The last batch I loaded up at 25.2gr. The top end of 223 pressures although under the data I got from Ramshot for loading to 556 pressures. The loads are running fine and very accurate. Sub MOA in my scoped AR and probably as good in my carbine. I went to an appleseed a few weeks back and noticed some fairly flat primers. When I loaded and tested these loads it was nice spring weather (high 60's?) and the rounds weren't sitting out in the sun all day. For the appleseed shoot it was in the 80's and direct sun although I kept a towel over my ammo can. Original testing primers looked pretty good and IIRC velocity was right around 3000. I'm guessing this is normal temp variation?

Yes, although, judging from what you've said, I wouldn't want to shot them after they had been sitting in 100 degree direct sunlight.

24.5 grains.

Great plinking load.  Although the POI shift from 5.56 ammo is pretty good at a hundred yards and beyond.

I find only my Wolf small rifle magnum primers flatten somewhat. CCI #41's don't, and CCI small rifle magnum ones don't either, at 25.0 grains.

As you get to those pressure levels, you will find those sort of things, which is why there is no reloaded 5.56 on the market. Only 223. Except "maybe" black hills, but I am too lazy to go read Molon's writeup on whether Blue Box is slower than Mk262.

ah ha! I forgot to state that. I'm using the Wolf SRMs. I'm not going to worry about it much but I might back off to 25gr with the next batch. I really need to get around to loading some more up. I've got 1500 pieces or brass RTG and only 3-400 rds left.

I just use 24 gr. of TAC in all my 223 loads from 50gr to 68gr bullets.
I use 22.5 grains in 75-77gr bullets.

I guess I'm  just to lazy to reset my powder measure!

24.5 g. is what I use.



The Ol' Crew Chief

I use 26.0 of Tac with wolf srm primers.  I've tested this safely at 90F (though ammo was not exposed to direct sun light).

This is a fairly warm load, and your experience may vary with your guns and brass, and all the other usual factors.

If the primers are not any worse than primers from Q3131 or XM193 from the same gun.... I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I'm sure you know this, but running that hot of load will really decrease you brass life....

I have not had much luck with TAC and 55gr bullets and getting good accuracy, 1.5 MOA is about the best I can do... 55gr Hornady FMJ and cannelured soft points.... 25.0 seems reasonable in my guns, pressure wise.

I'm using the same load, LC brass, 55 gr FMJBT, Wolf SRM, 26.0 Tac, light crimp.

Work up to this load, YMMV, I had pressure signs at 26.5 grs Tac and dropped back to 26.0 grs.

Stealing my load recipes eh?

I had the exact same problem at 26.5.  Dropped it 1/2 a grain, and it works good for me.  Yes I know it wears the brass out, but I believe in shooting ammo thats close in performance and recoil to my SHTF ammo.

I use 26.2gr TAC behind a Hornady 55gr FMJ, no problems.

23.7

for less temp variation, might want to try a pound of varget. Stable stuff and very accurate in 223 although it can be a bit tricky with auto powder measures.

I use 25gr of T.A.C with 62gr ss109 and CCI #41 primers with new Prvi brass. Primers look the same as mil-spec m855, average velocity was 2947FPS out of a 14.5 inch bushy temp was 75 degrees.
other loads with tac all with new Pivi brass :
68gr Hornady 25gr tac, average velocity 2793 fps 14.5 inch bushy
75gr Hornady 23.8gr tac average velocity 2582 fps 14.5 inch bushy

Paul

I may be wrong, but I don't think he'll ever get a lb of Varget in a .223 case.  

I use 25.8 grains of TAC in winchester brass or LC brass, winchester or wolf SRM primer and Hornady 55 fmj's. Average velocity out of a 16in barrel is 2900 fps. Slight flattening of primers in 100 degree heat.

Can't really blame me can you?

24.7 grains flattened the primers at 105F here in Vegas the other day...  Load was 53 Hornady HP's and CCi 400's in LC brass.

LC brass, CCI 450 primers, Hornady 55gr FMJ BT, & 25.0 grains of TAC.

When working up this load a couple years ago I made it to 26.5 grains with no pressure signs, but also wasn't gaining any velocity at the higher charge weights either. This is where a chronograph can really be your friend.

i've been testing some loads with TAC trying to equal 5.56 military ammo. first, the baseline factory loads from a 16 inch SS 1/8 twist 5.56 chamber all with 55gr bullets:

PMC 223 55 FMJ      2750 fps
Winchester commercial USA223R1      2920 fps
Federal XM193        3010 fps
Federal XM193F      3060 fps
Winchester Q3131   3150fps   this load showed very high pressure signs; some flattening of primers and metal sheared from back face of the brass case. evidence of excess pressures, in my opinion.

the following data is from handloads using Sierra 55 SBT oal 2.240 inches, with TAC powder, CCI #41 primers. these are all over pressure loads - well past book maximum. the edition 5 of the Sierra manual lists 26.3 gr as the maximum load of TAC in their AR rifle tests. i do not suggest that you try them in your rifle. i know how they reacted in my rifle/chamber but they could behave very differently in yours and produce catastrophic results. should you be crazy enough to use this data for load development in your gun, YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.   the following should be considered data only, not a recommendation for load charges.

26.9 gr TAC       2980 fps    
27.5 gr TAC       3120 fps
28.0 gr TAC       3200 fps  the latter two loads showed some flattening of primers.  the 28.0 load showed imprinting on the rear face of the case. it was not quite as bad as the Q3131, though.

i've only tested about 15 rounds of each of these loads. they were "test" loads only.  again, i do not recommend that anyone try these loads in their gun.

I may be wrong, but I don't think he'll ever get a lb of Varget in a .223 case.  



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I'm not sure I want to fit a pound in a 223 case. I might need a new rifle and face.
I do have 8 pounds of Varget. I'm only using it for loading Horndady 75s though due to metering and cost.