.223/5.56 load help needed

[JAMESGR]

New member. First post. I am loading for a new Ruger Mini 14 cal. 5.56. I am using wheelweight lead and casting 55 gr Lyman 226646 bullets. I have been reading all the information I can find in the forums about loads for .223/5.56. I have noticed that some of the loads are using powders or weights for powders that are not listed in my two Lyman reloading manuals. Where are you getting this data or if not published how did you know that a particular load is safe. For instance: 23-24.5 grs of Varget; or 20 grs of H335;or 19 grs of H4895 . Where did you find this data? Or are you reducing the starting load for the same weight j***word bullet, if so how can I know that's safe? Thanks for the help. 70 yrs and still learning!!!

[sigep1764]

http://marvinstuart.com/firearm/Manuals/Bullet%20Casting/Lyman%20Cast%20Bullet%20Handbook%20-%203rd%20Edition%20-%201980%20-%20Reduce.pdf

Scroll down to page 128. I have been using W748 for full function in my AR.

[JAMESGR]

Thanks for the link sigep1764. I'll get some W748 powder an give it a try. By the way I talked to Mr. Veral Smith this pasted Sat. and ordered the 4th ed. of his book " Jacketed Performance With Cast Bullets", a push through barrel slug kit, and a throat size kit for the mini.

[donald duck]

A load for .223 is 12 grains 4198. I have used this load in my contender, don't know how it would work in the black, ugly, bam, bam bam. obnixious noise makers, as will never own one. dd

[Winger Ed.]

I'm a big Win. 748 fan too in .223 and .308.

It burns clean, is accurate, meters out in the powder measure real well, is economical,
and it seems to not heat up the barrels so much.

[sigep1764]

Agreed, Ed. Brass life seems to be pretty decent as well. Im on my 7th or 8th loading without annealing and had 6 cracked necks out of 200. Full length sized every time too. Will anneal after this unloading tmro. Im probably under 2000fps. 15.5 grains of W748 seated to mag length with an MP 227-75 that weighs right at 78 grains dressed in lube and gas check.

[JBinMN]

JAMESGR,

Welcome to CB.GL Forum!
:)

[6bg6ga]

I just use the max load of H335 as listed on the 8lb jug with the proper weight bullet. Great functionality and accuracy