Anyone have load data for cast 55 grain 223

[Dowright]

Relatively new to reloading and casting. I was looking for plinking load data for cast 223 55 grain powder coat, with gas check. I have found this to be more complex than originally thought. I have AR15, Wilde barrel, 1 in 9 twist, 16”. Awesome weapon, I have been successful using win748,23grains, OAL 2.1”. I have Lyman’s 50th reload book and hornady’s. Lyman’s list Red dot, so I purchased, not so good results, they list IMR4227 , also not so good. I am interested in any load recipes, but real interested in Varget, and Power Pro Varmint. Since you can’t know what powder is locally available any and all info would be greatly appreciated. Please include OAL. I will add photos later of my awesome cast, powder coated, with gas check. They really are beautiful.

[Ozark mike]

If you're book doesn't list a certain powder go to the hodgden website they have some data. Don't use any unknown internet loads. I will usually not post loads in case I was to make a mistake

[Hick]

For cast in my CZ-527 (223 Remington, 1:9" twist) I use two different bullets: Lyman 225-646, which comes out at about 58 grains including the gas check, and NOE 225-55-FN, also gas checked.

I use 5.8 grains of HP-38 or Win 231 and get 1700 fps with both bullets (2.155 OAL for the Lyman, 2.200 OAL for the NOE). I also use 5 grains of Titegroup for similar velocities. I tried Win 748 and CFE 223, for velocities over 1800 fps but had terrible accuracy issues. Some experts on this forum argue that you should not run a cast bullet faster than about 140,000 rpm (rotation speed). In a 1:9 twist barrel this means not over about 1750 fps-- so that might be the issue I had at 2000 fps. My rifle, in fact, is most accurate with cast bullets right at 1700 fps, and very quickly goes really bad as soon as I creep up toward 1800- so for my rifle, at least, the 140,000 rpm rule seems to apply. Your 21 grain W748 load is what I use with 55 grin jacketed bullets-- a very good load. I tried IMR4227 without success, but haven't tried Varget or Power Pro Varmint. I also don't know if the powder coating will let you go to a higher velocity.

[BigAlofPa.]

I run 7 grains of red dot. Not cast though for light fmj. But that load is listed in the Lyman cast manuel. 100 yard group in pic.

240328

[Shopdog]

My 12T R700 loves H4198 with the Lee 225-55rf,as cast .... taking extreme care seating GC. 3-1 Bw-vaseline lube in just the little space above GC. Seated with a custom made inline die that produces consistent <.001" runout. This is a "no bump" nose,seated in what may best be described as med. hard jam( oal). Basically going as long as possible to get above 95% on loaded round extraction. Which is "why" seating has to be near perfect..... along with no runout.

Pretty large load window cast from old WW, and a bit of rotometal,"dang near lino" thrown in. Water cooled. Using 222 "book" starting loads should get the 223 going around 2400fps or so,depending on your barrel. This rig will easily go up into 22-250 cast speeds. I never really found the upper limit to this window because of having a cpl 250's. The 223 700 stays around 2600fps and is a nice,lite varmint rig. Doesn't like too much wind though. 3 shot groups with no fouler,cold barrel start will flat out embarrass "most" JB guys. 5 shot groups start to string vertically a bit as the sporter brrl heats up QUICK. Very good,no make that excellent day to day cold bore,first round "X". Which is this rig's lot in life. Barrel needs to be dry mopped in the 20-40 round count. But,no fouler required to get back to killing. Good luck with your project. SD.

[Dowright]

If you're book doesn't list a certain powder go to the hodgden website they have some data. Don't use any unknown internet loads. I will usually not post loads in case I was to make a mistake
I understand completely, thank you.

[Dowright]

Thank you very much, that what I was looking for.

[cwlongshot]

I use Red Dot & Trail boss, Unique will probably work as well.

