Harrell's Schuetzen for .223? Please Help!

rsmith0399 · March 16, 2011, 05:33 PM

I just got all set up to reload .223 . I have loaded pistol before, but never rifle.

I purchased a Harrell's Schuetzen powder measure to use in the future for loading pistol. But I thought I would give it a try for the .223.

I am using H335, which I have never used. I am loading a 55gr FMTBT. I loaded about 50 rounds and varried the load from 23.5 to 24.8 grains. This filled the case to within about 3/8 inch from the top. Plenty of room for the bullet, but I have never filled a case that full before. I am using an RCBS 10-10 powder scale.

I am concerned about the case being that full and about the Harrell's powder measure throwing 23-24 grains. The specs on the powder measure says it will throw between .2 and 25 grains. I only had it opened up about half way to throw 24.8 grains. Seems like every powder being made different would mean you would have to specify the powder to say it will only throw 25 grains.

Should the case be that full of H335?

Am I correct about the powder determining the amount a measure will throw?

mehavey · March 16, 2011, 06:47 PM

24.8gr H335 is 93% case-fill, so don't be surprised. And rifles tend to like full cases of powder as it makes for consistant burn. By the way, that (Sie55FMJ-BT)bullet/powder combo makes for a moderate (48-49,000psi) load with velocities ~3,000fps out of a 20" barrel. (Take ~40fps off for every inch shorter.)

You are correct about the Harrells' powder measure. Since it is a volume-based measure, it will tend to throw heavier with ball powder and lighter with stick powder for the same setting/volume.

FWIW: My Harrells' schutzen will top out at 28gr of H335 when full open ('200' on the vernier)

flashhole · March 16, 2011, 06:53 PM

I don't use that specific powder to load 223 but the Hodgdon Data Center says you are in the proper load range. I get very good case fill with Varget, BL-(C), Benchmark, and H-4895. Nothing you described sounds out of the ordinary. Ball powders are typically more dense than stick powders so it does not surprise me that you didn't get to the end of the vernier on your measure. If you trust your scale and you have weighed the charges to check the proper load range, load em up and shoot em.

rsmith0399 · March 16, 2011, 08:49 PM

Thanks guys! That's just the help I needed!

March 16, 2011, 05:33 PM	#1
rsmith0399 Junior Member Join Date: March 16, 2011 Posts: 3	Harrell's Schuetzen for .223? Please Help! I just got all set up to reload .223 . I have loaded pistol before, but never rifle. I purchased a Harrell's Schuetzen powder measure to use in the future for loading pistol. But I thought I would give it a try for the .223. I am using H335, which I have never used. I am loading a 55gr FMTBT. I loaded about 50 rounds and varried the load from 23.5 to 24.8 grains. This filled the case to within about 3/8 inch from the top. Plenty of room for the bullet, but I have never filled a case that full before. I am using an RCBS 10-10 powder scale. I am concerned about the case being that full and about the Harrell's powder measure throwing 23-24 grains. The specs on the powder measure says it will throw between .2 and 25 grains. I only had it opened up about half way to throw 24.8 grains. Seems like every powder being made different would mean you would have to specify the powder to say it will only throw 25 grains. Should the case be that full of H335? Am I correct about the powder determining the amount a measure will throw?

March 16, 2011, 06:47 PM	#2
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,897	24.8gr H335 is 93% case-fill, so don't be surprised. And rifles tend to like full cases of powder as it makes for consistant burn. By the way, that (Sie55FMJ-BT)bullet/powder combo makes for a moderate (48-49,000psi) load with velocities ~3,000fps out of a 20" barrel. (Take ~40fps off for every inch shorter.) You are correct about the Harrells' powder measure. Since it is a volume-based measure, it will tend to throw heavier with ball powder and lighter with stick powder for the same setting/volume. FWIW: My Harrells' schutzen will top out at 28gr of H335 when full open ('200' on the vernier) Last edited by mehavey; March 17, 2011 at 06:51 AM.

March 16, 2011, 06:53 PM	#3
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	I don't use that specific powder to load 223 but the Hodgdon Data Center says you are in the proper load range. I get very good case fill with Varget, BL-(C), Benchmark, and H-4895. Nothing you described sounds out of the ordinary. Ball powders are typically more dense than stick powders so it does not surprise me that you didn't get to the end of the vernier on your measure. If you trust your scale and you have weighed the charges to check the proper load range, load em up and shoot em. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

March 16, 2011, 08:49 PM	#4
rsmith0399 Junior Member Join Date: March 16, 2011 Posts: 3	Thanks guys! That's just the help I needed!