Need some .223 reloading advise

Matt45

Recently I obtained some pulled .223 62 GR Military bullets (The current issue "green tips") as well as some 63 gr tracer bullets.My problem is this, I can't find any specific load data for this bullet.Mostly when I reload .223, I use a 55 Gr bullet and 21.7 Grs of IMR 4198. Works just fine and groups at about 1.5" at 200yds in my rifle.This time around I could not find any data so I looked at the 70 GR Hornady loads and the 55 gr Hornady loads and kinda met in the middle, erring on the side of safety.I pressed 10 rounds each of 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, and 21.5 grs of IMR 4108.Here's the good part:NONE of these loads showed signs of overpressure.Now the bad part:NONE of these loads would fully cycle my Bushmaster's bolt, only enough to eject the spent round, not enough to "ram" the next into the chamber. Bottom line is, I need some load data for the 62 gr ss109 bullets and would also like to know about the 63gr tracer bullets. Most likely I figure I am looking at a change in powder type.Thanks all!

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Reserving my Right to Arm Bears!!!!

oneshy

This is the same problem they had during 'Nam. Your new powder is probably not producing sufficient gas to operate the bolt. To compensate for the heavier bullet, Drop your charge on the original powder about .5 gr. and work back to your original load. If your original charge is below max, The heavier bullet will probably not create excess pressure. Go to the shop you buy your supplies and ask for each man. powder chart. If your New powder has no listing for 223, it is not suitable. It sounds like you've found the right powder. Stay with it. [This message has been edited by oneshy (edited 10-26-2001).][This message has been edited by oneshy (edited 10-26-2001).][This message has been edited by oneshy (edited 10-26-2001).]