I'm confused about load data from different references. The Speer manual says for 223 55 gr max is 26 gr. (H335) the Hogdon book says max is 25.3. Starting load (Speer) 24 gr. Can I start here and work up by .3 safely. Will I be running close to hot loads at 25 gr. Not looking for hot rounds. Just something semi accurate for plinking out to about 100 yards. Appreciate any clarity you all can provide.
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load data differences
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I've seen more difference than that between loadings with changing brands of bullets or batches of powder.
Work up for that? Just load the center value of the data and go shoot, plenty good for plinking at close range. You don't need max loads anyway, and should not start with them either. When you want accurate 300yd loads, then get serious about components. Ever heard the expression "Why measure with a micrometer when you're going to mark with chalk and cut with an ax?"
Work up for that? Just load the center value of the data and go shoot, plenty good for plinking at close range. You don't need max loads anyway, and should not start with them either. When you want accurate 300yd loads, then get serious about components. Ever heard the expression "Why measure with a micrometer when you're going to mark with chalk and cut with an ax?"
Published load data is a guide, not a rule. No two sources use the same conditions, the same barrels, the same guns, etc. There is no "standard" for developing loads.
The "standard" rule is start low, work up. That one always applies.
For plinking loads, one never gains anything from full-power loads. My experience with .223 using IMR 4198 is mid- to slightly over mid-range loads give best accuracy. No rockchuck survived to argue otherwise.
The "standard" rule is start low, work up. That one always applies.
For plinking loads, one never gains anything from full-power loads. My experience with .223 using IMR 4198 is mid- to slightly over mid-range loads give best accuracy. No rockchuck survived to argue otherwise.
It's especially fun when the starting load in one manual is beyond max in another!
I understand the "different conditions" disclaimer, but come on. We are long past the point in instrumentation where there should be that much variability.
As others have said: Pick something in the middle of the range, load, enjoy.
I understand the "different conditions" disclaimer, but come on. We are long past the point in instrumentation where there should be that much variability.
As others have said: Pick something in the middle of the range, load, enjoy.
fredj338
Member
With any caliber, all reloading data varies. The diff test platforms, actual bullets used, diff brand cases, diff test enviroments, no two data sources will ever match. So when working with a new caliber or new bullet/powder combo, I use average middle data from 3 vetted sources. Then work up in 1/10gr-1/2gr increments, depending on caliber, powder & case capacity.
DWalt
Member
Assuming you are firing an AR-type rifle, it's very difficult to come up with an unsafe load, as those can withstand very high chamber pressures without failure. Just pick a load from any reliable source and if it meets your expectations for grouping, just keep using it. Lighter loads will often group better than heavier ones. My "best" load is 22 grains of IMR 4198 and a 52 grain bullet.
scooter123
Member
Different bullets can have distinctly different pressure profiles. Something I learned first hand using Speer's data for a 140 grain bullet with a 140 grain Hornady XTP in 357 Magnum. A load that was well below Speer's maximum caused sticky extraction with the Hornady bullet. Turned out that "moderate" load was 0.2 grains over Hornady's maximum with the powder I was using.
It's why that old rule about "Start Low and Work up" came about. Something that I've always payed attention to but in my case I was "working up" with only 5 rounds at each charge level. As I learned 5 rounds isn't enough to get an accurate picture and I now do my testing with at least 20 rounds.
Like others have mentioned the best accuracy usually occurs at charge levels somewhere between the mid range and maximum charge for a specific bullet. However, there are problems with applying that rule universally without any due dilligence.
First, you need to be working with data for your specific bullet and powder. So, if you don't have an exact match the safest approach is the conservative one.
Second, barrels can have unique pressure curves and you won't know if your barrel is "tight or loose" until you have some experience loading for your barrel. Thus, starting low and working up is still the best approach.
