168 gr BTHP bullets in AYR cases

[Kirk]

Back when the problems with the AYR M2 AP ammo with caked powder & corroded cases came up, I pulled the bullets & separated the cases, powder & bullets. I had only a handful of cases that had to be discarded; about 99.5% were in excellent shape.

I recently loaded & tested a few rounds using the AYR pull down powder, the AYR cases and Prvi 168 gr BTHP bullets. They gave excellent accuracy. I did not resize or trim the cases - just loaded & shot them.

I decided to load a batch of them but as I did so, I found that if I push the bullet against the press, I can push the bullet into the case! The neck tension (even thought the bullets mic .3085") isn't enough to hold the bullet. The bullet shank occupies only about 75% of the neck due to the boat tail.

I ran these through a Lee Factory Crimp Die & it cured the problem - I can't push the bullets into the case now. I'll retest to see if the accuracy will be as good.

Anyone loading the AYR cases with bullets which don't fill the entire neck may have to crimp them.

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[TDH]

A while back I got some .308 in a white box. The head stamp is 79 on the top (12) and a single star at 3 and 9 and 7.62X51 at 6 o clock. I had the same problem so after loading I run them through a neck sizing die just enough to tighten the neck on the bullet. An 1/8 to 3/16 seems to work. I can't tell any difference. They shoot minute of bad guy.