Lymans cast bullet Manuel has loads IIRC

CW

[Texas by God]

This is from the Lyman cast bullet manual.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190424/1514b0911f9dfa86c29d6c6abb959912.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Dieselhorses]

This guy does his homework.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?354086-My-quest-for-the-quot-perfect-quot-cast-223-load-for-my-AR-15

[Dowright]

This is from the Lyman cast bullet manual.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190424/1514b0911f9dfa86c29d6c6abb959912.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk


Perfect, have you tried any loads, and does Lyman put out book JUST for cast bullets?

[Markopolo]

Yes.. Cast Boolit manual is just cast

[Hick]

you can find a .pdf copy of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, third edition, along with lots of other stuff here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B5OXFZ9peAawfi1zNHA1TUx3QjhFRVA3RGc2cTVCUUZFanpjT 1RJSlJRQW1FR001OGcwTEk

[shortlegs]

22 cal is tough with cast boolits. Everything has to be just right for the stars to align. I load a 55gr lyman cast boolit over 20 gr of H335. Velocity from a 26 in Rem 700 with a 12 twist is around 2750 fps. Accuracy is around 2.5 in at 100 yds. My 16 in 9 twist AR accuracy is about the same. My biggest problem is getting the gc seated straight. I broke the linkage on my 450 lyman lub/sizer seating gcs by pushing too hard trying to get them on straight. Shopdog has a great idea with his inline seater. I am gathering materials to makk a gc seater/ boolit swager that should correct my problem. I got the idea from Bama, a member here. I made one for 30 cal boolits and solved a lot of problems. Good shooting and good luck!

[Conditor22]

http://castpics.net/dpl/index.php/reloaders-reference/cast-bullet-data-lookup

Lyman 4th cast
https://i.imgur.com/jd2L24r.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ifJ9xA2.jpg

[Shopdog]

Looking up at Conditor's pic......bttm left.

That 14.5g IMR4198,55g load has produced some groups that could win matches. It is one that I use on any 223 bolt gun when dialing in jam and fit. Then start adding powder,watching groups and bore condition. Work on neck clearance,it's one of the keys to getting day to day repeatability.

[Dowright]

http://castpics.net/dpl/index.php/reloaders-reference/cast-bullet-data-lookup

Lyman 4th cast
https://i.imgur.com/jd2L24r.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ifJ9xA2.jpg

YOU are the man, Thank you

[Dowright]

Providing some feedback on my investigation of finding load recipe for cast 223, powder coat, with gas check, fired from 16” AR15, with 1 in 9 twist. Accuracy, of each has not been verified, I am just trying to find, a suitable load, that cycles reliably. So the bulls are the same for data below, the powder, and weight of powder and OAL are variables.
Powder. Powder weight Speed. (Avg) Cycled. Lock back. OAL
Win 748, 23.5 2698. Yes. Yes. 2.1”
Win748. 24. 2743. Yes. Yes. 2.1”
Red dot. 8.0. 2126. No. No. 2.06”
IMR4227. 13.0. 2066. No. No. 2.06”
Red dot. 7.0. 1986. No. No. 2.06”
IMR4227. 12.0. 1939. No. No. 2.06”
I am trying to find a load, that does not use quite so much powder as Win748, and burn cleaner. The Red Dot and IMR4227 info came from Lyman load book.

[Dowright]

22 cal is tough with cast boolits. Everything has to be just right for the stars to align. I load a 55gr lyman cast boolit over 20 gr of H335. Velocity from a 26 in Rem 700 with a 12 twist is around 2750 fps. Accuracy is around 2.5 in at 100 yds. My 16 in 9 twist AR accuracy is about the same. My biggest problem is getting the gc seated straight. I broke the linkage on my 450 lyman lub/sizer seating gcs by pushing too hard trying to get them on straight. Shopdog has a great idea with his inline seater. I am gathering materials to makk a gc seater/ boolit swager that should correct my problem. I got the idea from Bama, a member here. I made one for 30 cal boolits and solved a lot of problems. Good shooting and good luck!