Third, as I have recently discovered with CFE223 some powders don't operate well or cleanly at low or moderate charge levels. Probably due to being somewhat pressure sensitive for complete ignition. As I recently found out after scoring an 8 lbs. keg of CFE I've been working up loads and the first two session left the bolt carrier group looking like a diesel locomotive had been exhausting into it for a few years. Yesterday I tested loads with two different bullets loaded just 4/10ths below the maximum recommended charge. After 20 rounds with each bullet the bolt carrier was much easier to clean and in both cases the produced accuracy was distinctly improved.
BTW, that Copper Fouling Eliminator aspect actually seems to be more than just Hype, because my barrel is now completely free of ANY trace of copper fouling. I can also report that CFE223 meters about as well as H110, which means it's one of the finest metering powders on the planet. Just wish I didn't have to push it as hard as it seems to require. Because barrels do last longer if you shoot at somewhat moderate velocities.
Twoboxer
Member
I can't be sure which 55gr bullet you are actually using.
With, (eg) a Hornady 55gr FMJBT or SP, many folks including me using H335 find 25.0gr or slightly more absolutely fine. In one of my ARs I found accuracy at around 24.3 and 25.0.
Working up from 24.0gr should be fine, though I used 0.2gr increments because the likely accuracy nodes at these weights are going to be closer together . . . 3% ~= 0.7gr. I didn't see the slightest pressure sign in my ARs until 25.6gr, but YMMV depending on your rifle and perhaps temperature etc.
Hope this helps.
With, (eg) a Hornady 55gr FMJBT or SP, many folks including me using H335 find 25.0gr or slightly more absolutely fine. In one of my ARs I found accuracy at around 24.3 and 25.0.
Working up from 24.0gr should be fine, though I used 0.2gr increments because the likely accuracy nodes at these weights are going to be closer together . . . 3% ~= 0.7gr. I didn't see the slightest pressure sign in my ARs until 25.6gr, but YMMV depending on your rifle and perhaps temperature etc.
Hope this helps.
X2 - I actually like 3/10's grain workups to start.
If it's one of the....
With a modern, strong gun if it's in one of the main well-known loading manuals. You can shoot it. A minor exception was the Speer #8 where people said some of the loads were rather 'hot'.
With a modern, strong gun if it's in one of the main well-known loading manuals. You can shoot it. A minor exception was the Speer #8 where people said some of the loads were rather 'hot'.
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The muzzle end of Reloading
Once you find the "perfect" load (whatever that is), when shooting the same load in two or more guns, you will get different velocity, different impact points, different group size.
There is much contentment in "One gun, one load"
, but it sure can be boring 
.
Once you find the "perfect" load (whatever that is), when shooting the same load in two or more guns, you will get different velocity, different impact points, different group size.
There is much contentment in "One gun, one load"
, but it sure can be boring .MichiganScott
Member
Unless otherwise stated, the book data is for .223 and not 5.56 NATO and the NATO round has a higher maximum allowable pressure than the .223. Because of that I would not be too concerned about difference maximum loads.
FWIW, 25gr. of H335 with a 55gr. bullet is pretty much a standard load in a .223.
FWIW, 25gr. of H335 with a 55gr. bullet is pretty much a standard load in a .223.
fredj338
Member
As i noted, depends on caliber, bullet & powder. You aren't working up in 3/10gr increments with 180gr bullets in the 40 with TG. In small handgun case with fast powders, 1/10gr. In small rifle cases like 223 & 260, I use 3/10gr, in larger cases like 06 & short mags, 1/2gr. In bigger mags, slower powders, 1g may be fine.
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Rifle is not to bad.......
Getting into pistol or revolver loading can really make one scratch your head.
When I started, I had to double check to make sure I was still on the correct caliber on some manuals.
What made it even worse......... I did not have a chrony back then.
"Shooting Blind" as they say........
The first few loads in rifle and pistol were always a little nerve racking.
Safe loading.
Getting into pistol or revolver loading can really make one scratch your head.
When I started, I had to double check to make sure I was still on the correct caliber on some manuals.
What made it even worse......... I did not have a chrony back then.
"Shooting Blind" as they say........
The first few loads in rifle and pistol were always a little nerve racking.
Safe loading.
