Starline 223 Brass - Case Capacity Warning

Published on September 18, 2017
Duration: 12:34

This guide details how to assess the case capacity of Starline .223 Remington brass, a critical factor for reloaders. The video highlights that Starline .223 brass has a lower water capacity (29.3-29.6 grains) compared to Lake City brass (30.4 grains). This difference can lead to powder compression or overflowing when using maximum charges of certain powders like Hodgdon Varget, as demonstrated with a 27.5-grain charge for 55gr bullets. Despite this, the quality of Starline brass, including clean flash holes and consistent primer pockets, is praised.

Quick Summary

Starline .223 Remington brass has a water capacity of 29.3-29.6 grains, less than Lake City brass (30.4 grains). This difference is critical when loading maximum charges, as demonstrated with Hodgdon Varget powder, which nearly overflowed the Starline cases. Despite this, Starline brass is noted for its high quality with clean flash holes and consistent primer pockets.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Reloading Error
  2. 01:31Starline .223 Brass Introduction
  3. 02:11Case Capacity Issue with Varget
  4. 03:21Water Capacity Comparison
  5. 04:55Visual Powder Level Comparison
  6. 05:45Capacity Trends: .308 vs .223
  7. 08:15Starline Quality Assessment
  8. 09:31Upcoming Bullet Matchups
  9. 10:41.22 Nosler Project Update

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water capacity of Starline .223 Remington brass?

Starline .223 Remington brass has a measured water capacity ranging from 29.3 to 29.6 grains. This is slightly less than some military brass, such as Lake City, which typically holds around 30.4 grains of water.

Why is Starline .223 brass case capacity important for reloaders?

The case capacity affects how much powder can be loaded. Lower capacity brass, like Starline .223, can lead to powder compression or overflow when using maximum charges of certain powders, potentially impacting pressure and accuracy. It's crucial for safe and effective load development.

Does Starline .223 brass have any quality issues?

No, despite the lower case capacity, Starline .223 brass is praised for its quality. It features clean flash holes and consistent primer pockets, making it a reliable choice for handloaders.

What powder was used in the demonstration of Starline .223 brass capacity?

The demonstration involved using Hodgdon Varget powder. A maximum charge of 27.5 grains for 55gr bullets was used, which, in Starline .223 brass, resulted in the powder nearly overflowing the case mouth.

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