Getting ready to load up some 223 for the first time ever for a black rifle. I went searching through 4 reloading manuals and they all have somewhat varying start loads for IMR 3031 and BL-C(2) with BL-C 2 having the widest gap. I would like to use 3031 since that's what I have the most of and I would like to load just above the cycling threshold. Most of the books call for 21.0-21.6 start grains 3031 with a 55gr FMJ running 28-2900 FPS. Seems pretty dang hot for just plinking under 100 yds at a rotten Turkey day pumpkin. Suggestions appreciated.
I will be buying a CB mold for the 223 in the near future and going that route just because I like making simple things difficult, but for now I have a bunch of regular bullets and a teenager that wants to throw them away above the speed of sound... and heck, he and I are having a blast learning about reloading different calibers together.