Working on first reloads

[BuRu]

Hello Fellow Calgunners,
I'm new to reloading and am working up my first 223 loads. I will be using RMR 55gr FMJBT, H322 powder, Federal SRP and once fired brass that I have full length sized and trimmed to 1.750. I checked in the Hornady Handbook, Lee Modern Reloading book as well as Hodgdon's website and have decided on the following loads (5 each).
21.0gr
21.4gr
21.8gr
22.2gr
22.6gr
23.0gr
The COL will be 2.200". I am not sure if I will be using a 16" 1/9 556 NATO barrel or 18" 1/8 223 Wylde barrel. I don't have a chronograph to check my velocities. I would appreciate any tips or point out errors you see on my part. Am I missing something or do you have suggestions on powders or bullet weights?

[AGGRO]

Do some web search on what primers look like after you shoot the round. You are doing it right with the ladder approach.

[baranski]

I don't have a chronograph to check my velocities.

If you're near San Diego, you're welcome to use my chronograph

[BuRu]

Do some web search on what primers look like after you shoot the round. You are doing it right with the ladder approach.

Thanks AGGRO, I'll look them up.

[BuRu]

If you're near San Diego, you're welcome to use my chronograph

Thanks baranski, I'd take you up on that offer if I were in San Diego. Should I get one before trying out the loads or do you think I would be good this time with out one? How necessary would it be?

[Fjold]

For sure try them out without a chrono. It will give you an ides of what functions well and if any loads have accuracy potential. There's no substitute for knowing the velocity of your loads though. It helps figure out the ballistics, etc.

[ysr_racer]

I'm in Orange County, if you want to chrono loads at Raahauge's, I'll bring mine.

[BuRu]

For sure try them out without a chrono. It will give you an ides of what functions well and if any loads have accuracy potential. There's no substitute for knowing the velocity of your loads though. It helps figure out the ballistics, etc.

Thanks Frank, I'll try them out.

I'm in Orange County, if you want to chrono loads at Raahauge's, I'll bring mine.

Thanks for the offer Brad, I'll keep it in mind. I was just looking at the Caldwell Ballistic precision chronograph. Still got to check out reviews though.

[fnlrun]

If you just straight plinking, go with a load in the middle...Why? Cause you'll get more reloads out of a lb of powder. Just my .02

I use Benchmark and CFE223 and run 24 gr. It's pretty consistent in my gun

[lordmorgul]

Working on first reloads

Besides what primers look like, also note which direction brass deflected to, how far it went, and if the brass landing spot was fairly consistent. Although none of those are very predictive of consistent velocity, having a loading that barely clears the gun versus one that drops 3 ft away versus 15ft away is a useful data point for bench/busy range shooting.


Andrew - Lancaster, CA
NRA Life Member, CRPA member, Calguns.net contributor, CGF / SAF / FPC / CCRKBA / GOA / NAGR / NRA-ILA contributor, USCCA member - Support your defenders!

[BuRu]

If you just straight plinking, go with a load in the middle...Why? Cause you'll get more reloads out of a lb of powder. Just my .02

I use Benchmark and CFE223 and run 24 gr. It's pretty consistent in my gun

Thanks. I'll check those 2 powders out.

[BuRu]

Besides what primers look like, also note which direction brass deflected to, hoe far it went, and if the brass was fairly consistent. Although none of those are very predictive of consistent velocity, having a loading that barely clears the gun versus one that drops 3 ft away versus 15ft away is a useful data point for bench/busy range shooting.


Andrew - Lancaster, CA
NRA Life Member, CRPA member, Calguns.net contributor, CGF / SAF / FPC / CCRKBA / GOA / NAGR / NRA-ILA contributor, USCCA member - Support your defenders!

Good tips. I'll keep that in mind and check for it. Thanks.

[hermosabeach]

What size groups did you get with the different loads?

[BuRu]

What size groups did you get with the different loads?

Haven't shot them yet. Wanted to check here first to make sure I'm not missing anything. I'll be sure to report back with details when I do try them out.

[TomReloaded]

I love h322. It was consistent and accurate for me in a bolt gun or AR at 21.5gr.

It's definitely slow running, but it's great for the range out to a few hundred yards.