Interesting Obversations on Various Loaded Catridge Weights...

[Shao]

So... I know that there are acceptable tolerances for cartridge weights, but on a whim, I decided to weigh a small sample of various .223 and 5.56 catridges that I own. If consistent weight between cartridges says anything, then you may be surprised by the results. I sampled 40 random brand new catridges for each test.

PPU 69 gr BTHP .223 - .1 gr variation
38 @ 12.6 gr
2 @ 12.5 gr

Federal/Lake City 62gr XM855 5.56 - .2 gr variation
26 @ 12.0 gr
12 @ 11.9 gr
2 @ 12.1 gr

PMC Bronze - .1 gr variation
25 @ 11.4 gr
15 @ 11.3 gr

Black Hills mk262 77gr SMK - .2 gr variation
36 @ 13.0 gr
3 @ 12.9 gr
1 @ 13.1 gr

Hornady TAP 75gr .223 - .3 gr variation
29 @ 12.6 gr
5 @ 12.5 gr
7 @ 12.7 gr
2 @ 12.8 gr

SSA 77gr mk262 clone 5.56 - .1 gr variation
21 @ 12.9gr
19 @ 12.8gr

Winchester Surpeme 55gr Ballistic Silver Tip .223 - .2 gr variation
21 @ 11.6gr
11 @ 11.7gr
8 @ 11.5gr

Looks like PPU takes the cake in this test as far as catridge weight consistency goes... Was not expecting that... I know it may not be of any importance.. but it's data.. and data is always good to have. :D

[markm]

And of those choices... PPU is the last one I'd pick behind BlackHill's garbage.

A better idea of the variances would be seen if the powder, brass, and bullets were weighed to see where the variances are for each round... but that's a bit of work for sure.;)

[Shao]

And of those choices... PPU is the last one I'd pick behind BlackHill's garbage.

A better idea of the variances would be seen if the powder, brass, and bullets were weighed to see where the variances are for each round... but that's a bit of work for sure.;)

True, but I don't have the time or resources for all of that ... what do you have against Black Hills? It's good enough for the military. What would your choice be for a somewhat affordable production 75-77gr SMK or OTM 5.56 round?

[jstone]

Black hills is garbage. Excessive run out inconsistent seating depth at ogive. The military does not always use the best there is available.

Anybody can load the 77 match king, and make it accurate. All you need to do is load 23.9-24.3 of varget or rl15 with an oal of 2.250-2.260. You may need to fine tune a little but in that range you will find an accurate load.

If you want a factory load federal gold medal match.

[Shao]

Hmmm... sounds good... anyone have a reloading press they wanna unload on me???

[shootist~]

I see more variation just weighing empty brass of the same brand.
ETA: But it appears your measurement may be in grams instead of grains?

[Shao]

I see more variation just weighing empty brass of the same brand.
ETA: But it appears your measurement may be in grams instead of grains?

Correct... I should have measured in grains but the scale was set on grams so I left it alone.