Sub sonic loads. 30 grain bullet in a 223 rem

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Rickfishingl

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Ok I’m at it again, I’m looking for a starting point to load 30grain Speer bullets in my bolt action ruger ranch rifle. The purpose of loading these is cheap fun at 25-50 yards and maybe small game/gophers plinking at close range. I’ve got several types of pistol powders. I’m thinking 5-7 grains of herco and a regular primer. Thanks
 
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Rickfishingl said:
Ok I’m at it again, I’m looking for a starting point to load 30grain Speer bullets in my bolt action ruger ranch rifle. The purpose of loading these is cheap fun at 25-50 yards and maybe small game/gophers plinking at close range. I’ve got several types of pistol powders. I’m thinking 5-7 grains of herco and a regular primer. Any thoughts from fellow squibers!!
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The term "Squib" is not the best to use, as that usually refers to a bullet that doesn't exit the barrel.

Are you looking for a subsonic load? Nothing with a 30 gr bullet will have appreciable recoil, so I assume that's what you want - low noise and stingy on powder.

I'd use 8.0-12.0 grs of Herco with a 30 gr bullet. Go much lower and you risk a "squib" load. That would never cycle a semi-auto, but you're using a bolt action.
 
I've done this before in the 223 with a 55 grain bullet and Titegroup. Pretty underwhelming to be honest
3.2 grains Titegroup/55 grn bullet ok groups, subsonic not worth pursueing
6.5 grains Unique/same bullet-shooting 50 meters, much lower report than factory, need no ear pro, 2 inches lower poi@50m compared to factory, 1/2 inch for 5 shot@50m
7.5 grains Unique/same bullet-same as above, tighter group, louder

This is a rough summary of a few watered down loads. No mention if any where subsonic besides the first one with Titegroup. Give it a go if you like, but you end up spending a bunch of time to recreate 22 rimfire.
 
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