Armory Sponsor
Posted: 3/8/2016 11:47:27 PM EDT
|
Hello everyone! Recently I came into some Hodgdon TITEWad powder. I know that pistol and shotgun powder is typically used for Sub rounds (at least from what I have seen on google) but I was curious if anyone has had luck loading with this powder?
I see that it's a lot hotter than most of the powders used (I have seen Tight group, and Bluedot mentioned). but since I have it I would like to use it. Since it looks like most recipes I have seen call for around 4 - 6 gr of other powders I was considering 2 gr as a starting point for this one. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. |
|
I use titegroup when i get low/run out of trailboss. 3.1gr of titegroup gets me right around 1060 fps (+/- 25 fps). Trailboss is imo much better though.... that and cause i can get it down to around 960-1000 fps.
EDIT: I just saw you said 2 gr. dont do that. u will get the bullet stuck in the barrel. IDK what it would be for TiteWAD but id get either titegroup or trail boss. 1 lb will get u over 2k rounds. |
|
Don't try that load, you'll most likely stick the bullet in the bore of your gun. Don't make up loads based on what you think is logical, you'll get in trouble.
There has to be enough pressure to push the bullet through the bore, and also enough gas volume available. I'll have to recommend either sticking with a published load, or at minimum calling Hodgon to ask for help. If you are shooting Sierra bullets you can call their dedicated help line or send an email and you will receive help. There's a phenomenon called "Secondary Explosive Effect" that would normally not be much concern in a .223 Rem case, but these tiny charges of fast powder are asking for trouble. Plus, they are extremely easy to double and triple charge, and you would never be able to see the difference between a 2 grain and 4 grain charge. Examine this burn rate chart to find the relative relation between various gunpowders - https://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Burn%20Rates%20-%202015-2016.pdf This does not mean that gunpowders adjacent to each other in the chart are substitutes, their position depends on the test method and will vary slightly from source to source. |
Welcome to Arfcom and the Reloading Forum. I would advise only using published load sources. Like Hodgdon http://www.hodgdon.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html I would not use that 2 gr load unless you have the equipment to clear a stuck bullet from the bore. It's natural to want to "use what you have", but not always safe or practical. Hodgdon's lists a load with TiteGroup that is a proven load. |
|
Quoted: Welcome to Arfcom and the Reloading Forum. I would advise only using published load sources. Like Hodgdon http://www.hodgdon.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html I would not use that 2 gr load unless you have the equipment to clear a stuck bullet from the bore. It's natural to want to "use what you have", but not always safe or practical. Hodgdon's lists a load with TiteGroup that is a proven load. 
|
|
Excellent, good advice all around! Thanks much! I will probably see if I can offload the powder to a shotgun loader in the area, and just go get some Trailboss (think I saw that recently at cabelas)
I appreciate the advice! and agree that playing with super low loads can cause some problems with stuck bullets. I do have the means to tap one out, but why risk it, right? Edit: After looking at the Hodgdon load data, I actually will just stick to the tried and tested load data they publish. Here's one last question though. I've been loading heavier bullets, 75 gr. What would one recommend for the heavier round? just using them for my normal precision rounds or is there an advantage to using them for the sub rounds? I know that cycling the action on the AR can be an issue for sub rounds. Would the heavier bullet help with that? |
|
Quoted:
Here's one last question though. I've been loading heavier bullets, 75 gr. What would one recommend for the heavier round? just using them for my normal precision rounds or is there an advantage to using them for the sub rounds? I know that cycling the action on the AR can be an issue for sub rounds. Would the heavier bullet help with that? What are you trying to achieve with this new load? 50 and 55 gr's are pretty common to use because, well...lets be honest. you are going more for the subsonic part of it then the accuracy part. a 75 gr bullet is pretty heavy to use to go subsonic and im sure the bullet drop would be pretty intensive. |
|
Quoted:
What are you trying to achieve with this new load? 50 and 55 gr's are pretty common to use because, well...lets be honest. you are going more for the subsonic part of it then the accuracy part. a 75 gr bullet is pretty heavy to use to go subsonic and im sure the bullet drop would be pretty intensive. Quoted:
Quoted:
Here's one last question though. I've been loading heavier bullets, 75 gr. What would one recommend for the heavier round? just using them for my normal precision rounds or is there an advantage to using them for the sub rounds? I know that cycling the action on the AR can be an issue for sub rounds. Would the heavier bullet help with that? What are you trying to achieve with this new load? 50 and 55 gr's are pretty common to use because, well...lets be honest. you are going more for the subsonic part of it then the accuracy part. a 75 gr bullet is pretty heavy to use to go subsonic and im sure the bullet drop would be pretty intensive. 55gr Hornady BTFMJ drops 6.5-8" @ 100 yds. from a 1:7 12" sbr. Hits dirt around 85yds out of an 18" 1:8 bolt action. Honestly for the time spent, buy some 22. Outside of being able to reuse the 223 brass the 22 has more MV & damage capability than the 223 sub does. |
|
Thanks for all the great feedback!
I've got an AAC can that I have been swapping back and forth between my M4, and a 15-22. Makes sense about the 22LR, as someone said earlier I like the reload ability for the 5.56, but other than that I was figuring the ballistics would be as stated. The heavier bullets were left over from my making my own match rounds to use in one of my uppers so I was curious if they would even be a viable option. Sounds like the 55 gr vmax that I've been using for the rest of my loads will be a good goto. Again I appreciate the feedback! |
|
Final update for anyone that is interested.
I was unable to find Trailboss or TightGroup, but did get Hodgdon Clays which I was able to find data for. My load is Hogdon Clays 3.1 gr Hornady 40gr VMax I don't have a chrono but the rounds are definitely subsonic (only a snap report). The bolt does not cycle, but that is to be expected with these rounds. Again I appreciate all the feedback and guidance I've gotten from the group! |
Armory Sponsor