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12/9/2009 8:11:17 PM EDT
I'm wondering what loads everyone likes for a defensive round in 223?
12/9/2009 10:46:28 PM EDT
[#1]



Quoted:


I'm wondering what loads everyone likes for a defensive round in 223?


You are going to get a lot of replies along the lines of "get a reloading manual and work up your own loads.  Every gun likes something a little different."



That being said, I was using a 55gr FMJBT and 25.5 of W748.  Worked great until about 200 or so rounds ago.  Been having problems recently that I think are gas key related and am out of 748.  So... I will be working up a H335 load as soon as my local range opens back up and I get a BCM BCG.





 
12/10/2009 3:46:44 AM EDT
[#2]
My general philosophy about this is to pick all the bullets I don't want to be shot with, and launch them somewhere between 2500 and 3500 fps.



12/10/2009 4:48:35 AM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
I'm wondering what loads everyone likes for a defensive round in 223?


Why not just buy a few boxes of TAP or Gold Dots or some such!
12/10/2009 5:18:21 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
My general philosophy about this is to pick all the bullets I don't want to be shot with, and launch them somewhere between 2500 and 3500 fps.





Hard to argue with this approach!  Bullets hurt .
12/10/2009 5:28:33 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:

Quoted:
I'm wondering what loads everyone likes for a defensive round in 223?

You are going to get a lot of replies along the lines of "get a reloading manual and work up your own loads.  Every gun likes something a little different."


I've got a manual and have been playing with some different loads. I haven't been reloading very long and there is so many different bullets, powders, and what not, I can't afford to try them all. Just wondering if there is anything out there that just totally outperforms most others?
12/10/2009 5:30:38 AM EDT
[#6]
Go here and read up.  It will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about the subject.

http://ammo.ar15.com/ammo/

My choice is 55 FMJ w/c or 77 OTM w/c moving as fast as SAAMI Chamber MAP will allow.
12/10/2009 8:30:30 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
I'm wondering what loads everyone likes for a defensive round in 223?

Good M193 or commercial .223 - anything but handloads.  I hate to be the one to open this can of worms but, from a legal standpoint, using handloads for defensive ammo is not a good idea.  If someone brings a wrongful-death lawsuit against you, your "loaded for maximum lethality" handloads will only make you look like a psycho killer.  This advice comes from experts in the field of armed self-defense, not just me.  The Hornady TAP is a good suggestion.
12/10/2009 9:10:33 AM EDT
[#8]
Disregard the above.  

Load something to copy the Hornady 75gr. TAP.  A mid charge of IMR 4895 in LCx1 brass with one of the Hornady 2279 bullets works great for me and is significantly more accurate than factory once you tune the load to your gun.  I do put a crimp on with the Lee Factory Crimp die.  Take care and practice and you'll KNOW each one will go bang and exactly how it will fly.

For reference, see Molon's review.
12/10/2009 9:20:44 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm wondering what loads everyone likes for a defensive round in 223?

Good M193 or commercial .223 - anything but handloads.  I hate to be the one to open this can of worms but, from a legal standpoint, using handloads for defensive ammo is not a good idea. If someone brings a wrongful-death lawsuit against you, your "loaded for maximum lethality" handloads will only make you look like a psycho killer.  This advice comes from experts in the field of armed self-defense, not just me.  The Hornady TAP is a good suggestion.


Is there a load for minimal lethality? Rubber bullets I guess. I have read stuff like this in the past and I just don't get it. If I shoot someone in self defense, wth does it matter if I used hand loaded rounds or not. Bottom line is this, if I am going to shoot....they wont survive. The end game wont matter.
12/10/2009 1:37:38 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm wondering what loads everyone likes for a defensive round in 223?

Good M193 or commercial .223 - anything but handloads.  I hate to be the one to open this can of worms but, from a legal standpoint, using handloads for defensive ammo is not a good idea. If someone brings a wrongful-death lawsuit against you, your "loaded for maximum lethality" handloads will only make you look like a psycho killer.  This advice comes from experts in the field of armed self-defense, not just me.  The Hornady TAP is a good suggestion.


Is there a load for minimal lethality? Rubber bullets I guess. I have read stuff like this in the past and I just don't get it. If I shoot someone in self defense, wth does it matter if I used hand loaded rounds or not. Bottom line is this, if I am going to shoot....they wont survive. The end game wont matter.


This is true for CRIMINAL charges....if the level of force was justified, then the means is of little concern.  What that means is you shoot someone with a .50bmg or bash their skull with a heavy rock....if you were justified, you were justified.  However, using reloaded ammo, may come up in a civil lawsuit for wrongful death.....be prepared to defend what you used and why and hope some idiot jury doesnt see you as a gun nut who "Makes his own ammo in his basement!"
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