Jam or Jump for .223 Bolt Action

[ehkempf]

What is the norm for loading a .223 with 52g to 53g bullets in a bolt action. Should I take the same approach and let the rifle make the choice as I do for my 6BR's. I have a Remington XR-100 and with Sierra 52g BTHP jam is at 2.260 recommended load oal is 2.250, with the Sierra 53g HP jam is at 2.240 again recommended oal is 2.250 so if I load to recommendation it will be jammed. Thanks, in advance

Ed

 

[Wilbur]

Yes, the rifle should decide....in every respect.

 

[davejones]

You may need to back off the powder charge first, but...

start at jam first & move back from there. That way you've only got one other direction to experiment with.

 

[SGS]

What is the norm for loading a .223 with 52g to 53g bullets in a bolt action. Should I take the same approach and let the rifle make the choice as I do for my 6BR's. I have a Remington XR-100 and with Sierra 52g BTHP jam is at 2.260 recommended load oal is 2.250, with the Sierra 53g HP jam is at 2.240 again recommended oal is 2.250 so if I load to recommendation it will be jammed. Thanks, in advance

Ed

Just an aside: Those recommended OALs are useless, meaningless and should be ignored. In many cases reloading manuals quote the SAAMI maximum length, in other cases they quote the length that they used in their test barrel. The starting overall length you use should be based on the throat of the individual rifle you are loading for and should be measured with a device that engages the bullet near the ogive. If you intend to use the magazine, that may limit the maximum length possible.