low power loads for 223
wondering if any of you have ever loaded down the 223 instead of pushing it up? Reduce the powder to lower the penetration and noise level that is. Ideas of safely down loading the 223 to a load of reduced muzzle blast and penetration.
I am thinking of those times when you might want to use it to dispatch small critters that the normal 223 load would just blow through or even coyotes in a trap for an example.
Thoughts?
"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for." -- Will Rogers
My friend is one... who takes me for what I am.
Henry David Thoreau
I am thinking of those times when you might want to use it to dispatch small critters that the normal 223 load would just blow through or even coyotes in a trap for an example.
Thoughts?
"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for." -- Will Rogers
My friend is one... who takes me for what I am.
Henry David Thoreau
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Heavy bullets would be the way to go.
I wouldn't go below recommended powder charges in the book because you can have pressure problems with a low powder charge also.
Maybe a 70gn bullet with a charge that is on the lower side of the power band?
Not really going to cut down on noise since you will that sonic crack from the bullet.0 -
Here is some info from Hodgdon, in their online reloading manual
Hodgdon Powder Company has developed the following reduced loads for youth and beginning shooters for use on deer and similarly sized game animals. The bullets chosen were originally designed for single shot pistols and their lower velocities. These loads have been developed to closely approximate those pistol velocities in rifles, and therefore, similar performance on game animals. This provides our young and beginning shooters with loads effective to 200 yards with minimal recoil.
For all cartridges we chose H4895 because it is the slowest burning propellant that ignites uniformly at reduced charges. For years, H4895 has been the top choice by cast bullet shooters. For this type shooting, loads are reduced even more than the hunting loads listed herein. To create loads of this type for target and plinking, we recommend our 60% rule with H4895. By taking the maximum charges listed in our Annual Manual with any given cartridge and multiplying it by 60%, the shooter can create a 1500 to 2100 fps load, depending on the bullet weight shown. This works only where H4895 is listed. Do not use H4895 in a cartridge where it has not been shown.
Call Hodgdon Powder Company if additional information is needed. Loads may be adjusted up or down to achieve best accuracy. Do not reduce by more than an additional 10%
This works good for me in several calibers, and they do list H4895 as a powder for this caliber. Here is their website
http://www.hodgdon.com/data/index.php0 -
Accurate Smokeless Powder has several sub-sonic loads with S1250 powder that give ~1100 FPS using jacketed bullets http://www.accuratepowder.com/loaddata_caliber_rifle_standard.htm Also, Lyman's reloading manual has several lead bullet loads with velocities in the 1600-2600 FPS range using various pistol powders. 0 -
Maybe look into a fragible bullet??? That would be a good answer to reducing penetration. 0 -
I believe there are reduced loads in the #13 Speer Reloading manual for the 223 that get down to approx. 22 magnum velocities also..........[8D] 0 -
Scout,
My Speer book shows reduced loads for .222 and .222 mag. but not .223. Go figure, probably because they tested it in a semi-auto rifle. In both they use a powder I am not personally familiar with; SR4759. For a 55 gr. they load 10 grs. of sr4759 for a velocity of 2070 in the .222. In the .222 Mag they use 11grs of SR4759 for a velocity of 2066.
My other suggestion is to use the pistol data minimums and work slowly down a few grains from there.
The problem with going below minimums too far is you can get 'forward ignition'. The powder does not ignite uniformly from rear to front of cartridge. It can ignite in the front and send a pressure wave to the rear of the cartridge. I have no data as to when and with what powders this can happen. Thats why I suggest only going slightly below minimums that are published. -Good luck
We have the second amendment so that all the rest are secure....UNK>0 -
I have improvised my own load from the Speer data from #13. I used 10.5 grs of IMR 4759 on a 55 gr SP. Almost no report, and reasonably accurate to 150 yards. Speer also lists 12.0 grs of ACCUrate AXP5744 for the same bullet. I would have used this load, but I had the 4759 on hand.
My border collie is smarter than your honor student.0 -
Try also looking into Hornet bullets. These are manufactured (still a .223 or .224 diameter) with thin jackets that foster the expansion at lowered velocities you seem to be looking for. Using a light load powder like SR4759 gives you the ability to come closer to filling the case than reduced normal speed powders, and would lower the risks of forward ignition already mentioned. Older rounds such as the 32-20 would make an excellent choice for low noise/low destruction on pelts, as would the venerable old Hornet (or Hornet K). Something like the 223 was meant and designed for in the ballpark of 3000 fps velocity-wise, and loading it down would take it into the realm of the triple deuce; why not get a 222 (old Savage 340's can be had fairly cheap)?
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I have a few battle packs of .223 ammo that is loaded with a black plastic projectile for indoor practice and small critters as you say. Maximum efective range is only 50yards. [8D]
Greg
Former Marine
A N G L I C O0 -
I have considered and wanted the Hornet for all of the reasons that I want to load down the 223. However, finding a reasonable price Hornet in Stainless, non bull barrel, synthetic or laminated stock is nearly impossible, unless I can find a Charles Daly SS barrelled action and buy an after market laminated stock. Problem is I can not find any Hornet Charles Daly SS barreled actions in stock!!!
There are truck loads of 223 that fit this bill.
Why such an animal? Because I want a very moisture resistant rust resistant rifle that will carry well behind my pickup seat.
"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for." -- Will Rogers
My friend is one... who takes me for what I am.
Henry David Thoreau0
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