Cast Boolit Load for Mini 14

[Calhunter]

I have a lyman 225646 55gr Mold. I tried some loads using green dot, data provided by lyman. The loads won't cycle my action though. They have some loads listed using 748, but for plinking I don't want to have to use 25-30grs of powder. I usually save my 748 for hunting loads. I also have about 20lbs of Acc 2230. I would like to develop a load using the Acc 2230 but can't find any data. I was going to try reducing some jacketed loads and see if that works. Anyways, just wanted some opinions.

:drinks:
Calhunter

[Scrounger]

I have a lyman 225646 55gr Mold. I tried some loads using green dot, data provided by lyman. The loads won't cycle my action though. They have some loads listed using 748, but for plinking I don't want to have to use 25-30grs of powder. I usually save my 748 for hunting loads. I also have about 20lbs of Acc 2230. I would like to develop a load using the Acc 2230 but can't find any data. I was going to try reducing some jacketed loads and see if that works. Anyways, just wanted some opinions.

:drinks:
Calhunter

Problem is both 2230 and 748 are ball powders that won't work well at all in loads that aren't near full power. For cast bullets in the .223 you're going to have to use a different powder. Try 12 grains of IMR (or H) 4227 or 9 grains of Blue Dot. Find a load that shows acceptable accuracy than work up slowly and carefully to try to get it to the point of functioning your action. And yes, reduced jacketed loads will work fine. I shot 12 grains of 4227 behind a 55 grain Hornady and it would one hole'm (with respect to StarMetal) at 50 yards. Velocity should have been about 2100. This was in a Contender Carbine.

[felix]

Agree. Looks about right. ... felix

[Calhunter]

Thanks a bunch. I have a couple lbs of blue dot lying around so maybe I'll give that a shot.

Thanks Again
:drinks:
Calhunter

[Larry Gibson]

Two Mini 14s I've had in the past functioned with 18 gr H4895 under 55 gr cast bullets with reasonable accuracy.

Larry Gibson

[Lee W]

I am wondering if anyone has had trouble with leading in the gas port? I shot some using WC820 and the result was a soldered together gas block.
I bet if I used real rifle powder that problem might go away.

[Ricochet]

I can't think of the guy's handle right now, but one of the regulars over on Accurate Reloading is a big booster of Blue Dot in the .223. Look around in the "Favorite Loads" section.

[Scrounger]

I am wondering if anyone has had trouble with leading in the gas port? I shot some using WC820 and the result was a soldered together gas block.
I bet if I used real rifle powder that problem might go away.


"Glued together" might be more correct. It was likely a mixture of lube and powder fouling.

[Lee W]

It was lead. I needed to use a pick to dig the bushing out and the gunk was silver.

[45nut]

I can't think of the guy's handle right now, but one of the regulars over on Accurate Reloading is a big booster of Blue Dot in the .223. Look around in the "Favorite Loads" section.

that guy was/is Seafire/B17G or something like that....

[Ricochet]

Yeah, that's him.