heavier .223 mold

[adam38654]

I'm looking for some heavier .224 molds for faster twist like 1/7 and 1/8. I think the longer heavier bullets will be more effective at the slower cast speeds out of the faster twist and shorter pistol/SBR barrels like the 63-77g bullets are designed for.

Is a lead bullets OAL longer or shorter than a jacketed bullet of the same weight and shape? I would think cast are shorter because there is more meat at the nose.

I am considering the 225415 55g FN gas check and the 225462 57g for the 1/9 twist

I am also going to get a Lee sizer in .224 and .225 and maybe in .223 and 226 because these will be going threw a
Bushmaster carbon15 16" M4 style 1/9twist,
Bushmaster LE Patrol Mans 16"M4 1/9twist,
Bushmaster M16 style 22" 1/9twist,
Bushmaster Predator 20" 1/8twist,
Bushmaster Carbon-15 pistol 10.5" 1/9twist,
Custom built AR pistol 10.5" 1/7 twist.
Remington 700 SPS Tactical 20" Bull 1/9twist, some got out with 1/12
Steyr Mannlicher Scout in .223 19" tapered fluted 1/9twist rare 1/12's, AKA The Cub Scout
and who knows what it will be next.

[Boomer Mikey]

Everything you need to know:
http://www.castpics.net/memberarticles/Cast%20in%20the%20.223.htm
http://www.castpics.net/memberarticles/Cast%20in%20the%20.223,%20Part%20II.htm
http://www.castpics.net/memberarticles/Cast%20in%20the%20.223,%20Part%20III.htm
http://www.castpics.net/memberarticles/Cast%20Bullets%20in%20the%2022%20Hornet.htm
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/22hornet.htm

Pay attention to Beagle's comments about using double base shotgun/pistol powders and keep most of your loads around 2500 fps or less for best overall useability. Try several brands of primers including pistol primers to fine tune your loads. The RCBS 22-55-SP mold should be on your list too, it runs close to 60 grains; 0.225" and 0.226" sizer dies are all you need.

Generally shoot the longest, heaviest bullet that your rifle shoots best. When you approach the theoretical limit of what a caliber/twist rate combination should stabilize and your bullets are keyholing on the target, increase the muzzle velocity (if you can and still stay safe), switch to a more round-nosed bullet shape, or switch to a slightly lighter/shorter bullet.


Boomer :Fire:

[andrew375]

I use the 71grain NEI in my .223 Savage. If you search my postings you will find plenty of info regarding loads and results.

[adam38654]

Thanks for the ideas. What is the theory behind using a pistol primer? It doesn't ignite all of the lesser powder at once?

Will Lee Lub Alox suffice, and how fast can you run them without a gas check? I would like too coat them with that black stuff like on the winchester silver tip and talon ammo. Luballoy?

Might get one of the moulds hollow pointed if i find one that runs right.

[Boomer Mikey]

The articles will explain the pistol primer deal.

Basically: Rifle primers have enough power to pop the bullet free from the case before the powder gets a chance to light well causing large inconsistent swings in velocity between loads where bullets pull free and those that do not. Factory crimp or taper crimping your loads will prevent the bullet upset and provide a uniform burn rate but most handloaders won't crimp bottleneck cartridges. A small pistol primer doesn't have enough energy in most cases to pop the bullet out of the case resulting the bullet being released by the pressure created by the powder burning resulting in lower standard deviations.

I'm not a fan of LLA so I won't comment on it's use; plain base or bullets sans gas check will limit velocity to 1/2 of gas checked velocities... less than a 22 Long Rifle. The coating you're talking about is molly... I don't know of any company offering 22 caliber cast lead bullets with a molly coating. I ordered 1000 55 grain molly coated cast bullets from Bear Creek Bullets over a year ago but they haven't shown up yet.

Boomer :Fire:

[adam38654]

That's about 1250fps with no gas checks. I would like to try a few 70-80 grainers NEAR subsonic for the 1/7twist pistol(w/ can) and will try to get up to 1500fps with some good lube,correctly sized bullet,hardness,ect as long as the pressure is safe and no leading. Do chrome lined bores hold out better from leading than non lined bores>?

[45 2.1]

You can easily get 1700 fps with a plain based 22 caliber boolit lubed with LLA. Absolutely clean bore with the right alloy and hardness.

[medicstimpy]

I'm not a big fan of LLA, either.

I see you are planning on usingthem in Bushy AR's. I have been using the Lyman 225646 with no leading problems using Lars' Red Carnuba lube.

[MaxJon]

Everything you need to know:
http://www.castpics.net/memberarticles/Cast%20in%20the%20.223.htm
http://www.castpics.net/memberarticles/Cast%20in%20the%20.223,%20Part%20II.htm
http://www.castpics.net/memberarticles/Cast%20in%20the%20.223,%20Part%20III.htm
http://www.castpics.net/memberarticles/Cast%20Bullets%20in%20the%2022%20Hornet.htm
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/22hornet.htm

Pay attention to Beagle's comments about using double base shotgun/pistol powders and keep most of your loads around 2500 fps or less for best overall useability. Try several brands of primers including pistol primers to fine tune your loads. The RCBS 22-55-SP mold should be on your list too, it runs close to 60 grains; 0.225" and 0.226" sizer dies are all you need.

Generally shoot the longest, heaviest bullet that your rifle shoots best. When you approach the theoretical limit of what a caliber/twist rate combination should stabilize and your bullets are keyholing on the target, increase the muzzle velocity (if you can and still stay safe), switch to a more round-nosed bullet shape, or switch to a slightly lighter/shorter bullet.


Boomer :Fire:

Hi Boomer.
What do you think about the RCBS 22-55-sp used in the .223 with a 1/8 twist barrel at around 1800fps max. Will it make it to the target in one piece? Should i be using gas checks? Also i would like to hollow point it once i have worked out a load. I can acquire a 1/8 twist cheap thats all! My current barrel 1/9 twist is completely stuffed! :cry:
Any info would be great!!
BB03

[Doc Highwall]

Just to let you know there is a group buy going on right now for a 60 gr bullet by NOE for fast twist barrels but not recommended for semi auto guns. I am getting one for my Remington 40X with 1-8" twist.

[MaxJon]

Just to let you know there is a group buy going on right now for a 60 gr bullet by NOE for fast twist barrels but not recommended for semi auto guns. I am getting one for my Remington 40X with 1-8" twist.

Thanks doc, will consider that, but i do like the shape of the RCBS.
BB03

[runfiverun]

i have to use straight lnotype to get my 55 gr rcbs to pour well.
the mold is too big and the cavities are just that small, it hits almost 225 with lino.
thinking i'm gonna have to have the mold milled smaller.
i have been wheedling some of the lyman 45's with the truncated nose off a buddy and they have done extremely well in my slow twisted ruger but haven't attempted the ar yet.

[Doc Highwall]

bullbarrel033, I just thought I should mention that SAECO # 221 is a 60 grain SPGC that is made for semi autos. I just got one from Midway about two weeks ago and I am waiting for cooler weather to give it a try.

[MaxJon]

Thanks again Doc.