.223 Powder Load Question

[bigdawg86]

Ok so I have another noob question...
I have all my brass primed and ready to go. I am now officially confused (albeit scared) of wrong powder loads. I am using the Lee Perfect Powder Measure and a RCBC 5-0-5 scale to verify weight.

I am using Hodgdon BL-C(2) powder and Sierra 55g FMJ BT bullets.

Here is the confusion...
Hodgdon bottle shows max load 27.5 grains for 55g bullets so I started with a target weight of 27gr. I made about 5 rounds at this load.

I then for "just to be safe" cross referenced "The Complete Reloading Manual for the .223 Remington"... if shows max load for BL-C(2) as 26.1 grains.

Then to be OCD I referenced Lyman's 47th manual and it showed max load as 26.5gr

Then SPEER #11 manual showed 26.5gr for a 55g bullet.

So now I am freaked out that I just overcharged my first few rounds and am not sure what is correct? Is 27gr too hot? Or is it usable (but lower the charge on subsequent rounds?)

[joelogic]

So you are a new loader and you started your loads with a near max recipe from the bottle?

Caution dictates working your loads up from 10% from max.

Not to be a jerk but did you read either manual?

[AK all day]

Keep it lower, one it will keep your gun alive and save you money in powder, sometimes sources have different numbers

[bigdawg86]

So you are a new loader and you started your loads with a near max recipe from the bottle?

Caution dictates working your loads up from 10% from max.

Not to be a jerk but did you read either manual?

Thank you for your "not to be a jerk" frank reply... Yes I am a new loader. Yes I had read through the various manuals on .223 data but shame on me for not having memorized all my load data. Since I noticed a huge discrepancy, I figured going by the manufacturers data that was printed on the side of the bottle was more appropriate. I then re-cross referenced and made this post because I became concerned and value mine and others safety knowing that assuming "it will be ok" is foolish. I have no problem pulling the bullets on 5 rounds and starting over. I am now thinking that doing a "middle of the road" charge was appropriate and according to "The Complete Reloading Manual for the .223 Remington" that would be 25.2grains.

I know that in reloading, safety is in the details. So newbie or not, I would rather post a thread and get flogged for what I did or didn't do, rather than injure myself or others from a faulty product.

[pdq_wizzard]

you need to look at the barel lenth of the loads listed, if you are running a 14.5" with flash hider you can push more than if you are running a 20". also is this an AR or a bolt gun?

It's best to start low and work up, you might find the best load at the lower end of the load data.

I would save the rounds you loaded and start at 26.5 and work up some loads to 27gr. I don't think you are over but you are close ....

just my $.02 YMMV etc...........

[bigdawg86]

I have an AR running a 16" Adams Arms 5.56 Midlength Tactical Elite Piston Upper...
That's what makes it so confusing, all the variables in hardware!

[sargenv]

Since 27.5 is the max load, you should have backed off 10%, which is 2.75 gr, and used that as a starting point.. Starting point would be good at 24.75 - 25 gr. Then work up in .2-.4 gr increments until you get to near max.. I usually go up in .2 gr increments, usually load 5-10 and see what the primer looks like.. as pressure goes up (charge weight) you may notice the primers start to flatten out..

It's also good to have a kinetic bullet puller, for instances just like this.

[bigdawg86]

I do have a kinetic bullet puller but I am not gonna lie, using that thing is creepy. I have scenes from "final destination" replaying in my head when I use it.

[GSwain]

I do have a kinetic bullet puller but I am not gonna lie, using that thing is creepy. I have scenes from "final destination" replaying in my head when I use it.

Hahaha, that is quite possibly sig quality material there.

[Nozzano22]

Fair question, better safe than sorry.

I just made my first .223 rounds and I am using H322 powder. listed minimum charge was 21grains, max is 23.5 as listed online at Hogdon.

I made a dozen at 21gr and another dozen at 22.5. Surprisingly when I tested them the lower powder charge produced a 3" group while the higher charge was at 4".

I may tweak it some more, but I plan on chrono'ing the 21gr charge and likely locking that in as load.

Granted a 3" group at 100 yards with a 4x scope may not be bragging material, but that is darn good for me!

Mike

[Nozzano22]

Fair question, better safe than sorry.

I just made my first .223 rounds and I am using H322 powder. listed minimum charge was 21grains, max is 23.5 as listed online at Hogdon.

I made a dozen at 21gr and another dozen at 22.5. Surprisingly when I tested them the lower powder charge produced a 3" group while the higher charge was at 4".

I may tweak it some more, but I plan on chrono'ing the 21gr charge and likely locking that in as load.

Granted a 3" group at 100 yards with a 4x scope may not be bragging material, but that is darn good for me!

Mike

[Fyathyrio]

I wouldn't pull them right away, but as suggested above, drop the 10% and make some at 24.5, 25, 25.5, ect...inspect brass for signs of pressure at each step before shooting the next level. You may find a nice load at a lower charge and not have to worry about them.

[epcii]

I've used BL-C(2) at around 27 gr. and even a little further out, and I've found it to actually perform better around the max load. Just be sure to be cautious of your overall length.