Replicate a Federal 223 load?

[smittty]

Does anyone know the "recipe" for the Federal Vital-shok 223 ammo?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/319773/federal-premium-vital-shok-ammunition-223-remington-55-grain-barnes-triple-shock-x-bullet-hollow-point-lead-free-box-of-20

It was a on time run so it seems I'll need to "roll" my own once I run out.

It uses Barnes 55gr triple shock bullet,
- 3,200 fps
- 1,250 ft-lbs

I suppose I could call Federal and ask what propellent and how much?

Thanks,

[stevec223]

ck

ck barnes.com in reloading section or barnes 4th edition reloading manual (or third)....pm me if you cant find load recipe..i have both books...sleepy time now....cheers....

[damndave]

If I knew Federal's recipes, I would be a pretty rich man.

No way they will tell you what they use.

[smittty]

Thank you guys.

[xfer42]

Take one apart, weigh the powder and post pics of the granules up close. Put something else in the picture for size reference. Someone will likely recognize it. You can then check load data for the likely candidates and see if the weight is in the ball park.

[G60]

I'm pretty sure Ramshot has data that replicates that load.

[G60]

Max charge for ramshot exterminator and a 55gr tsx is 3185fps.
They have 5.56 pressure data, but none for 55gr tsx.

The tsx bullet exhibits expansion down to very low velocities so I wouldn't obsess too much about that magic 3200 number.

[Antihero47]

You need to chronograph how fast they are going out of your barrel at 10 feet. Most likely they are coming out slower than you think. How long is your rifle barrel?

Shoot 5, take an avg FPS out of your rifle.
Measure 5 rounds from the ogive to the base of the case. Take an avg of that.
Measure the trim length, look at the primer cup.

Put your case through a case guage and see where they fall in the case guage, or measure from the shoulder to the base of the case. Take an avg.

Re-size the spent Hornady brass so that it falls in the avg. Work up the loads until you get to the desired velocity with a powder that can get you there safely , seat the barnes bullets to the avg and try to figure out which primer based by the color of the cup.

Bout as close as you can get, I think most large manufacturers have large blends made to spec.

[GeoffLinder]

You need to chronograph how fast they are going out of your barrel at 10 feet. Most likely they are coming out slower than you think. How long is your rifle barrel?

Shoot 5, take an avg FPS out of your rifle.
Measure 5 rounds from the ogive to the base of the case. Take an avg of that.
Measure the trim length, look at the primer cup.

Put your case through a case guage and see where they fall in the case guage, or measure from the shoulder to the base of the case. Take an avg.

Re-size the spent Hornady brass so that it falls in the avg. Work up the loads until you get to the desired velocity with a powder that can get you there safely , seat the barnes bullets to the avg and try to figure out which primer based by the color of the cup.

Bout as close as you can get, I think most large manufacturers have large blends made to spec.

This ^^^^

Just dupe the velocity you get with the original in YOUR rifle and thats it