loading HM² 223 AR mold 225-62-1

[SharpShot]

Hey all,

My chrono didn't show up for this last weekend's shooting trip so I was unable to get any velocity data. I do have it now for this weekend though. I bought some polyfil from Walmart and tried what Larry recommended. I added the 1/2gr of filler to sets of 5 rounds from 16.5-19gr in .5gr increments. I shot these 5 shot groups at 100yrds this time. My AR cycled 100% reliably, with the bolt held back on the last round, only after 18.5gr of IMR4895 with the filler. I found the On Target Precision Calculator online and figured I'd use that to better analyze my groups. My group sizes with fillers came out to: 16.5gr = 2.915moa, 17gr = 3.052moa, 17.5gr = 3.629moa, 18gr = 3.815moa, 18.5gr = 4.032moa, 19gr = 3.757moa. I still had those groups loaded without fillers so I shot them at the same range and got the following sizes: 18.5gr = 4.187moa, 18.7gr = 2.577moa, 19gr = 4.478moa. The 18.5gr group without filler cycled just fine and held the bolt back this time. As you can see my smallest group was the 18.7gr without a filler but I did notice the groups with fillers grew more linearly and seemed consistently smaller than the other 2 groups without fillers. I recognize that 5 round groups are probably not a large enough sample size for a reliable statistic sample. The 2.577moa group may be an outlier. I have loaded a few more of that same load with and without filler for 10 round groups to compare a larger sample size for this coming weekend. You might notice from my targets that the zero wanders, that because I was playing with the zero on my scope in between groups. I probably should have left it be to see if the zero would have stayed roughly in the same spot. I noticed that the rounds with the filler would stink like burning plastic when I fired them. I looked down the barrel after and saw what I thought were small burnt plastic beads. It didn't look like it was getting stuck to the barrel at all. Is this normal with using this filler? or am I doing it wrong? I would prefer to not use the filler if it doesn't make an appreciable difference because of the smell. It doesn't seem like I'm going to get any smaller groups with full function with my setup. My rifle typically shoots factory ammo at 2-3moa so this is just a bit bigger. Maybe a different powder or primer could help? Oh, and my OAL is 2.2in What are you guys loading yours at? I still haven't cleaned my rifle. I shot 70 cast and 130 jacketed without cleaning in between. The barrel still seems fine. I did not notice any leading. I need to clean it for this weekend though. The bolt carrier group is filthy. Sorry for the long and winded posts. I like hearing all the details so I figured I should share them as well.

[Larry Gibson]

About time to switch to 10 shot groups and drop back to 16.5 gr with the dacron filler and work back up to 18.5 gr. When yo find the load in there then try it with 1/3 gr dacron. If yo want to try another powder I suggest going slower with RL 19, AA4350, H4831SC or RL22.

Larry Gibson

[grampa243]

well i have not yet shot for group yet, but i did a function test in my AR ran loads from 13-17 grains with IMR4198. using "ben's red" and aluminum checks. seated overall length 2.197
boolit sized to .2255

13 kicked out the shell but did not feed the next round. 14 - 17 all feed the next round and bolt went fully back after the last round.

all were stable in the 1in8 twist. no high pressure signs. gun has mid-length gas tube and Wylde chamber.

i loaded 10 more up with 14.4 grains of IMR4198 and shot a full mag. in a 3-gun practice from 50-100 yards they seam to shoot on par with my normal shooting.. and feed fine. no leading noted.

next batch will be for grouping.

[SharpShot]

I finally got out to shoot again. I got rained out on the weekend before. I shot two 10 round groups both at 18.7gr one with filler and one without. You can see the results below. I got my new chrono in and these loads came in at an average of 1936 fps. Looks like my rifle doesn't like the filler. I'll need to try and use less filler and work back up like Larry recommends and see if that changes anything.

Grampa243,

I've read about IMR4891 being a candidate for cast loads but that it is one of the fastest powders that will cycle the AR. I like the idea of using less powder to make these loads even cheaper. I'll be interested to see your groups sizes. It's one of the only relevant powders in stock at my local gun stores right now. I may have to try it if it works out for you.

[Gunnut 45/454]

Sharpshot
You found out exactly what I did with my 55gr Cast load. With IMR 4895 18.7 gr was and is the most accurate load with full function. Tried faster tried slower none show any better groups. At below 18.5 gr fucntion wasn't always 100%. When the shooter was up to it I could get the groups down to about 2.5" at 100 yards.

