Kid is going to do an experiment to show kenetic energy.

We want to launch a .223 bullet ( I have 40gr polymer tip, 55gr so, and 77gr otm) at two speeds, one half of the other.

So I am looking at velocities of 1000-1500fps to 2000 to 3000fps.  I have varget, imr4895, and titegroup.

My I was thinking of using the 55gr due to so instead of having a polymer tip.  We will shoot into a series of pine boards stacked and show the penetration difference.

I can get ( haven't started reloading 223 yet, but now is a good time to start) the 55gr to 3k fps with the varget.  I just don't know where to start with the 1500fps load.  Will titegroup work?   Start high and work down?

Yes the teacher approved of the use of guns and bullets.

Thanks in advance.

I have a buddy that's experimenting with making subsonic 223 load with Trail Boss. It's should give you a decent case fill.

You need to get a reloading manual or three and read them before you begin this project.

If I recall correctely H4895 is excellent for reduced loads

I am newer at reloading and have only worked up loads for 9mm and 270 win.  I have not started 223 because I have had ammo.  I also just got a chrono so I can "see" what velocities I am getting.

I have never tried reduced loads though.   I see that the Hodgdon's site says 3.1gr of titegroup as a max load with a velocity of 1064.  Obviously for a subsonic load.  I want a "mid" load though.  

I am not sure which is safer, working up with the pistol powder or down with the rifle powder.  I'm guessing up with the pistol because I can stop at signs of pressure.

Double tap

Use a 357 revolver.  I would start with a 125 gr bullet.

Use a light load to develop about 700 fps.   Use a heavy load to develop 1400 fps.

Honestly, this will be easy to do.  I don't think it will be anywhere near as easy using a rifle.

How about a 125 and a 158 gr with both at 1000 fps to show the effect of mass energy at the same velocity.

Penetration won't scale with KE.    Should scale reasonably well with momentum though.

You mean H-4895 don't you.

https://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/H4895%20Reduced%20Rifle%20Loads.pdf

With that being said there is a lot of data out there for H4895 in 223 and if you go to Hodgdon web site and search for 223 and H4895  that will give you data for 35grains up to 90grain bullets

Thanks

The h4895 info doesn't go as low as I need and says not to go below 60% of the starting load.  The titegroup subsonic load states max load of 3.1 @ 1064fps (I don't see why I can't work up at .1gr increments though)  Maybe I can do the subsonic and a 2200fps load.

There isn't any h4895 in this town that I can find ( only 4 retailers that sell powder).

The only pistol that I have is 9mm that I reload for.