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Posted: 11/6/2013 7:19:16 AM EDT
| I'm making up some plinking .223 and I noticed that on the Accurate (Western Powder) loading data the starting load for different bullets of the same weight varies significantly (20.9-23.0 for 55 gr bullets with AA 2460) with the same powder. I presume that's because the max load varies because of different bearing surfaces. Now, I'm not such a cheapskate that I'm going to sweat a couple grains but I am curious what the lightest charge I can get away with and still cycle the action is. |
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You mean with AA2460 powder? Always follow the Man. guidelines. However, the lightest load may not come from 2460, but with another power, such as IMR 800x, unique, 4227 etc. The problem with SOME rifle powders, like ball type, is that while you reduce the volume of powder in the case you increase AIR SPACE. This air space can produce a VERY explosive detonation.....scary at best, at worst can injure you or gun. I have found that somewhere in the middle is a safe place to start.
I loaded some 30-06 cases with 130gr. projos and followed the lowest starting loads with H335. The report was like a cannon/flint lock combo, and shot flame 10ft from the muzzel. I fired one more  and the same thing happened. I stopped shooting that load, which was from THE BOOK. I for one will never use the lowest load listed but will start in the middle or low-middle.
To edit: I also used a book low loading of WW748, and slightly lower than book, and found good accuracy and NO double ignition/cannon-like problems. Be careful. |
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Quoted:
I'm making up some plinking .223 and I noticed that on the Accurate (Western Powder) loading data the starting load for different bullets of the same weight varies significantly (20.9-23.0 for 55 gr bullets with AA 2460) with the same powder. I presume that's because the max load varies because of different bearing surfaces. Now, I'm not such a cheapskate that I'm going to sweat a couple grains but I am curious what the lightest charge I can get away with and still cycle the action is. The first thing you need to know is what 55gr Bullet are you using? If you are using an All Copper bullet like the Barnes, use that data. If you are using a bullet not listed, through out the low and the high and start there. Once you decide on a "start" charge, work your way up until you are satisfied with accuracy, velocity and function. Do NOT load a shit ton of one load. Load 3-5 of each and work up. |
| I just worked up loads with AA2460 under 55gr FMJs and soft points, which called for different charges. The FMJ is a boat tail with exposed lead at the base. The SP is a spitzer shape, jacketed at the base. They produced similar, but different velocities with the same charges as I worked up to near max. |
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