Cast .223 Loads?

[Uncle Ji]

I just picked up a NEF Handi-Rifle in .223 Rem and was wondering if anyone here cast bullets for the .223. What weight do you cast, and what load do you use? What mould ans is it gas check, and kind of velocity you getting? Any input on this subject is much appreciated, THANKS!

[Johnch]

Last fall I played around with my 788 in 233 with cast for squirls

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=3490&highlight=tree+rats , some great loads posted by others .

I HATE those $@#*%$*^ little bullets , but I had fun .

I did have a little problem every once in a while with gas checks , But I got that problem solved with the great help I received here

Johnch

[David R]

I don't load 223 yet, but do load 222 and 22-250.

For me, accuracy didn't begin until over 2,000 fps or more. My 222 shoots a teeeny 45 grain gas check at 2300 using 8 grains of Red Dot. Whaddyaknow, that was the "potentially most accurate laod" by lyman. I wanted 1200, ballistics like a 22rf but could find no accuracy at those speeds.

22-250 shoots Lyman 225646 60 grain flat nose boolit like a house a fire. 18 grains SR4759 and LAR45's lube. AV 2684 fps. Lymen also sez 18.5 grains is the "potentially most accurate" load. This boolit made of linotype will penatrate one half way through 1/2" steel plate (chickens).

[Lee W]

I have had good luck with 12 grns WC820 in a plinker round and 19 grns IMR4895 as a more serious round. The speed is unknown but both are MOclay target at 100m.
The bullet is a Saeco 60 grn rn (lino) with Rooster Red HVR.
I also have the NEF.

[Jeffreytooker]

I am looking for Cast Boolit loads for 222 Rem. The bullet is 55 gr. Egan.

Felix:

I know I asked you some time ago about these loads. I have searched my files and can not find your reply. I have lost it.

Jeffrey

[andrew375]

I've been using the NEI .224-71gc and the Lee .22-45 Bator (available from midsouth shooting supplies). For your rifle, which probably has a slow twist barrel I suggest you stick with the lighter buller. I my rifle, a 1 in 9" Savage, the 45gr. Bator gives sub moa accuracy with 9gr. bullseye at 2400fps. It is worth playing with seating depth, BTW.

[Bret4207]

Man, you guys are giving me unclean thoughts about trying to use cast in my 218 Bee and 22-250. Like I don't have too much on my plate already! Good info.

[nighthunter]

Tpr. Bret ... I shoot the Lyman 225438 cast of lino in my Winchester Mod 43 with 10.0 gr WW296. It is the most destructive bullet on groundhogs that I have ever used and accuracy is great. Sized .225.
Nighthunter

[Greg]

These loads were shot in a .223 M70 Heavy Varmint with a 6-20x scope all groups shot at 100 yards.

Lyman 225415 Hornady Gas Checks, Sized @ .225 Apache Blue Lube, Both Groves Lubed
Win Brass; Rem 7½ BR Primer
14.0 Gr. AA2230c; OAL 2.185; Seated in the Lands
Alloy - Shot & 2% Tin Heat treated in oven @ 450 for 1 hour BHN 18
Vel > 1913, 1979, 1982, 1953, 1960; Average ~ 1957
5 Shot Group > 4 touching with 1 flyer opened up to around 3/4"


Lyman 225462 Hornady Gas Checks, Sized @ .225 Apache Blue Lube, Both Groves Lubed
Win Brass; Rem 7½ BR Primer
14.0 Gr. AA2230c; OAL 2.216; Seated in the Lands
Alloy - Shot & 2% Tin Air Cooled for a BHN 11
Vel > ERR, 1914, 1898, 1955, 1964, 1984, 1888, 1929, 1909; Average ~ 1930
Two Groups Shot
1st. Group: 5 shot > 1¼" Group. This group had 3 shots within 3/8" with 2 shots out of group by about a ½" which opened it up.
2nd Group: 4 shot > 4 shots into a ½"


NEI 22-54 GC Hornady Gas Checks, Sized @ .225 Apache Blue Lube
Win Brass; Rem 7½ BR Primer
14.0 Gr. AA2230c; OAL 2.216; Seated in Lands
Alloy - magnum shot & 2% Tin for a 14 BHN
Vel> 1883, 1879, 1906, 1877, 1886; Average ~ 1886
5 Shot Group> 4 in 3/4" 1 flyer opening it up to 1½"

[JeffinNZ]

I shoot a Lyman 225415 FNGC over 6.5gr of Green Dot for just shy of 2000fps and 1.5 MOA. Very good bullet for small game to 120 yards.

[Uncle Ji]

Thank you gentlemen for all the input it is much appreciated. My Handi has 1 in 12 twist so i'll stick with 55 and under projectiles. I have Green Dot, H110, and Bullseye to work with for a start. I'm surprised and pleased at 2400 fps velocity achived by some loads. I'll let you know how they work out, thanks again!

[Bass Ackward]

Thank you gentlemen for all the input it is much appreciated. My Handi has 1 in 12 twist so i'll stick with 55 and under projectiles. I have Green Dot, H110, and Bullseye to work with for a start. I'm surprised and pleased at 2400 fps velocity achived by some loads. I'll let you know how they work out, thanks again!


Ji,

Don't get stuck in the jacketed twist rate quandry if you need more options. Lead bullets are more .... compact. My 12 twist stabilizes up to 70 grains which is as high as I suspect I would want to go with it. Your throat is pretty much going to dictate your options. So I just wanted you to know you can go higher. My most accurate bullet is the RCBS 22-60 for the Old Hi Power which weights 64 grains sized to .228. The throat was cut in case I chamber a military round that I won't blow the gun. This is a common ailment for 223s and why they have less than a stellar reputation with / for cast.

I am working on a new 223 with a 14 twist and a chamber / throat combination that would best be described as .... ultra match. Tight and short. I want to see what kind of difference this makes.

[felix]

John, strongly consider a 246-248 neck diameter, forcing a neck turn on your brass. While you are at it, it won't hurt to ackley it a little, just on the shoulder, say, to a 30-35 degree angle. No need to expand the case capacity. It already has plenty for cast. ... felix