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Author Topic: For you .223 Handi loaders  (Read 702 times)

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Offline puma4440

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For you .223 Handi loaders
« on: October 23, 2009, 08:27:10 AM »
I've spent countless hours(ok maybe 4 or 5) reading about loading for the handi. I've navigated the FAQ's here, and at the reload bulletin board about getting set up on loading for my heavy barrel 1:12" .223. It shoots factory winchester 55 gr. FMJ's very well, but I can't leave well enough alone ::)(typical handi owner) I think I've made my choice, and would like some feedback. My brass is once fired(from my handi), and I figured if I neck size vs. FL (unless stretching is an issue), and seat my bullets .050" from the lands, this should tighten my groups up a little when I find the right bullet/powder combo. Is my theroy correct? Forgive me if it's a stupid question, but I'm new to reloading, and handi rifles.

Thanks
Puma
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: For you .223 Handi loaders
« Reply #1 on: October 23, 2009, 08:49:21 AM »
It's a great theory, but 45-55gr bullets in most 1:12" 223 H&R barrels won't come close to the lands with sufficient seating depth, the general consensus of those here that handload for it is if you can't get within a few thousandths of the lands, just load to recommended COL and play with the powder/charge to fine tune it, neck sizing may work if your loads aren't too hot, but case growth can be a problem even in the .223. I don't handload for the 223, the Win White box 45gr JHP just shoot too good in my 1:12" Ultra Varmint and I have a lifetime supply, it's about .250" off the lands. ;)

Tim
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Offline Default

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Re: For you .223 Handi loaders
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2009, 06:09:22 AM »
Might I throw a powder bullet reccommendation your way for the 1 in 12 twist rate 223 .. Now remember that all rifles are as picky or not so picky as people can be , But nevertheless Give Alliants reloader7 with a 55gr v-max from hornady at the recommended OAL been giving me one hole groups ... Remington brass and CCI small rifle primers


   Default
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Offline puma4440

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Re: For you .223 Handi loaders
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2009, 07:34:57 AM »
Thanks Default,

Minus the powder, I have all of that. I've also heard very good things about H335, and Barnes 53 gr. TSX. I'm stuck in no man's land right now waiting for my dies to ship :'(, but I guess I can get caught up on some 44-40's.

Happy shooting
puma
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Offline GPR125

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Re: For you .223 Handi loaders
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2009, 07:54:44 AM »
I've loaded the .223 for years, and have found it to be pretty easy to find a good load, as long as you don't push it too hard.  I use Hornady SXSP 55 grain over Varget & Win 748 in the 3100-3200 fps range,   Good load for P-dogs and not much chance of a ricochet.  The poly nose bullets might be a smidge more accurate, but the cost goes up.  Course these days, you sorta have to take what you can get for components.  Little bit here, little bit there.  Good Luck
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Offline puma4440

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Re: For you .223 Handi loaders
« Reply #5 on: October 24, 2009, 08:26:45 AM »
Thanks GPR125,

I wish I had a chance at p-dogs again, all I have are sneaky groundhogs. I keep hearing .223 is pleasing to load for, I hope so. I almost pulled my hair out loading for my 22-250, finally took it to smitty, and he told me the barrel was crooked enough to shoot around corners. :D

Tim,

I have some bulk win. 45 gr. I've yet to do any shooting with.
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Offline Sourdough

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Re: For you .223 Handi loaders
« Reply #6 on: October 24, 2009, 08:54:29 AM »
I reload for five other .223s, so when my Handi 1 in 12 would not shoot the load I got rid of that barrel.  I could probably found a load that would have worked with it, but I just did not feel like messing with it.  My H&R Ultra, shoots this load very well.  So do my Mini-14s and my T/Cs.

I use the Factory Duplication loads listed in the Hodgeden powder manual.  Here is one that might work well for you, I did not use it with my .223 barrel, was not loading it at the time.  I get real good results with both of these loads, the second one is the one I was loading before.

Winchester Case, Winchester WSR Primer,  Winchester 748 Powder 25.5grs,  50gr bullet.

Winchester Case, Winchester WSR Primer,  Winchester 748 Powder 26grs,  60gr bullet.

The manual does not specify what bullet, just the weight.  They list one powder weight for each bullet weight period.
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Offline fr3db3ar

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Re: For you .223 Handi loaders
« Reply #7 on: October 24, 2009, 09:00:02 AM »
Since you mentioned my powder....I'm running the 55gr V-max, CCI mag primer and near max H335 with good accuracy out of my heavy barrel Handi.

i also have good success with the Win 64gr PP bullet.


Your load will vary but the information is on Hodgdon's website.
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Offline puma4440

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Re: For you .223 Handi loaders
« Reply #8 on: October 24, 2009, 02:15:51 PM »
I've been to every OEM's site, and printed their load data, plus my books run from the late 70's to present. (thats right, my books are older than me ;D) I've always been a meticulas record keeper, after 5 years of a crappy job, and being a newlywed(I know,I know), I'm getting back into rollin' my own.

I think its funny how my old sierra manual thinks the .223 will turn into a popular cartridge. :D
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Offline GPR125

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Re: For you .223 Handi loaders
« Reply #9 on: October 25, 2009, 06:38:35 AM »
Not to get you to spend more $ but don't put off getting at least one "current" loading manual, just as a cross-reference.  The availability of powders comes & goes, or new data becomes the benchmark.  Plus you'll find that some loads just don't seem to work.  I've got mil-spec brass with 70's headstamps that are still viable.  Bottom line, manuals give you a starting point.  You still have to drop the hammer to see what your rifle likes.   just don't forget Murphy's #1 law of reloading....Survival is NOT mandatory!
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Offline puma4440

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Re: For you .223 Handi loaders
« Reply #10 on: October 25, 2009, 07:40:19 AM »
I have the current Nosler and Hornady, and use the classics as a referance.
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