Author Topic: reduced loads for .223?  (Read 655 times)

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Offline hc18flyer

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reduced loads for .223?
« on: February 25, 2012, 07:04:11 AM »
I just purchased my first Handi Ultra in .223 and would like to put together some reduced loads for small game. I have Benchmark powder and Varget available. Someplace I read that you put a small tuft of cotton in the case for a reduced load. Is that to keep the powder next to the primer? How small of a tuft?
THANKS in advance for your replies, hc18flyer

Offline geezerbiker

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Re: reduced loads for .223?
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2012, 08:04:06 AM »
Using filler in a case was debunked years ago.  C.E.  Harries formerly of the American Rifleman said that filler will often lead to a ringed chamber.

I've made some light loads with a few grains of Red Dot or Unique with cast bullet that worked well with no filler...

Tony

Offline tacklebury

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Re: reduced loads for .223?
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2012, 08:13:04 AM »
Been doing a fair bit of this, but haven't gotten out to fully test the selected load.  This thread was from back in December and I finally dialed in the one I'm using and I have 50 of em loaded up for heavy testing once it warms up.  ;)  Final for me was 4.2 gr. Unique with no filler.  Zero FTF and mean deviation of only 13FPS if memory serves.  ;)
 
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,244712.0.html
 
***edit***
and Hi, didn't notice your post count.  hehe
Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.


Offline bikerbeans

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Re: reduced loads for .223?
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2012, 08:19:22 AM »
www.hodgdon.com
 
go to the hodgdon reloading menu and they have reduced load data for both Trail Boss and H4895 powders.
 
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Offline hc18flyer

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Re: reduced loads for .223?
« Reply #4 on: February 25, 2012, 10:19:54 AM »
I found some GREAT info on the Calhoun website, referenced in an old topic for using 800X and particulary Blue Dot. They were using both 37 and 42 gr. bullets. I have access to Blue Dot, now I just need some light bullets. I think I'll try some Hornady V-Max 35gr. Any idea where I can get good cast ones?THANKS for the replies, hc18flyer

Offline tacklebury

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Re: reduced loads for .223?
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2012, 10:34:14 AM »
Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.


Offline gcrank1

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Re: reduced loads for .223?
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2012, 06:14:45 AM »
I echo the admonition to never use an over powder wad if you value your chamber. You should elevate your muzzle to orient the reduced powder charge back to the primer, then lower to sight plane, but do please keep your finger off the trigger until its pointed downrange.
Through the years of shooting thousands of reduced loads, both cast and jacketed, Ive come to rely on a couple of reload data sources. The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook is my go-to volume. If you use the top listed loads for cast bullets, reduced by 10%, for jacketed bullets you will do fine. From those reloading manuals that list jacketed only you can use the starting load data with success, though it will perhaps make loads faster than you want. Its still a good place to start.
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