My first try at .223 loads for my new AR-15 doesn't work. They either don't eject, or if they do kick out, the bolt doesn't pick up the next round from the magazine. The loads are:
Sierra 55 gr. FMJ-BT
21.5 gr. IMR 4198
CCI 400 small rifle primers
bullets are seated to the crimp cannelure, and then firmly crimped with a Lee factory crimp die
variety of brass, full length sized in Lee .223 Remington dies
The powder is old, maybe 25 to 30 years old. It may be suspect, but it smells fine. The fired rounds that did eject fell right next to me. The primers are moderately flattened, and have cratering around the firing pin strike.
All the factory rounds fired fine. There was no cratering, but the primers are more flattened.
The rifle has a 5.56 chambering, but that shouldn't play into it.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Try half a grain up, or down? Switch powders?
Sierra 55 gr. FMJ-BT
21.5 gr. IMR 4198
CCI 400 small rifle primers
bullets are seated to the crimp cannelure, and then firmly crimped with a Lee factory crimp die
variety of brass, full length sized in Lee .223 Remington dies
The powder is old, maybe 25 to 30 years old. It may be suspect, but it smells fine. The fired rounds that did eject fell right next to me. The primers are moderately flattened, and have cratering around the firing pin strike.
All the factory rounds fired fine. There was no cratering, but the primers are more flattened.
The rifle has a 5.56 chambering, but that shouldn't play into it.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Try half a grain up, or down? Switch powders?