Could you point me in the right direction for load data?

TheCircle

TheCircle

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Hello fellow gun nuts!

I am new to reloading and plan on reloading .223 rem. I am a little confused on where to get my load data.
So far I have purchased everything I need to get started and I am waiting for it to be shipped. As far as I have read .223 rem should be trimmed to a minimum of 1.75".
I figured I would start with Hodgdons CFE 223 powder. I have a bunch of once shot dirty brass that I am going to clean. I also purchased CCI #450 small rifle primers.
My projectiles are Campro .223 55 grain FMJ (I figured I would save on shipping costs and get these).

Now, my question is WHERE DO I FIND THE DATA MAN? I found Hodgdons website but it gives data in a 1:12" twist with a 24" barrel (Is the barrel twist and length something to consider?).
The website doesn't seem to have tested FMJs. I plan on shooting an ar-15 with a 16" barrel and 1:9 twist. I want to figure out my minimum load and my max load so I can work in between the two.
How do I figure out the primer, powder, and bullet working in conjunction to be safe within safe working loads? Do most FMJs projectiles fall under similar working loads?

If someone can point me in the right direction of a book that would help me out that would be REALLY appreciated. I just want to learn how to reload safely and that I can have the confidence
that I wont blow up my gun (or me)LOL. I know to start at a minimum load and work my way up by 2% and to look for over pressure signs and other any issues with the casing.

Any other tips and guidance would really be appreciated.

Thank you
 
I agree, get a manual, there is a lot of info in them beyond just recipes. My Sierra volume 5 and Hornady volume 8 both show different data for bolt action vs semi. Neither of them lists your powder tho. Manuals are often online on the company website.
 
The Lee manual is one of the best as they do not manufacture either bullets or powder so they do not push their "Brands" as many of the others do.

I have had fantastic results using IMR 4895 and IMR lists it as their "Accuracy" powder for .223.
I have not used the powder you have mentioned but I have read up on it, it is a pretty clean burning, easy to meter ball powder, from my understanding and should work well in the rifle you have described.

Scott

I see Lyman has been mentioned, same as the Lee, they do make bullets or powder so they do not push their particular products!
 
TheCircle said:
OK, so does this change with different primers?
Click to expand...
do you mean different brand names? If so, no.
I use a few different types,no issues.

Campro has more info on their site as well.

My buddy is using these same bullits and powder in his 22-250 bolt,and his SU16 semi.

The higher the twist the lighter the bullets,it prefers.
 
Last edited:
TheCircle said:
Hello fellow gun nuts!

I am new to reloading and plan on reloading .223 rem. I am a little confused on where to get my load data.
So far I have purchased everything I need to get started and I am waiting for it to be shipped. As far as I have read .223 rem should be trimmed to a minimum of 1.75".
I figured I would start with Hodgdons CFE 223 powder. I have a bunch of once shot dirty brass that I am going to clean. I also purchased CCI #450 small rifle primers.
My projectiles are Campro .223 55 grain FMJ (I figured I would save on shipping costs and get these).

Now, my question is WHERE DO I FIND THE DATA MAN? I found Hodgdons website but it gives data in a 1:12" twist with a 24" barrel (Is the barrel twist and length something to consider?).
The website doesn't seem to have tested FMJs. I plan on shooting an ar-15 with a 16" barrel and 1:9 twist. I want to figure out my minimum load and my max load so I can work in between the two.
How do I figure out the primer, powder, and bullet working in conjunction to be safe within safe working loads? Do most FMJs projectiles fall under similar working loads?

If someone can point me in the right direction of a book that would help me out that would be REALLY appreciated. I just want to learn how to reload safely and that I can have the confidence
that I wont blow up my gun (or me)LOL. I know to start at a minimum load and work my way up by 2% and to look for over pressure signs and other any issues with the casing.

Any other tips and guidance would really be appreciated.

Thank you
Click to expand...

Your bullet, primer and powder choices are good ones.

You are loading for an AR-15, which is not a benchrest gun. So what you are looking for is a load that cycles 100% and the load that gets the best accuracy.

Start loading at 23.0 gr of powder, with bullets seated for an OAL of 2.50". These will fit the mag with a little room to spare.

Load 10 of each in 0.3 increments up to 26.0 gr, and shoot them off a rest at 50 or 100 yards. Make a note if the load cycles ok, and then list the 10 shot group size for each load. If one load is noticeably better than others, you have your load.

ARs vary in their gas power. Two of mine are over gassed and a full powder load slams the action pretty hard. I load these rifles a full 4 gr lighter than my other Ars.

When testing ammo I put up multiple aiming marks. Big black squares are good because you can shoot a group at each corner, and the scope cross hairs aim well at the corners.

IMG_0895.jpg


On the bench I make a little sketch of the target and then make notes of where the groups formed and which load each one is.
 
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