Please share with me the OAL of your AR cast round, your 20grains of H335 is interesting to me. What is the range of powder weight you have used, and do you get reliable last round lock back, and cycling of rounds. I am currently using Win 748, but it seems to be VERY dirty, but H335 is close in burn rate. I am powder coating after gas check applied, and they are beautiful.

[Dowright]

Question: Does anyone out there know of a recipe that is currently being used in reloading AR rounds with THE SOLE PURPOSE OF PLINKING USING AN AR15, NOT BOLT ACTION? This seems to be an elusive question. Lymans “cast” load book specifies the recipes represented are for bolt action. I am loading using cast 55 grain powder coated with gas check. I need recipe that includes type of powder, weight of powder and over all length. I assume all risk and liability, its not like its a secret that 223 rounds are being reloaded. I just ordered 1000 FMJ bullets for reloading, but love the ability of casting my own rounds, and have a wonderful process for powder coating them, but I am beginning to think it may not be beneficial.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

First, you've asked several times for OAL.
You will find out, that the ideal COAL will be decided by your boolit and your Rifle...and if you are using PC, that'll add to the formula...So we can't give you a COAL. I believe I used a 0.010" jump to the lands, so I'd have reliable chambering and reliable ejection of a unfired round.

To successfully get a AR to cycle ammo (and be accurate), you need a slower burning powder that can be downloaded. From what I've read, one real good powder is H4895. Hodgdon says you can download it to 60% of their MAX load. It should be said that, IMR4895 is not the same, although they are similar, I don't think Dupont recommends the 60% download thing.

Here are some notes from my initial testing. You will need to do similar testing with your rifle, as it is a different rifle and you will get different results. Once you know what cycles your gun, you can continue with the usual ladder testing to find the most accurate load for your Boolit and your Rifle. You will probably find that the window is quite narrow for good accuracy. Good Luck


Using the 62gr HM² (.226/SL68B) loaded with H4895 for 556 AR (1:9).
This was just a test to see what cycles the action.
I loaded about 6 rds of each. 18gr. 19gr. 20gr. 21gr.

the 18gr didn't eject the brass
the 19gr ejected the brass, but didn't cycle a new round into the chamber...except the last round, which jammed.
the 20gr cycled as it should, but seemed slow, like a howitzer.
the 21gr cycled perfectly.

This is a brand new DPMS gun, so spring and action may be stiff.
I was shooting off-hand at 25 yards in the pistol pit, all 6 rd groups were 1 to 1.5" with a couple called fliers. so, not a good test of accuracy, but I've seen lots worse in other guns when boolit was poorly matched to load and/or gun.

More info:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?302707-223-AR-load-data-help

Want more info, type "AR cast" into google custom search box.

[Dowright]

First, you've asked several times for OAL.
You will find out, that the ideal COAL will be decided by your boolit and your Rifle...and if you are using PC, that'll add to the formula...So we can't give you a COAL. I believe I used a 0.010" jump to the lands, so I'd have reliable chambering and reliable ejection of a unfired round.

To successfully get a AR to cycle ammo (and be accurate), you need a slower burning powder that can be downloaded. From what I've read, one real good powder is H4895. Hodgdon says you can download it to 60% of their MAX load. It should be said that, IMR4895 is not the same, although they are similar, I don't think Dupont recommends the 60% download thing.

Here are some notes from my initial testing. You will need to do similar testing with your rifle, as it is a different rifle and you will get different results. Once you know what cycles your gun, you can continue with the usual ladder testing to find the most accurate load for your Boolit and your Rifle. You will probably find that the window is quite narrow for good accuracy. Good Luck



More info:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?302707-223-AR-load-data-help

Want more info, type "AR cast" into google custom search box.
Thank you for information I think I will try h4895. If I can find any.

[shortlegs]

I found the 20 gr load will lock back last round in my rifle.I have not tried any other loads yet as I have to cast more boolits.As far as oal Itry to keep gc in the neck and shorten aol till the rifle feeds the round.I got an MP mold that I will use when I get time to cast again.

