Load data help

[ar15barrels]

I'm loading up some 223, and only have IMR 4064 available and 55gr vmax

Note the case fill percentages:

Cartridge          : .223 Rem. (SAAMI)
Bullet             : .224, 55, Hornady V-MAX FB 22271
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.250 inch or 57.15 mm
Barrel Length      : 24.0 inch or 609.6 mm
Powder             : IMR 4064

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step    Fill. Charge   Vel.  Energy   Pmax   Pmuz  Prop.Burnt B_Time
 %       %    Grains   fps   ft.lbs    psi    psi      %        ms

-10.0   99    22.05   2780     944   34746   5768     85.1    1.202
-09.0  100    22.30   2812     966   35910   5850     85.8    1.187
-08.0  101    22.54   2844     988   37118   5931     86.4    1.172
-07.0  102    22.79   2876    1010   38369   6011     87.0    1.153
-06.0  103    23.03   2908    1033   39667   6090     87.7    1.137
-05.0  104    23.28   2940    1056   41013   6167     88.3    1.120
-04.0  106    23.52   2972    1079   42410   6243     88.9    1.104
-03.0  107    23.77   3004    1102   43860   6318     89.5    1.088
-02.0  108    24.01   3036    1126   45364   6391     90.0    1.072
-01.0  109    24.26   3069    1150   46926   6462     90.6    1.056  ! Near Maximum !
+00.0  110    24.50   3101    1174   48549   6532     91.2    1.041  ! Near Maximum !
+01.0  111    24.75   3133    1199   50237   6600     91.7    1.026  ! Near Maximum !
+02.0  112    24.99   3166    1224   51990   6666     92.2    1.011  ! Near Maximum !
+03.0  113    25.24   3198    1249   53813   6731     92.7    0.997  ! Near Maximum !
+04.0  114    25.48   3231    1275   55709   6793     93.2    0.982  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+05.0  115    25.73   3263    1301   57683   6854     93.7    0.968  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

[J-cat]

If you use 31.5grs for the case capacity, which is more realistic than QL's default, 26 grs is the OBT load for a 24" barrel, although getting that much in the case will require some skillz.

[09cs]

As has been stated it's generally safe to use a lighter bullet with the same powder charge as a heavier projectile. Just don't ever go the other way. Also keep in mind that if you don't see a load for your bullet with 4064 it may be that it was tested, didn't perform well, and was left out of the manual for that reason.

Another (better?)option would be to contact hornady directly and ask them if they can give you a recommended starting load for the exact powder and components you're using. I've emailed them in the past with load questions and they got back to me quickly and were very helpful.

I did email them but haven't heard back yet, probably because of the weekend so that's why I asked here

As stated, yu're never going to find every combination. For a particular bullet, you'll find the most data with that bulletmfg's data.

For the most part 55gr is 55 gr. Beware if shooting mono bullets like Barnes though.

For the most part you can use data for a slightly heavier bullet (heavier the bullet the less the powder) as it by nature will be conservative providing the construction is similar.

Remember there's a lot of other variables. That's why you start at a reduced charge and work up with YOUR components/rifle/equipment. Published data is a GUIDE.

I appreciate your caution in learning reloading. It might behoove you to actually read some books on the subject though. You'll get a better overall understanding and be able to answer much of your questions yourself.

I have read my Lee manual and my friends Speer. I guess just after seeing the bad things that can happen, I just psych my self out and want to check with others to make sure I'm doing it safely and I stay safe and don't hurt my self or others.

[J-cat]

With your particular components, nothing bad can happen. What gun are you loading for?

[09cs]

With your particular components, nothing bad can happen. What gun are you loading for?

Piston AR 16in barrel

Thats reassuring, thanks!

[Mot Mi]

Yes, many will tell you the same thing. You can get away, most times, using the same bullet weight data from another manufacturer. Ive loaded some hornady 55fr fmjbt against montana gold fmj bullets using the same data. Although, I will still build up my load from start to finish as those two bullets may weigh the same but they are conpleteky different per manufacturer. You will have different variations and accuracy with different bullets, same weight, and samw powder. Just always build up a load if your components change as .1 or .2 grs may change the outcome of the load even though certain variables may be the same.

[09cs]

Yes, many will tell you the same thing. You can get away, most times, using the same bullet weight data from another manufacturer. Ive loaded some hornady 55fr fmjbt against montana gold fmj bullets using the same data. Although, I will still build up my load from start to finish as those two bullets may weigh the same but they are conpleteky different per manufacturer. You will have different variations and accuracy with different bullets, same weight, and samw powder. Just always build up a load if your components change as .1 or .2 grs may change the outcome of the load even though certain variables may be the same.

I loaded about 20 today at about 23 grains and 23.1 grains going off of other 55gr data and will work up from there