Working up my first .223 loads

[Paseclipse]

I just can't believe the differences in min and max loads between the different recourses. I will see if I can find the Hornady book today.

Yep... The loads published in manuals are usually the results from a bolt action rifle which can handle higher pressures than a semi-auto. This is another reason why it's safer to start your loads low and work up in increments.

When you get the Hornady manual and start looking through it you'll get a better idea what the max/min range is for semi-auto service type rifles.

[LynnJr]

Spent another relaxing evening at the reloading bench. I'm enjoying this more than I imagined.

I'm using Berrys .223 55gr fmj bt
W748 powder
Cci #400 primers
Mixed once fired brass
Trimmed to 1.750
OAL 2.255

So far I have loaded the following

25.5 gr
26 gr.
26.5 gr.

Does this sound good? Should I load some a little light and some a little heavier?

The difference in min and max loads in all the books has me puzzled so I shot for the middle of the road. I have seen min charges as low as 23 and 26 grains. And max charges between 26.3 and 28.

If you look carefully at the COAL in the various manuals you will see that they vary quite a bit.
You have 2.255 listed and Hodgdon has 2.155 and 2.180 listed.
This means that the chamber in there rifle has less freebore and the bullet will hit the lands sooner.
That is why you see the min and Max charge variations you are seeing.
Short freebore less powder to get the same amount of pressure.
Long freebore more powder to get the same pressure all else being equal.

[Metal God]

Looks like my six year old son sorted all the brass by head stamp when he deprimed and tumbled it for me. I

That's cool you have your son helping how ever those are the worst two things for a child to do in the reloading process . Lead in primer fouling is not good for children . Just a heads up .

My grandson (1-1/2 years old ) just came to live in my house and I immediately went to wet tumbling to reduce as much primer & powder fouling as I can so not to be transferring through out the house . My reloading room is an extra bedroom inside the house so I need to keep things as clean as possible .

I can't wait till he can help me as well . I very much hope to get him comfortable with all aspects of firearms .