Am I having case density issues with my .243?

[twoforty]

Hi all,

Novice reloader here looking for advice.

I've recently started reloading for my .243 and just want to check I have this right...

At the moment I'm loading 90gr pills with 43.5gr of AR2209. The load range for this from ADI is 42gr starting, 44.5gr max.

I've done a bunch of reading on reloading of course, and get the general idea of case density.

Seeing a mates .308 loads, they are just under max and his powder is half way up the neck.

Mine are 1-2mm below the bottom of the shoulder though. Being at the higher end of the load range for .243 and a 90gr bullet, I'd have though my brass would be pretty full.

I've tripled checked my powder dispenser, scales, and all that. I'm sure the powder charge is right.

I don't know if anything's off or just not what I expected?

[on_one_wheel]

Sounds about right to me. Iv just used up the last of my 2208 @ 34 grains in my .243 and the powder is well down below the neck. If all your cases are full to the same level then your case densitys are prety even. Are you worried about the charge density.... how full the case is ?

[SendIt]

From the sounds of it no.

By the time you've seated the bullet, there would be very little space left in your case.

[Hardcast]

twoforty,

case density changes with different powders, some reloaders find a powder that almost fills the case, others are happy with out.

Just stick to the loading manual, if your loads aren't shooting all that well, try another powder, there's plenty out there.

[iwaslike]

Picking a number here, but with what you've described your case would still be 95% full or something like that.

With other powders and lighter loads it could be much emptier than this, e.g. only 60% full.

That's where problems live. The powder doesn't need to be 100% full to the brim.

[agentzero]

Some movement of powder is ok. Your description sounds perfectly fine.

Like mentioned above though, there are some loads which are so empty they sound like maracas.

[Murph]

Your on track mate its the same as mine only difference is I use 87 grn V-max . As for your mates loads I would be surprised if he is using 2209 but that's another story

[twoforty]

Stories are good.

Don't be afraid to share Murph

[yoshie]

Yeah about right, maybe try another powder to see if you get better density. Usually peek accuracy is achieved when you get to density of 100% but not always. I liked 2208 in my 243.

[SendIt]

Usually peek accuracy is achieved when you get to density of 100% but not always.

Or with some light compression even.

Nothing to do but try though and find out what each rifle likes.

[bunnybuster]

If your concern was raised by the difference to your mates 308 load,it's a different scenario,his brass might be heavier/thicker,so less volume,if you're using an ADI recomended load it will be fine.What is the accuracy like?
I'm using 2208 in mine,90gr pil,36gr powder,shoots better than I can.

Be safe,BB

[Spooner]

BB has it.

No point comparing your loads to someone elses setup. It won't necessarily mean much to you.

Always gotta work it out from your own gear.

[twoforty]

If your concern was raised by the difference to your mates 308 load,it's a different scenario,his brass might be heavier/thicker,so less volume

My concern was due in part to looking at his cases, but I realise it's a different scenario.

Mine are still shooting well in any case so it's all good it seems.