Bruce H.
Member
I am relatively new to handloading rifle ammunition. I have actually only loaded three different batches so far. I have an RCBS Partner Press, use RCBS dies, Federal brass trimmed to 1.750", Hodgdon Varget powder and Winchester Small Rifle Primers. The first two batches or lots that I loaded I used Hornady .224 FMJ-BT bullets. Once I had my die set properly, the overally length variation for the first batch was 0.009". The variation in the overall length for the second batch was 0.005". For the third batch I used Winchester .224 FMJ-BT bullets with all of the other components being the same. Once I had the die set properly, the overall cartridge length variation for this batch with Winchester bullets was 0.020". Has anyone experience more overall length variation using Winchester .224 bullets compared to other brands or is it just me and something I am doing wrong?