[grampa243]

well i have not yet shot for group yet, but i did a function test in my AR ran loads from 13-17 grains with IMR4198. using "ben's red" and aluminum checks. seated overall length 2.197
boolit sized to .2255


13 kicked out the shell but did not feed the next round. 14 - 17 all feed the next round and bolt went fully back after the last round.

all were stable in the 1in8 twist. no high pressure signs. gun has mid-length gas tube and Wylde chamber.

i loaded 10 more up with 14.4 grains of IMR4198 and shot a full mag. in a 3-gun practice from 50-100 yards they seam to shoot on par with my normal shooting.. and feed fine. no leading noted.

next batch will be for grouping.

up dated boolit size.

[Wayne S]

Do any of the owners of this mold have a rifle that you can stick one of your bullets into the muzzle ??
If so would you please do so till it meets resistance, turn it a few times marking th nose where it contacts the lands, then measure the distance from the mark to the top of the top driving band and PMing me with that measurment, or post a picture here ??

Thank you

[grampa243]

Do any of the owners of this mold have a rifle that you can stick one of your bullets into the muzzle ??
If so would you please do so till it meets resistance, turn it a few times marking th nose where it contacts the lands, then measure the distance from the mark to the top of the top driving band and PMing me with that measurment, or post a picture here ??

Thank you

the first driving band is the point of resistance.

[Wayne S]

Thanks, about what I thought, since it seams all .225's designed for AR use have their nose's small enough so as not to contact the rifling reguardless that AR chambers are designed with long throats to allow for trouble free functioning.

[cstrickland]

Thanks, about what I thought, since it seams all .225's designed for AR use have their nose's small enough so as not to contact the rifling reguardless that AR chambers are designed with long throats to allow for trouble free functioning.

I did this not long ago and do not remember it going to the band. let me do it again and see what happens, but I have samples of the 65 NATO not the HM2 mold

PM sent

[grampa243]

Thanks, about what I thought, since it seams all .225's designed for AR use have their nose's small enough so as not to contact the rifling reguardless that AR chambers are designed with long throats to allow for trouble free functioning.

i'm seating mine to touching or just off the rifling. the first driving band touches at 2.200 in my Wydle chamber..

[45 2.1]

Thanks, about what I thought, since it seams all .225's designed for AR use have their nose's small enough so as not to contact the rifling reguardless that AR chambers are designed with long throats to allow for trouble free functioning.

I did this not long ago and do not remember it going to the band. let me do it again and see what happens, but I have samples of the 65 NATO not the HM2 mold

cstrickland would be correct in his remembering for the Nato molds in Nato chambers from MiHec.

[AlaskanGuy]

Attachment 82437I got my mold today here in Alaska..... I am NOT an AR shooter. I want to try these out on several bolt action 223's. my son shoots a savage inexpensive 223, and would love to cast a good target bullet for him to plink with at the range...... I also gunna try it out in a 22-250, and will post how it loads up there....

[AlaskanGuy]

I cast about 700 today. Got the mold working pretty great... One problem is, one of the pins on the bottom of the mold slid out...had a heck of a time getting it seated again... Afraid to damage my new baby.. But boolits came out fine... There were more culls then i was used to, as this is my first smaller cal mold.. Took a bit to get the bases figured out. But i am thrilled to finally get a 22cal mold... Would love to see some more load data....Attachment 82435Attachment 82436

[millerwb]

Loaded my first ones today. Am casting with a RCBS 55gr mold. As cast with WW and copper GC, they are averaging 60gr. Loaded 10 with 14.4gr H4198 and a small Dacron batting fill to take up space. Put a light crimp into the top band on the bullet. Will load more this week going up in increments and hopefully test next weekend to see what my AR and Mini 14 like best.

[AlaskanGuy]

Your pic is way better then my ipad...lol

I will be testing in my savage bolt later this week after the boolits age a bit. What lube did you use? And how many culls were you getting with your mold? My savage is a 9 twister, so we shall see how it stabilizes....

[Wayne S]

AlaskaGuy,
What is your alloy used on the 225's ? You should have no problem with stabilization in the 1-9 Bbl. I'm not sure how long your bullet is, I know the NOE 70 RN is longer and my Savage shot them quite well on the first time out.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...431-Noe-225-70

[millerwb]

I had about 10-15% culls on the bullets. I have no idea on the lube. I inherited a lifetime supply. I know it is blue and has to be used with my Heated Lyman 450 sizer.

My AR is a 9 twist as well. I don't remember what the twist is on the Mini 14 right now.

[AlaskanGuy]

I was also hoping to try this in my 22-250... I am a bit worried about that one though, and will need to work out a load that will put the bullet around 2000 speed... I hope... It has a 12 twist. Any suggestions would be great...

[AlaskanGuy]

Here is a diagram of the boolet... This thread is the place to post our data based upon a mold developed by JT, of JTKnives. You could get one of these molds still if you wanted one.. They are 6 cavity.. And very very cool... 62 grain..... Just pm jt if you want one... And my alloy was range lead and WW.... Gets pretty hard... But i have no way to test.

Attachment 82568