[Dowright]

[QUOTE=shortlegs;4636900]I found the 20 gr load will lock back last round in my rifle.I have not tried any other loads yet as I have to cast more boolits.As far as oal Itry to keep gc in the neck and shorten aol till the rifle feeds the round.I got an MP mold that I will use when I get time to cast again.[/QUOT
Thank you for info, but 20 grains of what type of powder?

[shortlegs]

H 335 as said in #14.

[MajorDude]

Question: Does anyone out there know of a recipe that is currently being used in reloading AR rounds with THE SOLE PURPOSE OF PLINKING USING AN AR15, NOT BOLT ACTION? This seems to be an elusive question. Lymans “cast” load book specifies the recipes represented are for bolt action. I am loading using cast 55 grain powder coated with gas check. I need recipe that includes type of powder, weight of powder and over all length. I assume all risk and liability, its not like its a secret that 223 rounds are being reloaded. I just ordered 1000 FMJ bullets for reloading, but love the ability of casting my own rounds, and have a wonderful process for powder coating them, but I am beginning to think it may not be beneficial.

Dowright,
Can you share or direct me to your powder coating process for .223 boolits that you are happy with? I have experimented a little with cast .223s and conventional lube and not happy with results. I have experience and equipment for PC, just haven’t figured out how to handle those little suckers!

[huntnman]

You might checkout Elvis ammo on utube. Haven't used his method, guess it works for him.

[RogerDat]

I'm loading a heavier 70 grain bullet also gas checked and PC'd in a 1:7 twist and Varget has been very good. I know of others that load it for the lighter bullets in AR because that is who suggested I check into Varget for my uses in a faster twist Mini-14. Mid 20's or maybe a bit less for grains works well. I'm generally loading a little lighter than factory but then I want my brass to land in the same zip code as it was fired in. I have put up to a couple of grains more than my standard "plinking" load in and it worked well. I'm recalling not looking it up so do your own checking but say around 22.5 up to around 25 grains. I think anyplace in that range performed acceptably, but my testing was awhile ago so....

Look up some Varget loads and give a pound a try. I ended up with an 8# jug after the first pound. Might check out this data from ADI they are the source supplier for much of the stuff sold under other brands here in the US. http://www.adi-powders.com.au/rifle/223-remington Look for AR2208 powder that is sold as Varget here in the US. You can check out the other cross brand equivalents for powders manufactured by ADI here. http://www.adi-powders.com.au/powder-equivalents/ For example AR2208 is sold as Varget, IMR 4064, and AA2250. That equivalents table is darn useful when you can't get one powder and wonder what else might work just as well. Turns out sometimes under the label there is another powder that is essentially the same.

[WheelgunConvert]

These were at 70 yds. RCBS 55 spire GC, HT, .225 sized
Action did not lock open until 18.4. TAC started burning cleaner at 18. TAC is is next to the 4895s in rate charts
18” 1:9 wylde barrel
241143241142241144241145

[mattw]

I am a huge fan of H4895 in my AR with cast bullets, the pressure curve seems just about right with carbine gas system. I have not had the time to test them for accuracy yet, but on steel they seem ok. I tend to work from about a 10% reduced load and work right on up into jacketed ranges with powder coated and gas checked bullets. I do gas check before I PC. Right now, I am more focused on 22TCM in a 1911 with cast bullets.

[Dowright]

Feed back on loads:
All speeds indicated, are produced with the same process variables, the only difference is the amount of powder.
OAL-2.06”
Primer-Win wsr
Lee cast 55grain
Powder coated, after gas check applied
Crimp, light, factory
Powder Hodgdon H4895

Speeds are average, and accuracy was not consideration at this point, function is determining factor (lock back, chamber, and cycle)
16” 1in9 Wilde 8” 1in7
17.5 grain. 1958. 1491
18 grain. 1960. 1483
18.5 grain. 2100. 1442
Very strange, with shorter AR it seems more difficult to affect a change in velocity, I am using a Caldwell ballistic chronograph. Does distance from chrono make a big difference?