.223 load developement querry

bluesclues

bluesclues

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I have been reloading pistol ammo for many years but just recently started reloading .223 Rem (Christmas gifts).

What I have is: Hornady 55 grain V Max bullets, H335 powder, CCI 400 small rifle primers.

The load I am looking at is 25 grains H335 with this combination in Winchester once fired brass. It will be used in my LMT AR, 16" bbl with 1/7 twist.

Does this sound like a good load? Has anyone used this combination?
Any imput with these components combination would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
 
You have very accurate bullets, H335 powder is a classic choice in .223, but with ball powder, I would use a hotter primer than the CCI 400. CCI 450 or WSR would be the way to go, especially if you are going to be using them in colder weather.
 
X2 on the hotter primer. I had a misfire problem with 400s. The primer would pop the bullet out of the case, into the throat, but would not ignite the powder. About 1 in 50 times.

I solved this on the already loaded rounds by adding the Lee Factory crimp. On subsequent loads I switched to the magnum primer. perfection.

25 gr is a full power load. 23 gr is a nice mild CQB load (under 100 yards) that still cycles actions.
 
I use 25.5 of H335, with Hornady 55gr FMJ-Bt, and CCI 400s in cold and hot weather and have never had an issue lighting them. I do crimp, however (Lee FCD).

Ganderite, was it you that mentioned you had issues with lower end powder charges that weren't lighting consistently?
 
Thanks for the information. I will pick up some hotter primers and try dropping the charge to 23 grains as this is going to be mostly for plinking.
 
you might find a 7" twist is a bit tight for the 55's so backing off on the powder is good. The bullets that work best in these are AR bullets like the Berger or Sierra 77 grains, but definitely the CC! 450 primers,
 
I've loaded those exact loads for my .223, although I am shooting a 1:9" twist. I found 25 gr of H335 too hot for my rifle, an now load around 23.5 (I forget exactly how much right now). I have not had any trouble with the CCI 400 primers, other than they appear to be soft and flatten out no matter how much powder I throw in the case. For this reason, once my 400's are gone, I am going to try 450's or BR4's.
 
If you have a .223 chamber, 25+ will probably be on the hot side. If you have a 5.56 chamber 25+ will be somewhat mild.
 
Its a 5.56 chamber. Thanks to the replies and a little additional reading, I think that I will use up the current combination and then switch to the hotter primers and more common ball rounds. Thanks again for all the information provided.
 
"Ganderite, was it you that mentioned you had issues with lower end powder charges that weren't lighting consistently?"

Yes. The mild load had some air space and the 400s would not ignite 100%. Adding a crimp helped a lot. Switching to 450s solved it.
 
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