Thread: 223 handloads

Just got into reloading the 223 to start with. Using AR2206H and murom primers with hornady 55grain #2260. Shooting thru my Remington m700. Great results 3/4'' @ 100 with 23.5grains. Less than 1/2'' with 24grains but have noticed the bolt a bit hard to open the last bit of the opening stroke? Should I knock the powder load back a bit to 23.7? I full length size each case and set COAL to under 2.260 and crimp each load. The rifle has a trueflight premium target 1-12 twist if that's any help.

Your primers maybe to hot for the powder ,if that's not the problem always check the weight of each load you reload to be safe .Why do you crimp, this may be to tight and may cause the problem .There maybe a build up of gas in the case . Check the burn rate of the two AR2206 AR2206H

You could be using to much powder check and double check then check again

The ADI manual (4th ed) shows a starting load of 25gr, with 26gr of AR2206H as the max load.

It is unlikely, but you could be getting issues because you're running light loads? What do the necks of your fired rounds look like? Do they have powder marks back down the neck of the cases? That could be a sign that the loads are too light. Maybe try some at 25gr and see if the pressure signs disappear?

FWIW, I've found that 25.5gr of 2206h under a 55gr sp (murom or CCI primers) is great in all my .223 rifles.

If you're full length sizing, and loading to less than max OAL, try some loads without crimping and see if that makes a difference. The only .223 loads I crimp are for my ARs, and even then I only use a very light crimp.

Originally Posted by kawekakid

Your primers maybe to hot for the powder ,if that's not the problem always check the weight of each load you reload to be safe .Why do you crimp, this may be to tight and may cause the problem .There maybe a build up of gas in the case . Check the burn rate of the two AR2206 AR2206H

You could be using to much powder check and double check then check again

This is only happening with the 24grain load and I measure each load with the hornady electronic scales, I crimp because I some times use in the AR.

I couldn't find the load for that style of bullet (sp sx) in the ADI manual and I actually started at 21.5g and have worked up to 24grains. I will have a look at the necks and maybe try 25.5. grouping is excellent.

I've got the latest hornady reloading manual and I'll have a look for you. Hmmm .. the signs are the signs .. but sticky bolt would probably be sticky for the WHOLE opening stroke.


Dont wish to divert you from your original question, However, a "classic" goto combination that is shittingly accurate and will do the job just as well if not much much better is 53 grain Projectiles and 26.2 gn AR2206H.

DISCLAIMER - what works in my rifle may produce a bad result or over pressure in yours. Be Careful !!!

I use Vmax 53's and HP53's out of my tikka t3. and can shoot a cloverleaf at 150yards pretty much on demand off the bag and bipod .

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

Tim

Originally Posted by kiwi39

I've got the latest hornady reloading manual and I'll have a look for you. Hmmm .. the signs are the signs .. but sticky bolt would probably be sticky for the WHOLE opening stroke.


Dont wish to divert you from your original question, However, a "classic" goto combination that is shittingly accurate and will do the job just as well if not much much better is 53 grain Projectiles and 26.2 gn AR2206H.

DISCLAIMER - what works in my rifle may produce a bad result or over pressure in yours. Be Careful !!!

I use Vmax 53's and HP53's out of my tikka t3. and can shoot a cloverleaf at 150yards pretty much on demand off the bag and bipod .

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

Tim

Thanks for that Tim yea the bolt only felt different that last 5mm of opening from the other loads? maybe a total clean of the locking lug surfaces and maybe a bit of gun grease on the lugs. Other than that im getting real good results so far.

Originally Posted by kiwi39

I've got the latest hornady reloading manual and I'll have a look for you. Hmmm .. the signs are the signs .. but sticky bolt would probably be sticky for the WHOLE opening stroke.


Dont wish to divert you from your original question, However, a "classic" goto combination that is shittingly accurate and will do the job just as well if not much much better is 53 grain Projectiles and 26.2 gn AR2206H.

DISCLAIMER - what works in my rifle may produce a bad result or over pressure in yours. Be Careful !!!

I use Vmax 53's and HP53's out of my tikka t3. and can shoot a cloverleaf at 150yards pretty much on demand off the bag and bipod .

