safety Scale,

We’ve found this to be the most sensitive and safest of all powder scales. The Lee Powder Funnel is also helpful. Using the lee perfect powder measure you throw a charge of powder within a few tenths of a grain and add it to the scale pan then using the powder trickler (below) over the scale pan you finish the charge, then use the powder funnel to add powder to case.


RCBS Powder Trickler

is the easiest way to feed powder to your scale. Turn the small knob and powder trickles into the pan one kernel at a time. Large-capacity reservoir, extra-wide base for stability, and a perfect height for all powder scales.

In this last step you seat the bullet into the case.

Now you remove your resizing die from the press and thread into the press your bullet seating die and seat the bullet into the cartridge case.

Centerfire Rifle Cartridge Reloading Primer Selection:

The centerfire rifle cartridge is aptly named because the cartridge ignition source is a primer located in the center of the cartridge casings web. The type of primer used in American manufactured ammuntion is boxer, which have an internal anvil and small explosive charge that when struck by a firing pin ignites, the flame travels through the flash hole in the cartridge case web and enters the case body where the main powder charge is then ignited.

The two standard primer sizes for metallic centerfire rifle cartridges are small rifle which are .175″ diameter and large rifle which are .210″ diameter.

Small Rifle Primers (.175″ Diameter):
Small Rifle: Is used for most rifle cartridges requiring a small rifle primer.
Small Rifle Magnum: Is generally used for heavy loads and ball propellants.

Large Rifle Primers (.210″ Diameter):
Large Rifle: Is used for most rifle cartridges requiring a large rifle primer.
Large Rifle Magnum: Is generally used for large case capacity rifle cartridges, or when using ball propellants.

Rifle Cartridge Primer Reloading:
Primers directly affect accuracy more than most people or reloaders realize. The primer is the only component in a cartridge that sets off a chain reaction of events. The first thing that the primer does is start the bullet moving out of the cartridge case and at the same time it ignites the powder charge which in turn pushes the bullet out of the barrel.

Some of the things that can dictate a certain primer usage are extremely hard or soft bullets, bullet seating depth, powder selection by burn rate and or amounts of powder used in the case.

Rifle primers are not the same by any means, there is a difference in the length of time which primers burn. Primers can be selected by heat or pressure range of which there are three fairly distinct and can vary between individual lots produced. Always keep in mind that between primers there can be a hi-lo pressure difference of approximately 12%, when changing primers on a load always start at the start load and work up again.

Just remember when it comes to custom handloading of rifle cartridges there is nothing cast in stone, it is all a matter of trial and error for each individual rifle.

Center-Fire Rifle Cartridge Reloading:

Handloading or reloading is the process of loading rifle cartridges by assembling the individual components; rifle case, rifle primer, rifle powder, and rifle bullet. Handloading or reloading centerfire rifle ammunition is serious business and should never be taken lightly. When done properly and precisely real gains in rifle accuracy can be achieved.
Rifle Cartridge Accuracy:

A. Reloading manual loads and factory ammunition are loaded to fit and function in all guns of a certain caliber. Manufacturers and factories do this with reasonable accuracy, but the ability to customize a cartridge to your firearm leads to excellent accuracy.

B. How you sort and assemble all the cartridge components have major consequences on harmonious ignition and accuracy.

C. As a reloader, you control many of the variables of a cartridge. You select the cartridge case, the primer, the powder, the powder charge, the bullet and most importantly the seating depth of the bullet. You customize the load for your firearm.

Note: This is a critical point to remember, when you are adjusting and working up a load for your rifle, fact is, you are actually tuning and adjusting the barrel vibrations of your rifle.

This Reloading Guide:

The purpose of this short brief guide is to point out the small things in reloading that the average reloader may not be aware of or their importance are overlooked by experienced reloaders. While some of the things described in this guide offer only a small seemingly insignificant gain in accuracy it is a combination of all the little things that add up to a large gain in accurate handloaded rifle ammunition.

Loaded Ammunition Accuracy:

Whether you are an experienced reloader or a beginning reloader, you have no way of telling how accurate your rifle ammunition may be. Bullet run-out in a loaded rifle cartridge for the most part is the reason for most centerfire hunting rifle inaccuracies. I strongly recommend to all rifle ammunition handloaders to purchase the R.C.B.S.

Case Master Gauging Tool, as it will detect accuracy robbing bullet run-out before going to the range. For the reloader it can save valuable time and money by weeding out bad brass before it is loaded with primer, powder and bullet as well.

Next, check out our reloading resources:

About Bullet Runout

Bullet Manufacturers

Powder Manufacturers