Bullets

[USGI]

Trying to count everthing you've got there - maybe enough for about 10 boxes? A day or two is about right for shootin' - much longer for reloading (the way I do it anyway) !! You're going to be a little short on powder unless you use 14.0 grains or less. Have fun! - Bob

[browningautorifle]

That's a comfortable amount but not THAT much. I use a Dillon 550 for loading. I size and trim by single stage and then after tumbling, carry on in the Dillon. Way better for my sanity.

[ww321q]

I need more powder but the rest will last a while. I don't have much spare time to go shooting right now. A matter of fact, I have 3 rifles and 2 hand guns i've never shot yet. I plan on retiring next January so I should have more time then.

[USGI]

I plan on retiring next January so I should have more time then.

That's what I thought too, don't get your hopes too high on having all that extra time! - Bob

[jimb16]

He's right. I've been retired for almost 10 years and I'm still looking for that time!

[Lost Bob]

Hello all-

Hey USGI, can you suggest a starting load for the 110 gr. Xtreme? I have Alliant 2400, W296, and VV110. I would like to come close to 110 gr. FMJ velocity. Is this ok with the plated bullet? The load must cycle the action , offer reasonable accuracy, and no excess copper or lead fouling of the bore. I have tried to get a velocity limit from Xtreme but no answer as yet. Berrys rates theirs for up to 1950 fps.

I can't get ANY small rifle primers right now, but I like CCI. Should I look for standard or magnum primers?

Thanks for your help.

Bob

[USGI]

I've used both H110 and W296 in loading the Xtreme 110gr. bullets. A few years ago these two powders were close, but not exactly the same - currently they are manufactured by the same company and they are apparently the exact same product in different packaging. I've been using only the harder CCI #41 military primers, but others will tell you that any small rifle primer is OK. If I were to substitute, I would use the magnum small rifle primers because it's my understanding they are the equivalent except for being more sensitive than the #41's. Using the manuals I have, I started with a recommendation for lead bullets at 14.0 gr. of powder. I tried these loads in (2) different guns (one was an Inland direct from the CMP) and neither gun functioned reliably at 14.0 gr. Also the cases were "smoky" about halfway back - probably the pressure was too low to seal properly in the chamber. I worked up a bit at a time until both guns worked 100% and the cases and primers looked "right." I ended up with 14.7 grains as what works for me using the Xtreme bullets and LC brass from the 70's. These bullets are slightly shorter than most FMJ's so the C.O.L. I use is less than on the FMJ. On the FMJ, I use approx. 1.675 and on the Xtreme about 1.660. I would recommend that you start somewhere between 14.0 and 14.5gr and see how "things" work and look. I don't see any difference in how the barrel looks whether I'm shooting factory FMJ or reloads. I don't have a chronograph, but I'm pretty sure these loads are about the same power as the military ammo I've shot - and it is accurate! Use these recommendations at your own risk. Let us know how they work, and welcome to the forum! - Bob

[Lost Bob]

Bob-
Thanks very much for the very detailed and thorough information. It is very helpful. I understand starting load and load development are my responsibility, I just wanted some input from someone with experience with plated bullets in the carbine. You sound like the right person. Have you used any of the Berrys or Raniers? Rangemaster posted a photo of the Rainier bullet and it had a concave base similar to most Speer jacketed bullets. I might want to try that one too if I can find some.

I have Lee carbide dies & hand trim tool, about 400 pieces of Rem. once fired brass, and 2400, W296, and VV110 powders. I have tumbled, lubed, resized and decapped, and cleaned primer pockets of the brass and am in the slow process of measuring and trimming & chamfering/ deburring. I was able to get 1000 Xtreme bullets, but small rifle primers are NOT available anywhere so I won't be loading for awhile. I also noticed the Xtreme was a little shorter than the Speer 110 FMJ bullets that I have and your info about COAL is helpful.

Thanks again. Bob
ps Unfortunately, this is for an Auto Ord, not USGI carbine.

[sakorick]

Powder Valley has Hodgdon Lil' gun. Regards, Rick.

[USGI]

I've been wanting to try Lil' Gun after reading that it works really well in the Carbine with plated lead bullets - supposed to be very clean with little powder residue. Maybe will be able to find some locally when this situation returns to normal. Lost Bob: I have a box of Berrys but haven't tried them yet. I believe Painter777 (Charlie) has loaded a lot of them with good results. You could probably find his posts by searching the forum for Berrys, Bullets, etc. I think he loads with W296 at 15.0 grains, but don't quote me on the exact figure. Also if you haven't loaded for the carbine before, be careful not to over crimp. I do it in a separate step and only reduce the very end of the case mouth by .001" or maybe .002" at the most. I've got about 400 cases that are just about ready to flare the mouths and seat the primers - been putting it off and messing with a couple other hobbies recently. An AO carbine isn't necessarily all that bad, I've heard some better things about them recently. At least you own a Carbine! - Bob