I'm using load data I found in a 1992 Hercules publication . Cartridge is the .223 Remington , bullet is a fifty grain Speer "TNT" and the load listed is 14.5 grains of 2400 . I'm also using Federal commercial cases and Winchester small rifle primers The overall cartridge length is 2.268" . I'm not far from the minimum length they list and bullet is seated about ten thousanths away from the rifling .
I started workup of the load at twelve grains and have been moving up by two tenths grain each try . The load develops a lot of black smudging up to thirteen point six and showed slight lessening . Accuracy started to come together at thirteen point six and is even better at fourteen grains and smudging is somewhat less . Everything looks safe as far as pressure so I tried loading one round with 14.2 grains . After firing the smudging is quite noticably less though there is some still visible on the body .
All that brings me to the question , maybe two about how 2400 acts . With the lessening of the smudge trails on the case body is it a safe bet to go to 14.4 grains ? Also , how much affect does the temperature affect 2400 ? I keep the ammo warm even though the outside temps are single digits . If you'll allow one more question , When the weather warms up to woodchuck elimination temperatures would the load still be reasonably safe ? The information lists 14.5 grains as 48,500 PSI .
Thanks guys , Jack