223 cast

[wgr]

any of you guys casting for the .223? if so what hardness are you using and powder thinks bill

[Larry Gibson]

Depends on the use. A little more specific information on what you're using (rifle, barrel twist, mould, etc.) and what you intend to shoot with it might solicit a few more responses.

Larry Gibson

[Moonie]

I load for my AR-15, 18gr H4895 with the 55gr Bator. WDWW alloy sized .225 FWFL, no leading at all.

[AZ-Stew]

I'll go out on a limb here...

I've started working with the RCBS 55gr boolit in a .221 Rem Fireball (.223 Short) in a Rem. 700 Classic. I used loads from the RCBS Cast Bullet Handbook. Don't even bother with Unique. Huge "groups" and low velocity. With 4198 I got good groups, not braggin' (1.5"/100 yds) , but good, and I'm sure that with more load development I'll get even better groups.

If I was starting with the .223 I'd begin with 4198, 2400, 4895, or if you only want a .22 Magnum RF duplicator, try 6.0 grains of IMR 7625. I use that load with Hornady 50gr SX bullets for about 1800 fps and half inch groups at 50 yards. Great squirrel ventilator.

Regards,

Stew

[onondaga]

Bill,

I load cast for my AR15. Gas checked Lyman Bullet Mold #225646 22. I tumble lube these before gas checking and sizing to .224. then tumble lube again. I select powder by which one gives the lowest pressure for the velocity I want. I used H380 and worked up to accuracy sweet spot.

My bullet alloy for this application is Wheel weight: Linotype, 1:1 water dropped and tested at BHN 26. My velocity with the load chronographs just over 2500 fps, no leading and 1 MOA accuracy. That is better accuracy than factory ammo does for me out of the AR.

Do get the copper out of your barrel before you start with cast bullets and don't switch back and forth with copper fouling in the barrel. The lead will solder to the copper and change your bore diameter.

Gary