I have a 14" Contender barrel that was rechambered to 223 Imp. I was told by the gunsmith that did the work, to fireform my brass by "using slower powders; compressed loads with the bullet engaging the lands of the barrel." He recommended 27gr.of 4064 topped off by a 52gr. Sierra bullet. Every loading manual I have would put that over the top of a suggested maximum load. Is there any way I could cut back off on the powder charge to a more reasonable 24-25gr. and make up the space difference with Cream of wheat or corn meal to create a compressed charge? The gunsmiths point was that you don't want the firing pin strike to force the brass over the bullet and get into a situation that promotes stretching of the brass. The Brass has to stay put to form a proper shoulder. He sent a case that he formed and I have to admit it looks great. I'm just nervous about blowing my pistol up (with me behind it)!
i have NEVER seen someone recommend a load that exceeds published data?!?!?! I have been shooting a 7mmTCU for several years. Forming cases for this is not unlike what you need to do. My procedure for this is real simple, Find powder you want to use, reduce max load by 10%, load and shoot! All the cases i have formed have been perfect. As a note, all my formed cases started life as .223 NEW Winchester.
My $.02,
mike
------------------ NRA Life Member
United States of America, Love it or LEAVE IT!
Posts: 1574 | Location: Western Pennsylvania | Registered: 12 September 2002
Are all these .223AI's pistols? I was wondering if any of you are using carbine barrels? I just posted a question in the Single Shot Pistols forum if you want to have a look. Can the Contender be loaded (generally) as what is published for bolt guns or do they expect you to down load them? Thanks for any and all advice.
