IMR 4064 with a 55gr SP .223

[mecam]

IMR's loading data shows

min = 23.0grs, 2867fps, 40,300psi
max = 25.7Cgrs, 3201fps, 52,600psi

I'm wondering what would be safe for an AR. I'm thinking about starting at 24grs and would that be safe? My remington factory load claims 3300fps velocity so I'm thinking they are using hot loads and I'm trying to accomplish the most velocity without blowing up my AR. Let me know how much you guys use and what the performance is.

[PistolPete75]

24grs sounds good to me. My high velocity loads are 25.1 grains of Accurate 2230 which gives me about 3,250 fps from a 18inch 1:8 barrel with a 55gr Nosler Sp. I would still start at 23grains and work my way up to find the most accurate load. If your shooting 450yards and less, go with an accurate load rather than a high velocity load. My accurate load is 24.5 grains of Accurate 2230.

[wildcard]

24grs sounds good to me. My high velocity loads are 25.1 grains of Accurate 2230 which gives me about 3,250 fps from a 18inch 1:8 barrel with a 55gr Nosler Sp. I would still start at 23grains and work my way up to find the most accurate load. If your shooting 450yards and less, go with an accurate load rather than a high velocity load. My accurate load is 24.5 grains.

Do you have a chronograph? I really should stop putting off buying one..

[PistolPete75]

Do you have a chronograph? I really should stop putting off buying one..

i don't but i've used other people's at the range. alot of people have it at aps, and they were nice to let me shoot though it.

[ocabj]

Awhile back I needed to load some 'plinking' ammo for my Colt 16" and I picked 24.5gr IMR 4064 behind a 55gr FMJ. Worked fine. It was pretty slow though. Only 3000fps if I remember right. M193 shot at 3250fps in that same rifle (16").

And the only reason I used 4064 is because that's what I had tons of at the time (before I started reloading heavily for .308 and started using Varget). What I do remember about 4064 in .223 is that it is very hard to pack into the case. The granules are quite long. You'll definitely want a long drop tube funnel for 4064. I was getting a lot of crunch.

[mecam]

Alright, I was gonna try 23.0grs but I'm affraid it might cause short stroking on my Stag so that's why I chose 24grs just to be in between min and max. BTW, this is the first time I'm reloading so wish me luck. I got the Lee Aniversary press with all other goodies and should be arriving next Thursday. Was planning on starting reloading next Friday but that falls into Friday the 13th...

[PistolPete75]

Alright, I was gonna try 23.0grs but I'm affraid it might cause short stroking on my Stag so that's why I chose 24grs just to be in between min and max. BTW, this is the first time I'm reloading so wish me luck. I got the Lee Aniversary press with all other goodies and should be arriving next Thursday. Was planning on starting reloading next Friday but that falls into Friday the 13th...

remember brass prep work is extremly important. if you have time, sort out your brass and use only one brand of brass for consitancy. fullsize/ trim correctly or you will have multiple ftf issues. also go the manufacturer of your bullet, and check the correct oal. everything else is a cinch.

good luck and enjoy your ammo!

[Mike 56]

My mini 14 pet load 24gr IMR 4064 Hornady 52gr BTHP Match C.O.L. 2.230 with a light crimp using a Lee factory Die. My Mini shoots 1 inch groups with this load. Here is a link for loads http://stevespages.com/page8a.htm


Mike

[ar15barrels]

I don't know what barrel length your stag is, but I'll hazard a guess that it's 16" or 20" as that's all they offer in a factory configuration.

Beware that most factory ammo specs are from 24" barrels.

The load data you were looking at should also state what the barrel length was.

Don't go loading up your ammo using a chronograph as the way to know where maximum is at, especially if you have your expectations crossed up due to differences in barrel length.

[mecam]

Thanks guys, my barrell is a 16" 1/9 twist. So I guess when Remington claims their factory loads are 3300fps, that means they tested that velocity using a 24" rifle and would be less velocity if it was with a 16"?

The bullet I'm using is a Hornady 55g SP w/cannelure. I have to check out their website for the COL figures. I also got the crimp die which I will probably skip on for the first batch I make.

All the brass I will be using are the Remington brass from the factory UMC loads. I also got some brand new unprimed brass from Remington. Do the new brass need to be resized also? Maybe I should check anyways just to make sure. I got the full case sizer and neck sizer die, I also got the Lee Zip Trimmer for trimming the brass and got a tumbler with corn media for cleaning.

These are the components I will be using
Primer = CCI 400 SM Rifle
Powder = IMR 4064
Bullet = Hornady 55g SP w/can. (I might be trying some 63g also)
Brass = Remington brass

I tell you man I'm extremely excited and nervous at the same time. I've been on the net 10hours a day reading up on reloading and horror stories for the past 5 days. I just hope my hands won't be shaking when pouring powder in the casings. I will definitely practice on seating bullets without the primer and powder just to get the feeling of the press. I will make 10 dummy rounds and see if I can cycle all of them cleanly in my AR without a round getting stuck.