Lee 55gr gas check range report, Unique

[TjB101]

First outing with my Savage 10PC, 223, and the first batch of gas checked and coated 55gr hand loads. Recipe was Unique at 6.8gr to 8.2 - 50 yards. I’m really happy they didn’t tumble and the groups weren’t heinous. Sized and GC, PC’d and sized again - .224

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I’m leaning towards #6, 7.8 gr. Next up is H110 with CCI 450’s from 14 to 17.5 gr ... found this recipe in an old Lyman book for 54gr #2.

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I also have some Reddot... will try that down the road. I’ve read folks use published FMJ recipes for gas checked reloads.

Anyone have some recipes that has worked for you?

[fcvan]

I have the Lyman 225-415 which I believe your Lee mold is a copy of the design. I used that boolit initially before powder coating and had great results using gas checks. When I started using PC I still used a gas check installed after PC, and had great results. I did not use pistol powders as I was loading for a Mini 14 (also a 1 - 10" twist bbl. like yours) and later an AR I built with a 1-9" twist.

I later bought an NOE 225-62 RN which is designed for PC and has a plain base. Those work very well up to (so far) 2450 FPS from an H&R Handi Rifle with a 24", 1-12" twist bbl. I could load using Unique and have in the past, but use loads for boolits listed in the Lyman #49 and prefer H4227 as it cycles my semi automatic rifles quite well. I buy in 8lb containers and once I set up for 223, I usually load them to work in every rifle. If Lee made their 55 RF as a plain based mold I would buy one yesterday!

I looked up your rifle and have fired Savage rifles in the past. I don't own one but I know first hand they are well made. I am thinking of making a slide action or fixed magazine AR 15, for use with a Bear Flag Defense feeding device, just to PO folks when I am out in CA as I still have a home there. If I were to get a bolt gun in 223, I would seriously consider your rifle.

Great pictures of pretty boolits and excellent coverage!

[abunaitoo]

I'm guessing it's a .223????

[TjB101]

I later bought an NOE 225-62 RN which is designed for PC and has a plain base. Those work very well up to (so far) 2450 FPS from an H&R Handi Rifle with a 24", 1-12" twist bbl. I could load using Unique and have in the past, but use loads for boolits listed in the Lyman #49 and prefer H4227 as it cycles my semi automatic rifles quite well. I buy in 8lb containers and once I set up for 223, I usually load them to work in every rifle. If Lee made their 55 RF as a plain based mold I would buy one yesterday!

Great pictures of pretty boolits and excellent coverage!

Thanks... adding the GC was a pain (had to size twice, GC and post PC). ... I’ll review the NOE mold as an option down the road.

The 10PC has been a nice shooter for me. Occasional cloverleaf at 100yds with 55gr FMJ under of medium load of Varget. I don’t I’ll ever get there with cast, but it’s been fun playing. And, as always, it gives me an excuse to go to the range.

And to answer
., Yes it’s a 223 bolt action, heavy barrel, rifle. Savage made it in 223 and 308.