Actual FPS seems very low...

[2meterB]

For handgun loads, I tend to be pretty close to load data.
When I reloaded these, I weighed every single powder charge.

.223 is another matter entirely.

VV N530 load data:
55gr FMJ 23.3 = 3054 fps

My 23.3 load = 2600 fps (avg over 10 shots)
Largest charge I used was 24.5 gr, with an average velocity of 2850 fps.

Is that typical, given that certain variables aren't known: such as the twist or length of the test barrel?


Given that factory ammo registered around 2777 average, I'm probably going to go with my 24.5gr load.

[BajaJames83]

Whats your narrel length? Sometimes theu list the test barr. Andbin my lee book its listed as a 24" barrel

[Raralith]

A lot of it is barrel length. My Lyman manual uses a 24" barrel which is why I get ~200 fps less out of my 16" barrel. OAL, primers, and your temperatures (unless you are using an "extreme" powder) make a slight difference too.

[2meterB]

I'm using a 16" 1:9 barrel.

A 24" barrel in books makes sense.

[stilly]

Whats your narrel length? Sometimes theu list the test barr. Andbin my lee book its listed as a 24" barrel

Exactly...

Who the hell has an AR with a 24" barrel?

And this is why load data is really more of a guide and not exact science. Kinda.


Sorta.

Have you tried turning it off and back on?

[BruinGuy]

Which factory load was giving you 2777? That seems really slow to me.

Haven't used that powder (did you mean n130?) but 24 gr Varget under a 55gr bullet gives me about 2950 fps. I haven't checked factory ammo lately but I don't recall any under 3000 fps.

[bubbasks]

No n530 is correct. Used it and shot great with 50gr v-max out of my 24"mvp. It likes the longer barrels. Number 1 go to powder is still A2460 for 55 and below and A2520 for 69 and up.Haven't found one i like better yet.

[2meterB]

Remington UMC is the 2777 fps ones I shot. Fac ammo.

Weird thing about Rem UMC factory ammo.. I've had a couple case failures (not catastrophic) and a few with popped primers.

[Divernhunter]

Not all 223 ammo is shot out of an AR. Much of it gets shot out of bolt action rifles which have 22-24" barrels. Some is shot out of single shot rifles with 22-24" barrel and some is shot out of pistols with 10-15" barrels.

This may come as a surprise to some people but there are more than AR/AK rifles out there