IMR4198 - 55gr FMJs

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Does anyone have any experience loading 55gr FMJs for a .223 using 4198? Looking through my books I can't find anything for FMJs specifically but can for other bullets in the 55gr area. I have used 4198 with success with 50 and 53gr vmax's. These 55gr FMJs I want to load will be used out of a bolt gun.

Hodgson's site lists a 55gr SPR SP w/ 18.8gr of 4198 as a starting load, and 20.4gr as a max.

Just want to use these for plinking loads. Any suggestions?
 
Use any data for any 55gr bullet that uses a cup-and-core design at starting loads. Work up as normal.
Use any OAL you want so long as you keep it consistent during load development. Tweak it later or earlier if you wish but try to only change one variable at a time.
I've done it with 55gr FMJ/BT's for a .223 bolt rifle. I think I used data for some brands soft-point flat-base but don't remember since it doesn't matter.

The variances in pressure caused by different bullet designs will be smaller than the cumulative variance caused by dozens of other sources like brass, chamber dimensions, powder lot variances, etc. Starting loads are also quite a bit below max pressure so you'd have to have a pretty crazy cause of pressure increase to make a starting load dangerous.
 
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I cut my teeth reloading IMR4198 against 55 Gr FMJ's in my 20" AR15. It does work, but it's right on the line for the fastest acceptable powder for autoloading 55 Gr 223's. I used the Hodgdon 55 Gr SPR SP data and didn't have any problems in regards to pressure, and though I appreciated the economy of a 20gr load, I was near max load just to get my AR to cycle. I ended up switching to H322.

That said, you should be fine using SPR SP data for FMJ. Variances between loads of different jacketed bullets is usually minimal. It's more significant between jacketed and lead/plated bullets. Since you're using a bolt gun, as long as you don't throw a squib load and get a bullet stuck in the barrel, you'll be fine. Same rule as always: start slow and work up.
 
LUTNIT said:
Use any data for any 55gr bullet that uses a cup-and-core design at starting loads. Work up as normal.
Use any OAL you want so long as you keep it consistent during load development. Tweak it later or earlier if you wish but try to only change one variable at a time.
I've done it with 55gr FMJ/BT's for a .223 bolt rifle. I think I used data for some brands soft-point flat-base but don't remember since it doesn't matter.

The variances in pressure caused by different bullet designs will be smaller than the cumulative variance caused by dozens of other sources like brass, chamber dimensions, powder lot variances, etc. Starting loads are also quite a bit below max pressure so you'd have to have a pretty crazy cause of pressure increase to make a starting load dangerous.
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+1...
I've used H4198 in some 223 Rem 55 Gr FMJ loads, and they work fine...
Using a faster powder (like IMR/H 4198) gets you a smaller charge, and more rounds per pound </Cheap b#%%#r mode off>
 
I've used this exact combination with Frontiers 55gr FMJs over 19.5gr of IMR 4198 in my AR. That load hovers around an inch in that rifle. Funny thing is, i picked up a Vanguard S2 in .223 and after i painted the stock i took it out and shot those loads in it. Shot a 3/4" 5 rnd group while i was breaking it in and cleaning in between shots! Totally stoked on that combo for some cheap/ accurate plinking
 
load 10, shoot 10. watch your brass.
You will be fine.
i've loaded 4198 in 8mm to 1900fps. Yes kinda slow, but consistent, cheap and accurate. Just had to remember to raise the sight bar to 400yards for a 100yard zero.
 
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