Author Topic: Downloading 223 (Read 1113 times)

Questor · « **on:** October 29, 2003, 03:26:48 AM »

I'd like to download .223 for velocity in the neighborhood of 2600 to 2800 fps with a 40 grain bullet. Can you give me a source of loading data for such a rig?

My reason for asking is that I want to prepare loads with very light recoil for a kid to shoot in such a way that he'll be able to see the bullet impact through the scope.

jhm · « **Reply #1 on:** October 29, 2003, 03:36:05 AM »

Questor: The sierra manual I have in the house shows a load of IMR-30-31 of 22.9 for a 40 gr bullet will give you 3000 fps / same speed with IMR-4895 with 25.8 gr. / those are all I have access to until I go out to the shop and look at some other manuals, good luck

JIM

PA-Joe · « **Reply #2 on:** October 29, 2003, 04:34:49 AM »

You could also use about 25 grains of 748 powder.

KYODE · « **Reply #3 on:** October 29, 2003, 06:56:16 AM »

check out some blue dot. i like it in my 14" contender with 40gr noslers.
http://www.reloadingroom.com/page33.html

:yeah: :bye:

Larry Gibson · « **Reply #4 on:** October 29, 2003, 01:19:29 PM »

Questor

"]I'd like to download .223 for velocity in the neighborhood of 2600 to 2800 fps with a 40 grain bullet. Can you give me a source of loading data for such a rig?"

Start with the max loads for the .22 Hornet, 11.5 gr of H4227 and work up untill you hit the velocity/accuracy level you want. I use 14 gr H4227 in a 21" TC barrel with the 45 gr Hornady Hornet bullet for right at 2800 fps and sub MOA accuracy. Duplicates Hornet ballistics which covers 95% of my squirrel shooting. Easy load to shoot also.

Larry Gibson

Tacoma · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2003, 04:57:20 AM »

Check out www.jamescalhoon.com .
Under articals ther is some great info on downloading the .223 to BEE/ hornet standards using, 35-50 gr bullets, blue dot powder and pistol primers. . I have played
around extensively with these loads and HIGHLY recommend them. Using blue dot, you can load down to .22wmr and up to .218 bee + stds with 1/2 the muzzle report. Interesting enough, POI doesn't change all that much from full mil spec loads.
hth

redial · « **Reply #6 on:** November 10, 2003, 06:10:08 PM »

Calhoon even prints Blue Dot data on the side of his bullet containers!

FWIW, I used 12-ish gr of 2400 last summer for gophers with a whole bunch of different bullets in .223 bolt actions. Some combo's shot VERY well.

HTH

Redial

GrizzLeeBear · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2003, 05:08:27 AM »

You can also use IMR SR-4759 for some reduced loads (just make sure you don't confuse this with SR-4756 at the store!). SR-4759 is a really bulky extruded powder. I think the IMR book shows a max load of 17 - 17.5 gr. for about 3000 fps. with 45 gr. bullets. I have used 13.5 gr. with 45 gr. Sierra hornet bullets. Don't have a chrono, but I figure these are going about 2500 fps. Using the 40 gr. bullets would put you right about where you want to be. I have seen a lot of guys say good things about the Blue Dot loads as well. XMP-5744 is also another one to look into, it is similar to SR-4759, but I have not used it. My "hornet" loads shoot right about point of aim with my normal load setting of 1 1/4" high at 100 yds. No scope adjustment needed.
These loads are like a pop gun compared to regular .223 loads. Low recoil and noise. One thing to remember though, they are NOT low pressure loads, so do not exceed the maximums.