Author Topic: Hodgdon Lil Gun In 223 (Read 2698 times)

Javelina · « **on:** December 24, 2002, 09:42:53 AM »

Hello Everyone,

Has anyone used Hodgdon Lil Gun for 223 Rem in either Contender or Encore?

I understand that Lil Gun has been used successfully by some folks in 221 Fireball with the lighter bullets in both types of T/C single-shot pistols, so that made me wonder if those experts among you have developed any Lil Gun loads for the 223's? I would be particularly interested in the loads for 40-55 grain bullets.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Javelina

BruceP · « **Reply #1 on:** December 25, 2002, 05:24:19 AM »

I haven't tried lil gun in a 223 but I personally think that it will be on the fast side in burn rate for the 223 unless you want to use it for reduced loads. Then it might work. Lil Gun seems to be turning out to be a top contender in the 22 Hornet and most powders that work in the hornet are to fast burning for top loads in the 223.
BruceP

Javelina · « **Reply #2 on:** December 25, 2002, 03:39:43 PM »

BruceP,

Thanks for the input. . .I currently use Lil Gun for the .17 Ackley Hornet and it is a top performer, it really improves chronographed velocities for both 20 grain and 25 grain bullets. I have heard through the grapevine that at least a few people have done some experimentation with Lil Gun for .223's. I'd like to know if their guns are still in one piece and if they had any luck with it.

I believe your suggestion about using it for reduced loads is a good one. I may seize the moment and go ahead and do some experimentation with it myself to find out if there's anything to this.

Again, thanks for the input. Happy holidays to you!

Javelina

Javelina · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2002, 08:08:08 AM »

I'll definitely pass on what I find out - whether from Hodgdon or my own investigation.

You're right about all the combinations and new developments we have these days, they're good for all of us, but we must be prudent in how we approach new loads.

Javelina

Javelina · « **Reply #4 on:** December 31, 2002, 01:49:26 PM »

I sent an email to Hodgdon on whether they had any load information for Lil Gun in 223 Remington. They replied and said they don't recommend Lil Gun in 223 due to its burn rate being too fast for the case capacity.

Being of sound mind and body and currently in good health, I will endeavor to stay that way and stick with the powders Hodgdon recommends for the 223 Remington. There is plenty of good powder that will work for me.

It was worth checking out though, eh?

All the best,

Javelina

Joe Kool · « **Reply #5 on:** December 31, 2002, 03:28:09 PM »

Javelina, Lil Gun seems to be a powder similar to W296 or H110. Small charges of W296 or H110, can cause detonation and blow the gun up, or at the least, poor ignition. When the change is large enough, and the pressure high enough, to prevent detonation and get proper ignition, the pressure would be to high. If Lil Gun does burn the same as W296 or H110, I don't know, but be carefull. The fact that Hodgdon doesn't recommend it for reduced loads, tells you something. There are many powders that are safe for reduced loads. Small capacity cases like the 22 Hornet use Lil Gun, W296, or H110 because the case is nearly full and it burns properly. Using Lil Gun for reduced loads could be dangerous.