Scrumbag

@Si B, sent you a PM

Thanks SiB

I will look up my load data and send it to you.

Scrummy

Lovely kit!

NORMA XTREME LR 22 | Norma (norma-ammunition.com)

Norma have the "Xtreme" .22lr bullet but I'm guessing that might just be the packaging the RWS offering differently for the US market. Looks very similar and RWS / Norma are now linked.

Scrummy

Also might be worth checking if Hornady is 5.56 / CIP commercial or SAAMI .223 Rem.

Looking at Hornady's app, the 5.56 load for N140 and the 75gr ELD-M is 24.8

I'm not sure for clays cartridges you do. I'm going to try reloading for slug and I think perhaps for fancy non-tox you save money but given the volumes I think difficult.

Scrummy

Hi folks,

With Tin Star being discontinued and Trail Boss being long gone, I was wondering about a good "fluffy" powder for decent case fill in "plinking" applications.

Turns out Reload Swiss are bringing out a powder called RS14 which will have an odd shape to give a high case proportion and it might well be here in the not too distant future.

Here's some info from Reload Swiss:

https://www.reload-swiss.com/en/reload_swiss/tipps___tricks/tipps_und_tricks_neu_1/einfuehrung_rs14/index.php

"Introduction RS14

Dear Reload Swiss family,

We are proud to announce there will be a new addition to our product family in the fourth quarter of 2022. The new powder has been named RS14 and is suitable for cartridges that were originally designed for black powder propellants (e.g. .45 Colt), for reduced loads (if the permissible muzzle energy at the shooting range is limited), for subsonic ammunition and for training situations with handguns where the aim is to shoot with reduced power, but still with a good filling level.

What led us to accept this challenge? Some time ago now, we were told that it is proving increasingly difficult in Europe to get hold of a unique powder from a U.S. competitor. Apparently, this powder’s special feature is that you can almost always just about fill the case without worrying about excessive pressure. We were asked whether we could produce something similar. When we took a look at the benchmark powder, it turned out to be cut very thinly. This is done using a cutting technology that is not available to us in Wimmis. Besides the form of the powder, its very low bulk density of just a little over 300 g/l also impressed us. This is combined with a vivacity that, although high, is not exactly through the roof. Our thinking was that the low bulk density would require our powder to have an extremely high porosity, which would result in a much higher vivaciy than that of the U.S. powder. Only very late in the day did we notice the relatively low energy content. This naturally also reduces the vivacity. Armed with this knowledge, we launched an initial sample production operation at the end of September 2020. The two samples already represented a very good start at the time (in terms of bulk density, energy content and vivacity). The vivacity was even a little below the level we were aiming for. Following targeted adjustments to the manufacturing parameters and further sample production operations, the reference sample was mixed at the end of 2021 and will serve as a guideline for the product in the future. In 2022, we then obtained certifications, prepared the data sheet, drew up the safety data sheet, generated initial load data, spoke to the importers and provided initial samples for opinion-forming purposes.

In terms of shape, you are primarily used to single-perforated powder and flake powder. With RS14, we are now introducing a T-shaped powder. Fear not – you barely see or notice the shape. Dispensing from standard dispensers is very uniform and reliable. What’s more, we have a great deal of experience with such powders in military applications. Consequently, they are only new in reloading applications.

The first batch was produced some time ago and we are currently working on the second in order to ensure supplies. RS14 has a bulk density of approx. 320 g/l, an energy content of approx. 3,250 J/g and a vivacity just below the benchmark that has already been referred to several times. Overall, we come very close to the benchmark at the range. In our opinion, we have successfully kept our promise of producing something similar. And it goes without saying that the new powder is REACH-compliant.

So, it’s now up to you to see what you think of our latest addition to the Reload Swiss family. We hope the powder helps you make lots of cartridges that bring you enjoyment and success.

On behalf of the Reload Swiss Team

Jan Krcmar

Pascal Beer

Urs Altorfer

Dominik Antenen"

 

And https://www.reload-swiss.com/en/reload_swiss/produkte/rs20_pistol_powder/rs14_rifle_pistol_powder/index.php

"RS14 Rifle/Pistol Powder

Uses

RS14 has been developed specifically for the needs of Reload Swiss RS.

Boasting a unique combination of minimal bulk density, low energy content and high vivacity, it is suitable for reduced loads, light cowboy action loads and subsonic loads for revolver and rifle calibres.

Tips:

Recommended load: Filling level of approx. 50% to 100% for all calibres.

Lead or copper-plated bullets for handgun calibres.

Self-loading guns: The self-loading function is not a given for all loadings and calibres.

Standard calibres

.38 Special

.30-30 Win.

.338 Lapua Mag

.357 Mag.

.308 Win.

.375 H&H Mag.

.44 Special

.30-06 Spring.

.444 Marlin

.44 Mag.

.300 Win. Mag.

.45-70 Govt.

.44-40 Win.

7,5 × 55 Swiss

.458 Win. Mag.

.45 ACP

7.62 x 54 R

.50 Browning

.45 Colt

8 x 51 R Lebel

.500 S&W Mag.

8 x 57 IS

 

Packaging units

400 g can

 

Powder type

RS14 is a porous, extruded, nitrocellulose-based propellant powder.

Safe service life

If properly stored, the propellant powder remains safe to use for up to ten years.

Verification tolerances

Batch-to-batch tolerance:

v5 ±12 m/s

pmax ±250 bar

Key characteristics

Heat of explosion           approx. 3,200 J/g

Bulk density       approx. 320 g/l

Length x width x height approx. 1.2 x 1.1 x 0.8 mm

Thickness           approx. 0.3 mm"

Hi Folks,

Anyone have any experience with Rusan Weaver / Pic QD rings?