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

Tim

Big +1 for the Hornady 53 grain flat base match. Very good projectile. 24.6 W748 behind that in three very different match rifles since 1997 and I can't fault the load.

Originally Posted by kiwi39

I've got the latest hornady reloading manual and I'll have a look for you. Hmmm .. the signs are the signs .. but sticky bolt would probably be sticky for the WHOLE opening stroke.


Dont wish to divert you from your original question, However, a "classic" goto combination that is shittingly accurate and will do the job just as well if not much much better is 53 grain Projectiles and 26.2 gn AR2206H.

DISCLAIMER - what works in my rifle may produce a bad result or over pressure in yours. Be Careful !!!

I use Vmax 53's and HP53's out of my tikka t3. and can shoot a cloverleaf at 150yards pretty much on demand off the bag and bipod .

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

Tim

What overall length you loading too? And what primers?
I have the same gun and a mate has that powder so might give it a crack.

Originally Posted by Beetroot

What overall length you loading too? And what primers?
I have the same gun and a mate has that powder so might give it a crack.

I don't load to an overall length, I load to a CBTO (Case Base to Ogive) measurement relative to the Lands Measurement. In the case of the 53gn's I seat them 5 thou off the lands.

The Lands measurement is specific to your rifle and that projectile, so even my COAL measurements would be irrelevant for you.

Primers are CCI.

The VMaxes are more accurate than the HP's but the HP's have better killing power for larger animals - goats, deer, and are still amazingly accurate.
I have yet to use a vmax53 on a goat or a deer ... someone out there may have ..

Also @ebf Likes HP's better and hates VMax's so I load heaps of VM's

26.2 gn of AR2206H seems to be a bit of a sweet spot for Vmaxes and my rifle. I use the same amount for the 40gn Vmaxes too.

Hehe, lets just say I am a "traditionalist" when it comes to projectile selection. None of these fancy little pointed super bullets with coloured tips for me

My rule of thumb with crimping is if it hasn't got a canelure don't crimp. Not sure if that's the correct protocol. Seams to work for 223 and 204 anyhoo.

Originally Posted by kiwi39

I don't load to an overall length, I load to a CBTO (Case Base to Ogive) measurement relative to the Lands Measurement. In the case of the 53gn's I seat them 5 thou off the lands.

The Lands measurement is specific to your rifle and that projectile, so even my COAL measurements would be irrelevant for you.

Primers are CCI.

The VMaxes are more accurate than the HP's but the HP's have better killing power for larger animals - goats, deer, and are still amazingly accurate.
I have yet to use a vmax53 on a goat or a deer ... someone out there may have ..

Also @ebf Likes HP's better and hates VMax's so I load heaps of VM's

26.2 gn of AR2206H seems to be a bit of a sweet spot for Vmaxes and my rifle. I use the same amount for the 40gn Vmaxes too.

Do you use one of the Hornady OAl gages? Which doesn't measure OAL but what you said? Do you recommend the use of one if that's what you use?
Is 5 thou off the lands not to long for the Tikka magazine?

Originally Posted by foxhound

Just got into reloading the 223 to start with. Using AR2206H and murom primers with hornady 55grain #2260. Shooting thru my Remington m700. Great results 3/4'' @ 100 with 23.5grains. Less than 1/2'' with 24grains but have noticed the bolt a bit hard to open the last bit of the opening stroke? Should I knock the powder load back a bit to 23.7? I full length size each case and set COAL to under 2.260 and crimp each load. The rifle has a trueflight premium target 1-12 twist if that's any help.

I don't bother crimping .223 loads in my AR or higher recoiling loads in my .308 Vepr semi.
Especially when loading a few hundred rounds at a go!

It does help with more consistent neck tension, but if its part of your reloading procedure and you like doing it, feel free to carry on!

As mentioned I would use 25.0gn to 26.0gn of 2206h as the range, so 24 is under and you have an under recommended load.

This is my load test from today @150 yards for the 40gn VMax load mentioned today ... its going a notch or two slower than previous reloads of this recipe, but its nicely accurate, so it'll do.

on the topic of "consistent neck tension" as mentioned by @dogmatix above .. it seems to be a critical success factor : since I have started using the Forster Bush n BUMP neck tensioning die my reloads have got more accurate ...

Thanks @M_Terabyte for your help loading this one up