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223 Remington reload data

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Nick Danger

Private
Minuteman
Mar 28, 2020
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18
#1
I have five reload books one from Speers 2006, Hodgdon 1986 & 1992 then Nosler 1989 & 1996. My issue is that all three companies have different reloading data. Specifically using IMR3031 powder and 55gr FMJBT bullets.
So if I were to choose the middle of the Speers load of 25.0 I would have gone over the max on the other two... is there an answer to this dilemma ?

Speers. 24.0. 2976
26.0c 3223

Hodgdon 21.0. 2840
23.0 3080

Nosler 22.5. 2910
24.5. 3170
 
#3
Hogden online and Lee both say 21.6 - 24.6
Hornady says 20.5 - 22.8

I have yet to pop a primer using Hogden"s max loads but normaly find a node around 5% below max listed.

I got a few swipe marks and lightly flattened primers at and slightly above max.

Like they say start 10% under max and keep an eye on them.

Most of my guns like 95 - 96 % of max and I don't need the extra for non competition loads.


I hate the sound of crunching power 12 inches from my face.
 
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#4
Yes the powder manufacturers are generally conservitive since they don't know what components you have and know you will exchange things.

The bullet manufacturers all want to see it go as fast as it can.

The 10% rule is conservitive as well. The seating depth used in some guns won't fit the chamber or magazine in others.

That effects max charge for your choice of bullets at times.

I try to keep notes on bullets oal, bto because I have a bolt gun with semiautomatic size magazine and chamber that keeps it from using some popular bullets and loads.

Come to find out that was on purpose to contract requirements.
 
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#5
Nick Danger said:
So if I were to choose the middle of the Speers load of 25.0 I would have gone over the max on the other two... is there an answer to this dilemma ?
Click to expand...
The answer is you don't do that. You start with one of the minimum charges and work up to an acceptable charge weight and velocity without pressure signs. I suspect that the Hornady data is the only one that is giving you a FMJ bullet data.

I would also suggest you invest in some newer manuals or start using On-Line data from Hodgdon and the bullet manufactures.
 
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#6
Nick Danger said:
I have five reload books one from Speers 2006, Hodgdon 1986 & 1992 then Nosler 1989 & 1996. My issue is that all three companies have different reloading data. Specifically using IMR3031 powder and 55gr FMJBT bullets.
So if I were to choose the middle of the Speers load of 25.0 I would have gone over the max on the other two... is there an answer to this dilemma ?

Speers. 24.0. 2976
26.0c 3223

Hodgdon 21.0. 2840
23.0 3080

Nosler 22.5. 2910
24.5. 3170
Click to expand...
Nick are you loading for a Gas gun or a Bolt action ? Are you using commercial brass or Military brass ?
these two factors could come into play in your load development.
 
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#9
I use range brass all the time.
I sort them and use the biggest pile of brass first.

Lately I have went to fls and a .002 mandrell after that. It has shrunk groups and smoothed out the differences in loads of different brass some.

My theory is if you do not max out the powder charge on every load the volume difference means less.
My loads on 223 range plinkers are running 95-97% max recomended.

As soon as I hit a node there I stop. There plinkers right, but 1 1/8 to 1 moa plinkers in an everyday ar nothing fancy.

I think the neck tension being consistent and charges not maxed out to the highest possible charge work well for a non competitive round.

I have also slowed down on the operation of the dillon so the powder is dropped with smooth delibrate strokes.
 
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