I need some .223 reloading advice...

Matt45

October 25, 2001 14:14

Recently I obtained some pulled .223 62 GR Military bullets (The current issue "green tips") as well as some 63 gr tracer bullets.My problem is this, I can't find any specific load data for this bullet.Mostly when I reload .223, I use a 55 Gr bullet and 21.7 Grs of IMR 4198. Works just fine and groups at about 1.5" at 200yds in my rifle.This time around I could not find any data so I looked at the 70 GR Hornady loads and the 55 gr Hornady loads and kinda met in the middle, erring on the side of safety.I pressed 10 rounds each of 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, and 21.5 grs of IMR 4108.Here's the good part:NONE of these loads showed signs of overpressure.Now the bad part:NONE of these loads would fully cycle my Bushmaster's bolt, only enough to eject the spent round, not enough to "ram" the next into the chamber. Bottom line is, I need some load data for the 62 gr ss109 bullets and would also like to know about the 63gr tracer bullets. Most likely I figure I am looking at a change in powder type.

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Reserving my Right to Arm Bears!!!!

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  rljones

  October 25, 2001 15:51

  Speer Manual 13 lists the FMJ-BT 62gr. w/ IMR 4895 22.5 gr.for 2548 mzl. vel. as a start load. Not to exceed 24.5 gn. for 2812 mzl vel.(24.5 gr. is a compressed powder load, to be approached with caution).

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  oneshy

  October 26, 2001 19:04

  Sounds like you've got the right powder with the 4198. If you're worried about the heavier bullet, drop your charge to 21.2 and work back up. I don't think the 7gr. difference between bullets will cause much trouble.

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  Matt45

  October 26, 2001 23:37

  Yeah, I think I'm kinda given up on the 4198, I'm pretty sure I'm near max even though the cases are not showing the signs yet. It's not so much the difference in wieght between the bullets, I think, but the amount of load bearing surface. I think there is quite a bit difference from the 55 GR to the 62.I may be grasping at straws here but I really think I might need a slower powder that is still expanding as the bullet reaches the end of the barrel. Comments?

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  Reserving my Right to Arm Bears!!!![This message has been edited by Matt45 (edited 10-27-2001).]

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  v35

  October 27, 2001 10:57

  From US Army SS109 data sheets: 26.1 gr WC 844, 62 gr bullet, 55kpsi, vel 3025 fps 78 ft from muzzle.NRA handloading book shows 3137 fps for 63gr Sierra bullet using 27 gr of Win 748 at a P=50240psi.

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