Load data question. 55gr fmjbt .223

[ZER0_]

I'm still new to reloading and I've only reloaded 100 rounds. I used Hodgon's data for 55gr SPR SP at 25gr of h4895 for 55gr fmj reloads.
They worked out just fine, though I only shot 25 of the 100 I made.

Here's my dilemma, I'm going to be reloading 55 gr fmj in .223 remington for a 16" 1-7 twist 5.56 chambered rifle.
I have one book (Lyman AR reloading handbook) so far and the only load data that it gives me for a 55gr projectile is for a 55gr Sierra SPT.

I looked up SPT (spitzer) and it looks like its a pointed shaped jacketed bullet.

So, is an fmj bullet a type of spitzer bullet?
Would I be able to use the load data that is in my book for fmj?
If I chose too, Hodgon's data for Benchmark should work just fine
like it did for H4895, correct?

I no longer have h4895 but I could probably get some rather easily.

Here's my supplies:
55 gr FMJBT bullet
Hodgdon Benchmark 1lb
CCI No.400 small rifle primers
mixed brass

I've been comparing the load data from my book and Hodgdon's website.
Lyman's data ranges from 22.7-25.3gr (55gr sierra spt) and Hodgon from 24-25.6gr (55gr spr sp).
However, these are also shot out of different length barrels. Lyman is using a
20" 1-7 twist and Hodgon is using a 24" 1-12 twist barrel.

Thank you.

[1HitaQuita]

Here is some load data that I have that may help (from Lee manual). My info is based on a 16" barrel:

Xtreme 55gr FMJ - Benchmark - 25.0gr - 2.200 coal - 2933 avg velocity
Sierra GameKing 55gr HPBT - IMR 4895 - 25.0gr - 2.200 coal

I have actually loaded, shot, and chronographed these loads.

[emptybottle151]

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001MYEU0E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1SUBKQPO2YNC&coliid=I382ZQLS4L8JTM

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/360676/loadbooks-usa-223-remington-reloading-manual

[cooper669]

To answer your questions:
1.Would I be able to use the load data that is in my book for fmj?
YES
2.If I chose too, Hodgon's data for Benchmark should work just fine
like it did for H4895, correct?
YES

Tighter twist barrels like the 1 in 7 are primarily for stabilizing heavier bullets like the 77gr and up.
I suggest picking up a good reloading manual like Hodgdon or Sierra. They will have the answers to almost all of your questions, they contain alot more info than just load data.

[ZER0_]

1HitaQuita - I may try these out. thanks

emptybottle151 - I'll definitely pick up more books. Lyman 49th edition and Hornady 9th edition seem to be two popular choices.

cooper669 - I'll look into some 77gr projectiles and more reloading books.

Thanks for the advice everybody.

[cooper669]

ZERO, about the 1 in 7 twist barrels, I didn't mean that they were ONLY for heavier bullets just that the tighter twist is necessary to stabilize the 77's and up. From what I understand the US Military came up with the 69 grainers because that is the heaviest bullet that would stabilize with the Standard Govt. Issue 1 in 9 twist AR15 barrel. Shooting bullets lighter than 77gr out of a 1 in 7 is no problem.

[ZER0_]

ZERO, about the 1 in 7 twist barrels, I didn't mean that they were ONLY for heavier bullets just that the tighter twist is necessary to stabilize the 77's and up. From what I understand the US Military came up with the 69 grainers because that is the heaviest bullet that would stabilize with the Standard Govt. Issue 1 in 9 twist AR15 barrel. Shooting bullets lighter than 77gr out of a 1 in 7 is no problem.

I understood your first post just fine. I know 55 gr shoots just fine. Its all I've shot through my rifle so far. Ill get some 77 gr and maybe some 75 gr bullets later on to make better, more accurate, use of the 1-7 twist.

Thanks

[cooper669]

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