Greetings...

I figured I'd post this here for the experts out there to chime in on. I have my first batch done up and I'm ready to hit the range, when I can find time, but wanted to get opinions on the loads I ended up making.

223....via Lee 2nd edition
55gr FMJ, H335 23.5gr, COL 2.197
55gr FMJ, H335 24.1gr, COL 2.198
55gr FMJ, H335 24.7gr, COL 2.196
55gr FMJ, H335 24.9gr, COL 2.197

9mm....via Hornady 8th edition
124gr FMJ, Autocomp 4.5gr, COL 1.149
115gr plated, 4.0gr Clays Universal, COL 1.146
115gr plated, 4.1gr Bullseye, COL 1.148

The 9mm should be pretty much middle of the road loads. I figured I'd vary the 223 load a bit, to see how the grouping turns out.

Thoughts?

Thanks
Matt

H335 is a good choice for .223 and you are on the right track by trying various load levels. The best load for your gun will be determined by your range results and groupings. However, my Hornady manual shows a max load for the 55 grain FMJ at 23.2 grains. Your manual may show higher loads but make sure it is for the exact same bullet you are using.

I don't load 9mm and I haven't used any of the powders you have listed for it so I can't comment on those loads.

I really do like how the H335 meters, as well as the Autocomp powder.

The Lee manual shows a start load of 23.0gr, and a max of 25.3gr for a 55gr FMJ with H335. The H335 jug also shows a max of 25.3gr for a 55gr SP.

The FMJ's I have are Armscor's (for both 223 and 9mm), while the plated are from Berry's

You should be "good to go" then. Are you shooting an AR-15 or something else? If it is chambered in 5.56, the max loads might be a little higher so your loads have a little more margin of safety. I've seen a couple of 5.56-specific loadings and they are loaded a little hotter than .223.

I generally take it all the way to maximum (with due caution, of course). Some guns/calibers like to be loaded at or very near max loads and at least I will know that I covered the entire range.

Gotta love those plated bullets, you can't beat them for cheap plinking rounds! I use Rainier and Berry in 40 an 41 caliber with good results.

Yeah...I have a full M&P family... M&P15 mid MOE, M&P9, shield, and the latest addition is a M&P-22.