Reloading Data

DnB54

Gentlemen,
Would it be possible for one of you to provide some helpful load data.
I'm loading for a 223REM Bolt action. I'm using Winchester brass, CCI #400 primer, IMR4198, and Winchester 55gr FMJ bullets. The only data I have found for this combination is with 748 powder. If I could find it, I'd use it, but all I have left is the IMR4198. If possible, any chance of providing a safe and max load. I use 19gr of the 4198 with the Hornaday 55gr FMJ, but I wanted to ask somebody with a few more brains than me.
Thanks, Dave

Rocky Raab

From the Hodgdon/IMR website:

Cartridge: 223 Remington
Load Type: Rifle
Starting Loads
Maximum Loads

Bullet Weight (Gr.) Manufacturer Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure
55 GR. SPR SP IMR IMR 4198 .224" 2.200" 18.8 2885 41,600 PSI 20.4 3122 53,600 PSI

nononsense

DnB54,

Welcome to the Gunbroker Forums!

Your current load is fairly innocuous and on the lower end of the scale. I would start at the suggested weight that IMR recommends and work your way up slowly watching for signs of pressure. The case will not be full with this powder. I don't know of any current data for the Winchester bullets so you need to test them.

I use AA-XMR-2015 which is a far better powder for this combination.

Best.

DnB54

Thanks, but I have another question and this might actually be better suited to my original question. You bring up the subject of pressure. What am I looking for, listening for, feeling, to know that I am reaching my limits in pressure. I have done alot of shotshell loading and when we saw an occasional plastic case blow off the brass we knew we needed to tone it down a bit. We use to load pretty hot for hunting geese, but my stupid days are over, thank goodness. Do you use 2015 for all the 55gr loads.
Dave

nononsense

DnB54,

I use AA-XMR-2015 for nearly every load in the .223 Rem., semi-auto or bolt action. The only time I switch is when I use the longer VLD Match bullets at long range. The VLDs require a faster twist though.

Best.

zimmden

Do NOT exceed published data. Pressure signs include difficulty in lifting bolt handle. Cratering around firing pin indentation. Loose primers. Expanded head of case after firing compared to unfired case. A chronograph can show the bullet velocity increase as you increase powder which is a corresponding increase in pressure. Be careful. Even one of these signs is a warning that pressures are unsafe. Bob

DnB54

I was wondering about the case swelling and having trouble ejecting it if its exceeded. Maybe I should wait till I get my hands on some Win 748. My nephew sent me a picture of that type of incident happening awhile back, guy was not hurt, probably has to change his shorts, but the gun was ruined. I wish I could find it, I would post it. This is the very reason I'm asking for help or smart advise from seasoned veterans.
Thanks

nononsense

DnB54,

With all due respect, you need to get at least two different copies of current reloading manuals and read all of the information contained in each.

I also suggest that you buy a good book about reloading such as The ABC's of Reloading:

http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/product/0024487619831a.shtml

This is just an example and there are many others available as used books for very reasonable prices.

Another suggestion: The Complete Handloader- John Wooters

http://www.directtextbook.com/prices.php?q=1556540361&dtkts=ssp_1556540361&classes=ssp

Not only are these good books for information but they should remain on your bench as references forever.

Normally there is this list of signs that we are supposed to pay attention to because they suggest high pressure. For beginners, this is probably a good thing:

*
Sticky bolt lift
*
Cratered primers
*
Flattened primers
*
Black ring around primers
*
Blown primers
*
Loose primer pockets
*
Shiny spots on case heads
*
Excessive case head expansion
*
Excessive pressure ring expansion

However, some of these are misleading because they often suggest another type of problem. Knowing the difference is part of the learning process.

Protruding Primer
This is a very normal occurrence when peak pressure is far below the
normal, maximum amount. What happens is the case is pushed forward by
the firing pin as the primer is struck. When the case expands to fill
the chamber, the lower-than-normal pressure isn't enough to push the
back of the case fully against the bolt face. But the primer isn't
held in place with much tension, so it gets pushed back against the
bolt face. Max pressure cartridges push the case head hard against
the bolt face; there's no place for the primer to stick out its pocket.

Flattened/Cratered Primer
This is most closely associated with a headspace problem. Again the firing pin pushes the case forward but there is enough pressure to force the case and primer back to the bolt face where the primer is flattened and can 'crater' due to an oversized firing pin hole. So this is not always a sign of just over pressure. When you see this, you need to investigate, not just automatically assume that you have high pressure.

Expanded head of case after firing compared to unfired case.
This again, can be misleading unless you know what size your chamber really is. Factory chambers are notorious for being slightly oversized, larger than the standards allow or even egg-shaped. In the opposite vein, factory brass is also decidedly undersized when compared to the appropriate standards. So it stands to reason that when undersized brass is fired in an oversized chamber, the head of the case will measure as being oversized. You have to have your dimensions established before starting any of these tests. And remember, with the necessity of having a slightly oversized chamber, there will be some minor expansion.

If the new brass has smaller than normal diameters just in front of the extractor groove, it will bulge out to a much greater diameter than the case has; another normal thing even with maximum loads. This can result in slightly loose primer pockets on rare occasions if the disparity is large enough.

The most important idea here is that no matter what the cause, you should stop to investigate when these signs show up.

Best.

DnB54

Thank you so much for that information. I will purchase these books as you suggest. Other than the winchester 55FMJ bullets, my inventory consists almost entirely of Hornaday 40gr VMax and 55gr VMax and FMJ. I wanted to experiment with Nosler 40gr Ballastic Tip so I have about 200 of those. I will purchase the newest Hornaday reloading manual and will look for used copies of the other two books you mentioned. I did go out to one of my supply places and purchase the last 3lbs of 2015. I downloaded Accurate's reloading data sheet to start with. I'm newbie at metallic reloading so I'll take in whatever advise you have. I'm too old to have an ego. I got this far in my life from keeping my mouth shut and listening carefully to what people have to share.
-Dave