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Posted: 1/27/2009 10:13:51 AM EDT
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For .223 loads I usually use Varget. For some plinking I was thinking on using some Win 748 for metering reasons and it's the only other thing I can get in my area.
At the Hodgdon site it doesn't list a start load for Win 748 only max loads. My Lee manual does the same thing. There's start loads for all other powders but not 748. Why is that? And should I just start at 10% lower as usual? |
| I've loaded thousands with W748. As far as temp sensitivity, work up your loads in the weather you will be shooting in. I use 26 grains for a 55 grainer, no problems for me in 20 degree to 95 degree weather. But you have to do your own workup for your rifle(s). BTW using a Uniflow measure, every round I check is within a tenth of a grain with most being right on the money. |
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I believe the hornady book lists specs for 748, but only for certain weight bullets. I'll try to look and scan it tonight.
I would appreciate that. In the meantime I did find a copy of the Sierra manual and it lists a start load of 25.1 for 55gr bullets. I'm thinking about starting there and work up just a little for some cooler month plinking loads and then start over when it gets warmer for some warm weather plinkers. |
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Moderate 748 loads become way scary when the temperature goes up. At one time it was very popular in 3 gun rifles here. Blown primers and case separations were the norm during the summer. Just keep that in mind. The newer 748 is stable as I have used it in the summer in Az . It also has a lower burn temp which increases barrel life . |
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For .223 loads I usually use Varget. For some plinking I was thinking on using some Win 748 for metering reasons and it's the only other thing I can get in my area. At the Hodgdon site it doesn't list a start load for Win 748 only max loads. My Lee manual does the same thing. There's start loads for all other powders but not 748. Why is that? And should I just start at 10% lower as usual? Also look at BL-C2 as it is good choice for that round . |
| Do you guys think 25gr is to little for a plinking round? I did test loads last month from 24-26gr and didn't see any pressure issues in 50F weather but decided 25 would probably be good enough for plinking. I loaded 350rds the other day to finish off my 748 supply. I'm planning to use some if not all of it this coming weekend. |
I will post a update on this load later ...
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Do you guys think 25gr is to little for a plinking round? I did test loads last month from 24-26gr and didn't see any pressure issues in 50F weather but decided 25 would probably be good enough for plinking. I loaded 350rds the other day to finish off my 748 supply. I'm planning to use some if not all of it this coming weekend. I think you already answered your own question; you tested 25 grains, and presumably it shot okay and the rifle functioned, so the charge is not too small. I doubt that it's too heavy, either, but when your ambient temps get high, pay attention and stop shooting if the pressure gets scary. |
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For .223 loads I usually use Varget. For some plinking I was thinking on using some Win 748 for metering reasons and it's the only other thing I can get in my area. At the Hodgdon site it doesn't list a start load for Win 748 only max loads. My Lee manual does the same thing. There's start loads for all other powders but not 748. Why is that? And should I just start at 10% lower as usual? I find that Varget meters fine in the 550. I switched from 748 to Varget so I could use the same powder for accuracy loads and bulk 55g target loads. Also, buy this book. It is very inexpensive. It has tables for every powder and bullet vendor. |
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Do you guys think 25gr is to little for a plinking round? I did test loads last month from 24-26gr and didn't see any pressure issues in 50F weather but decided 25 would probably be good enough for plinking. I loaded 350rds the other day to finish off my 748 supply. I'm planning to use some if not all of it this coming weekend. I use 25gn under a 69 SMK until i run out of them, then I will use the same load undera 75 Hornady BTHP. I've use this load all through the HP season from 50F to >100F and have had negligle zero changes and no pressure signs. |
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I recently aquired about 12 lbs of W-748 at a price I could not pass up....
Since H-335 has been my Stand by .223 power for years I had to experiment a bit.. So far using 52 & 55 Gr bullets 25 gr of W-748 has proven very reliable and quite accurate in 6 different AR's.... My A-3 H/BAR has shot several 5 round One inch groups @ 100 yards and all the rifles tested have shot 1/2" 50 yard groups.. For Plinking and practice this seems quite acceptable to me.. Although I have a Favorite load for .308 using VARGET, I have also about settled on a W-748 load for my FAL's as well and the load shows real promise.. It will take me a litte bit to burn through the 748 so the H-335, & VARGET Jugs are in the powder stash.. 55 grainers and 26 gr of Powder has also worked very well and happens to be my Buds one and only .223 Load.. IIRC someone on the FAL Files said 26.3 is a Factory equivelant load but I see no reason to increase my charge so I will leave as is.. "IF" Your gun runs fine with 25 gr then I say your GTG.... BTW, for anyone that has not tried W-748 it meters like a DREAM.. |
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Anyone have info on changes made to 748 to make it more thermally stable? I haven't messed with 748 since the mid 90s. Back then it was scary stuff when the temperature was over 100 degrees here. I'd be interested, too. Don't like to base things on hearsay. |
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Anyone have info on changes made to 748 to make it more thermally stable? I haven't messed with 748 since the mid 90s. Back then it was scary stuff when the temperature was over 100 degrees here. I'd be interested, too. Don't like to base things on hearsay. Contact the powder company and see what they say. |
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Maybe at one time, but it's listed for $79.99 on Amazon when I clicked your link. |
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What are fhe warning signs of pressure problems? If you look at your primers they are rounded on the edges, and there is a gap if you will from the rounded edge to the Primer pocket in the case.. Using that as a reference a flattened primer is one of the indicators/signs of pressure.. The Primer will flatten out slightly or flatten enough to fill the primer pocket.. When I see flattening of the primer I will back out of that powder charge.. Another indicator is a deformed case rim, as well as a couple other things as pressure increases.... By using good data and proper components the chance of this happening is lessened but you still need to lok for these signs.. It happened to me last week while working up some loads for my FAL's using this very same powder.. DATA that was fine before was now flattening my primers when using a NEW Batch of powder and different cases.. But it only took a couple of the 20 rounds I loaded to see what whate was happening so the rest of the ammo was shot in a BOLT gun.. Still flattened the primres a bit but NO STIFF bolt and extraction was fine.. I have backed that load down a full grain and it is working really well now.. Once you get into this reloading stuff it all starts to make sense and you will pick up on these things quickly.. Although inherently dangerous reloading is made quite safe by safe practices, knowledge, and proper techniques.. Get yourself several reloading books and use them all for reference when working up a new load, I have seen some dat posted here that would make me VERY nervous as it is as much as a full grain higher then published data that I have in 4 differennt books.. The AR is easy to load for and does NOT require max loads to function or attain excellent accuracy.. |
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What are fhe warning signs of pressure problems? Overpressure signs (photos), look about half way down the page….……. http://www.radomski.us/njhp/cart_tech.htm And………. http://stevespages.com/diagnosingproblems.html HTH. Aloha, Mark |
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