bbqncigars
Member
My notes have a COL of 2.200" and starting load of 26.0gr for that bullet and powder combo. Max charge is listed at 27.8gr.
Proper Load Data for .223 and CFE223
- Thread starter kbm6893
- Start date
It doesn't throw inconsistent charges. It's dead on every time. But there's always a first time and I'm in no hurry. 50 rounds at a time take me less than 30 minutes. I'm ok with that.
I just wish there was a range for me to shoot them at. I plan to load 5 rounds at 26 grains, and 5 at 26.3. Shoot them to make sure all is well and then settle on my recipe. Doubt i'll notice any difference and if so I'm probably settle on 26.2 or 26.3. Sure not going to make any quantity until I can shoot a test run.
Last edited:
BlackTalonJHP
Member
Those loads sound fine. You can get free data on the Speer website as well as a few others. I typically load using 5.56 data and I use Bob's Bulk Bullets too. I think Speer shows 27.2 grains for CFE223 and 55 grain FMJ.
Hey, I remember a guy....
That started loading .38 Special, except he was using LEE SCOOPS AND HAND LOADER TOOLS!!!
Can you believe it.?
And I seem to remember someone just starting out and learning to load 38 special!
That started loading .38 Special, except he was using LEE SCOOPS AND HAND LOADER TOOLS!!!
Can you believe it.?
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2005
- Messages
- 8,975
- Reaction score
- 11,101
You can't have too many paper load manuals. There is certainly free information on bullet and powder companies websites, but seldom is the data complete. 55 gr. FMJ bullets are often similar but data may not be the same. Compare, for example, data from Speer, Hornady, and Sierra books for their 55 gr. FMJ bullets. This will give you a good basis to develop a starting load, and a safe one, too. Good luck in your endeavor-
I loaded up 3 dummy rounds today and lightly crimped them. Like barely crimped them but a hair. COAL was 2.200. Loaded them into my AR mag and manually cycled the bolt to feed and extract them. No change in OAL. Gonna load 5 rounds of 26 grains CFE 223 and 5 of 26.3. When I finally get to try them out I’ll settle on one and start making them. I have other handgun rounds I can load until I can shoot the .223. I’ll post again when I get to try them out. Thanks.
The faster you go, the sooner the barrel wears out.
Accuracy can be a goal.
Accuracy can be a goal.
Last edited:
That started loading .38 Special, except he was using LEE SCOOPS AND HAND LOADER TOOLS!!!
Can you believe it.?
Not quite! I was using Red Dot because that was all I could find during the drought, and it didn’t meter well, so I got into the neighbored and then used a trickler to get to my target load.
Lots of guys told me I’d bail on single stage, but I’m happy loading small amounts frequently to build up a stash. 50 rounds In a session. Drop powder, weigh, seat bullet. When 50 done I crimp them all at once.
I started out ultra frugally.....
.....and kept it that way. I used a Lee balance scale ($18) until they made cheap digital scales ($32) from Harbor Freight. This evolved over 40 years and I still use the RCBS single stage I graduated to from the hand loaders. I've replaced a few cheap tools to streamline the process.
.....and kept it that way. I used a Lee balance scale ($18) until they made cheap digital scales ($32) from Harbor Freight. This evolved over 40 years and I still use the RCBS single stage I graduated to from the hand loaders. I've replaced a few cheap tools to streamline the process.
Different loads with the same powder is because of the shape/design of the bullet being used. The taper of the ogive can cause the bullet to be seated out longer, or shorter. If the bullet is long and tapered you will have a longer OAL, If it is a shorter more squat bullet the ogive may be further out requiring a shorter OAL.
Usually the long pointy type bullets are "Ball" or of a "HP" design and of medium to heavy weight for caliber, for long range target work.
Short range bullets will work ok with just a normal flat base with a round or flat tip shape, for out to 250-300 yards on calm days.
Nothing wrong with a standard flat base Spitzer bullet for general shooting use, that are usually a lot cheaper to buy.
You might try a light and longer heavy bullet out in your weapon to see if your barrel will shoot one better than the other, though.
55FMJ 16" with 1:9 twist 2825-3150fps 69gr 2595-2755fps +/-
Have fun.
Short range bullets will work ok with just a normal flat base with a round or flat tip shape, for out to 250-300 yards on calm days.
Nothing wrong with a standard flat base Spitzer bullet for general shooting use, that are usually a lot cheaper to buy.
You might try a light and longer heavy bullet out in your weapon to see if your barrel will shoot one better than the other, though.
55FMJ 16" with 1:9 twist 2825-3150fps 69gr 2595-2755fps +/-
Have fun.
Last edited:
