Hornady 68gr Part #2278 Load Data

[ExtremeX]

Im just about to crack open a fresh pound of powder and went to the Hodgdons website and cant find this projectiles on there...

Does anyone have any published load data, even from the Hornady Handbook they can share?

I will be using Hornady 68gr Match #2278
Hodgdons BL-C(2)

[17+1]

Use data for 69 gr SMK?

[CalTeacher]

I use 25.5gr. Its not a max load, but is very accurate out of 16" carbine

[ExtremeX]

Sound good, I used a starting load of 22.9gr and went up .5gr until I got to 25gr.

2.250" COAL
CCI #41
Light Crimp using FCD

I was thinking of pushing it to 25.5 but I am using .223 PMC cases, which seem to have just a little less case capacity than the LC brass...

I am still a little chicken to play around on the max load side since I am still new to reloading. Hornady published max seems to be 25.6gr, and the Hodgdons website max load for a 69gr SMK is 26.5gr...

[mroels]

Call hornady, they'll tell you what's in their guide. I've been loading about as long as you...but only .223 so far. I played with the 68gr too and really liked them, much better than SMK...at least my rifle liked them better. After trying different bullets I'll be reordering them in bulk.

That said be careful with the seating depth as the 68gr is almost as long as most 77gr and way longer than 69gr SMK. So you could interchange the data, but with certain powders like Varget you're looking at compressed loads quickly.

[bnate]

I have the Hornady 8th edition.

At 68 grains, they list the following powders:

VIHT N-135
H 322
H 335
A 2230
VIHT N-140
IMR 4895
VARGET
BL-C2
Win 748


Let me know which one.

N

[Knife Edge]

I found 26.0 to be max with BLC-2 and FC cases. This gave me avg 2965'/sec with a 24" barrel in a semi auto. I download to 25.5 for wear and tear but didn't chrono after.

Lates.

[ExtremeX]

I have the Hornady 8th edition.

At 68 grains, they list the following powders:

VIHT N-135
H 322
H 335
A 2230
VIHT N-140
IMR 4895
VARGET
BL-C2
Win 748


Let me know which one.

N

If you can, post the load data for H335, BL-C2, and H4895 please.

Those are the powders I am working with right now.

Just for kicks I will be making the same loads using the CCI #400 primers. I am currently using CCI #41.

I would love to find a pet load using these bullets.

[ExtremeX]

I found 26.0 to be max with BLC-2 and FC cases. This gave me avg 2965'/sec with a 24" barrel in a semi auto. I download to 25.5 for wear and tear but didn't chrono after.

Lates.

I am going to load up a few rounds at 25.5 and 26gr and see how they do...

What seating depth are you working with?

[Knife Edge]

I am going to load up a few rounds at 25.5 and 26gr and see how they do...

What seating depth are you working with?

I had to respect maximum magazine length, 2.26", same as book value.

[GeoffLinder]

BL-C(2) and Varget are just about the same in load data. I find 24.5 gr range to be best under the SMK 69 (which uses same load data as Hornady 68gr). I would consider 25.0 to be near the max charge here and 25.5 or more to be on the really hot side.

Also make sure to load as long as possible. I use 2.250" OAL for this type of recipe. This is just about max magazine fit length in an AR and will usually provide best performance and safest pressure range with heavy bullets in an AR. 2.260 is just a bit long to be reliable in many AR magazines. I consider 2.255 to be the absolute safe mag fit length.

[Knife Edge]

2.26 works with PMag and USGI style. Can't tell you about others.

[Knife Edge]

BL-C(2) and Varget are just about the same in load data. I find 24.5 gr range to be best under the SMK 69 (which uses same load data as Hornady 68gr). I would consider 25.0 to be near the max charge here and 25.5 or more to be on the really hot side.

Depends on the brass, this is the very reason Sierra and Hornady publish different maximums. I did recently break a gas ring on my shrub master.

[bnate]

If you can, post the load data for H335, BL-C2, and H4895 please.

Those are the powders I am working with right now.

Just for kicks I will be making the same loads using the CCI #400 primers. I am currently using CCI #41.

I would love to find a pet load using these bullets.

68 gr bullet .223

H335 = 21.3 gr @ 2500 fps, 22.6 gr @ 2600 fps, 23.8 gr @ 2700 fps max load.


BL-C2 = 22.9 gr @ 2500, 23.8 gr @ 2600, 24.7 gr @ 2700, 25.6 gr @ 2800 max


IMR4895 = 22.6 gr @ 2500, 23.4 @ 2600, 24.2 @ 2700, 24.9 @ 2800 max

BC: .355
COL: 2.250"

Be safe

[GeoffLinder]

Depends on the brass, this is the very reason Sierra and Hornady publish different maximums. I did recently break a gas ring on my shrub master.

Of course it does This is what NOT EVER directly using a recipe from someone else OR a close to max one right from a loading manual is all about!!!

I will repeat this once again, NEVER, EVER just duplicate load data from someone else or use a near max loading manual listed load. ALWAYS reduce all charge weight data you get from elsewhere by 5-10% and work it back up 2/10 of a grain at a time in "your cases" AND "your" rifle until you start to see pressure sign or reach the velocity you are looking for PERIOD

Your mileage will not vary, your lifespan might