Scrummy

I still need to try and get the 60gr TMKs shooting but have high hopes given your experience with the 69gr

18 hours ago, Artiglio said:

I shot a barrel with the 180 scenar l , n165 was by far the best powder and achieved. 2920 fps.  So may well be worth a try. 

I have some N165 to try with heavy bullets in my 7x64. Would you recommend a magnum primer?

Best wishes,

Scrummy

On Pigeon Watch there's a thread called the "Pump Club" Pump Club - Page 136 - Guns & Equipment - Pigeon Watch Forums

They might be able to help.

Scrummy

Gunstar I reckon better for pumps than Guntrader in many cases.

Guns for sale - Gunstar

Scrummy

 

I had same issues with Rem 9.5s... Junk

My further question is, how do you know your die hasn't moved...?

3 hours ago, Ralpharama said:

I did some test loads and the best was around the same weight as before. I haven't adjusted the seating depth, just left the seating die where it was before. I guess I'll just have to play with the seating depths. I don't have any measuring gear currently so I'll have to beg, borrow or buy some. In the past I have just slit an old case, inserted a bullet and pushed it in to find the lands and then set the press up just slight less. A bit less than scientific I suppose. 

You need a micrometer to check lengths.

Also I would say with 69gr pointy bullets you are approaching the limit of what your 1:9 twist barrel will stabilise.

Have fun with some load development!

49 minutes ago, Andrew said:

After a while there wasn't much else to explore in shooting. Performance cast bullet shooting is a study in itself...and an expensive one; I think I have +/- 150 bullet molds -commercial and custom. ~Andrew

Wowser! Any in ~0.423” for 404 Jeff you’d care to part with? Or 9.3mm?

Scrummy

Have bump on me. Great scopes 

Thanks both,

I have been looking at the Lyman 4^th Ed. Cast Bullet handbook.

Lyman publishes data for the 240gr #429667 out of a Rifle (This looks to be a RNFP or maybe a truncated cone). It isn't gas checked and includes load data for Unique, N110 and H110 so makes me wonder what’s possible.

The other thing with the Lyman data is the bullet is seated at COAL 1.645 which is a) Longer than CIP spec (1.61") and b) the Shellhouse bullets have a seating depth at rather less than that (About 1.58" as memory serves) if you want to crimp into the cannelure.

So, thoughts welcomed. Can you shoot plated bullets as fast as gas checked?

Scrummy

Hi folks,

looking for a 44 mag load with a cast lead 240gr RNFP (Shell House) that is supersonic (for electronic targets).

I have Unique but happy to look at other powders.

Scrummy

S1 or S2?

Pete’s a great guy to deal with. At the other end of the spectrum I’m going to load some of his 400gr Chilcotins into my 404 Jeff

Well, loaded up some 44 mag on the turret with the Lee Auto drum at lunch. And even with Unique I thought pretty consistent. I also did some trial loads with 24.7gr of Ramshot X-terminator and that was really very conistent. Rarely any variation beyond .2 of a grain.

 

I feel an order for the rifle charging die kit coming for .223 Rem and I think 257 Roberts and Ramshot Hunter...

 

Scrummy

12 hours ago, Laurie said:

That's short-range and ideal for these bullets. The .224 77s from Sierra, Nosler, Berger, Lapua will all shoot much further but they're blunt, low-BC designs that become increasingly wind affected at longer ranges, also fall into trans-sonic speeds too at under 800 yards with 223 Rem MVs.

The 77 SMK, the original one of the quartet, was designed for a specific task - to shoot well with a lot of jump in 223 Rem Wylde or 5.56 chambers whilst feeding reliably when loaded to 2.25-2.26" to fit AR-15 magazines for the 200 (off-hand) and 300 (kneeling or sitting) yards rapid-fire (semi-auto) stages in US Hi-Power Service Rifle competitions. (80s would then be single loaded for the final 600 yards prone slowfire stage.) As is often the case, they'll still perform well when outside of their original design parameters, but they're first and foremost shorter distance models.  

Very interesting Laurie, I didn't know that so thanks.

Question for you: If you wanted a .223 Rem to shoot longer range but wanted to run it through a magazine, what would you go for?

ATB,

Scrummy

11 hours ago, Richiew said:

Hi mate 

enjoyed a few beers and a whiskey. I’m finding that the best bullets seem to be those that are max weight for twist rate  , also gone through the Bryan litz books to find bullets that are above the 1.5 number for stability . Although some of the flat base low bc bullets  look great with massive stability numbers id rather have just over the 1.5 number with high bc s . Regarding the 308 calibre with my 1:12” twist th only good bullets are the 155s but I find anything upto 185 s work very well even though they re not optimal. Should have gone for a 1:10” twist for the 308 . For the 223 lower twist rate anything upto 70 grain should be great so 69 TMKs could be good if you can find them . High bc varmint types in 223 are very rare at the moment . Cheers 

Yes, I'm usually a fan of heavy for chambering bullets but some of the really heavy stuff you can get for .223 Rem is quite something else.

CDSG did have some 60gr Nosler Varmint Ballistic tips the other day but I decided to stick with trying the Sierra TMKs as I've had good luck with the 160gr 7mm version. Also the BC (if to be believed) is pretty good on those 60gr TMKS is pretty good.

Richie,

Thanks for the info, very kind.

I think my CZ527 will run a mag with just about 2.3" so might be worth a try if the Sierras don't work out

Enjoy that beer.

Scrummy