.223 reloading question...

[1unhorsed-u]

Hello guys,
So I just picked up a bunch of 65 gr Speer bullets that I was hoping to use with my IMR3031 powder, however there is no data in my manuals for 65 grain bullets with IMR3031.... Does any one have any data for this load or know of any manuals with it in it? If not I can get a different powder, just trying to use what I have before going out and buying more stuff. I mean like, I was using IMR3031 with 62gr bullet and a 69gr bullet, but nothing in between!

 

[sieveboy]

I would, like, use the 69 grain bullet data.

 

[mac1911]

Don't know if this works but it sounds good
Take the starting load data for 62 compare it to 69 then use the middle of that data.
Better yet find out what the manufacture of those bullets has for info.

 

[ely oceidde]

I would try a few loaded no more than the starting load for the 69 grain bullets and maybe even a grain less and watch for pressure signs like flattened primers. There was a thread in the last day or two asking why heavier bullets need lighter powder charges. There were some good answers posted. Ely.

 

[highlander]

You could use data for a 60 gr and be safe. I have my Lyman manual #49 handy and they give for a 63 gr bullet 20.0 gr of 3031 and max is 22.5 gr with a Rem 7 1/5 primer. Velocity is 2400-2800 fps.
I realize that 3031 is what you have on hand but next time try a ball powder like 748 or AA 2230,if your using a powder dispencer they flow through it like water and you'll get much better velocities.

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You could use data for a 63 gr and be safe. I have my Lyman manual #49 handy and they give for a 63 gr bullet 20.0 gr of 3031 and max is 22.5 gr with a Rem 7 1/5 primer. Velocity is 2400-2800 fps.
I realize that 3031 is what you have on hand but next time try a ball powder like 748 or AA 2230,if your using a powder dispencer they flow through it like water and you'll get much better velocities.

 

[highlander]

I have a Lymna #49 manual here and for a 63 gr bullet they give a starting load of 20.0 gr for 2400 fps and 22.5 for 2780 fps out of a 20" Colt carbine.

 

[Finalygotabeltfed]

Save yourself alot of aggrivation and get a ball powder to load in the .223 and save the 3031 for something with a larger case mouth.

 

[mac1911]

Is 3031 larger kernels than varget or h4895?

 

[airdrop]

I went to the Speer web page an there isn't any 65 gr .223 bullets Mmmmm

 

[Finalygotabeltfed]

Is 3031 larger kernels than varget or h4895?

Don't know about those two powder's granule sizes, I do know from experience that 3031 was a PIA to load/dispense in .223. I did a few and stopped, it was bridging in my dispenser and not dropping correct charges. I used what I had left for .308 plinking ammo. It worked ok in the larger caliber drop but still a little crunchy in the dispenser.

 

[Fixxah]

Did you actually weigh the bullets?

 

[airdrop]

in the world of bench loading the idea is consistancy from one round to the next, your trying to make round hit the same hole one after the other. It can get very involved lol

Did you actually weigh the bullets?

 

[jasons]

I've never seen or heard of a 65 grain Speer .224 bullet. Where did they come from?


Are they maybe Sierra?

 

[EddieCoyle]

Is 3031 larger kernels than varget or h4895?

Yes.

Like FGBF said, it's OK for rounds like the .45-70, not so much for .223. I had a miserable time with it in 6.8 SPC.

 

[DukeInFlorida]

Call the powder manufacturer and ask them for load data and recommendations.