[Afy]

Loading for .222 Remington Magnum

Powder is Vectan Tubal 3000, and Sierra MK 52grs. However no data for this combination is available.

The Vectan Manual states 24gr for a 55gr bullet. So I have backed down to 20 grain.. and loaded a small bunch in increments of .2gr to 22 grains.

Should I pull the bullets and just use the 55gr data? Or would these be safe to shoot?

[Mal H]

I think you're perfectly safe with those loads. First of all, 3 grains isn't a huge difference in weight and data for one can be used with the other when common sense is included in the interpolation of the data.

In general a heavier bullet will need a lighter load of powder than a lighter bullet to achieve a pressure within the guidelines, all other things being equal (same powder, primer, caliber, etc.) So if you use data from a heavier bullet with a lighter bullet, you will usually (not always) be on the safe side of the charts.

[WayneConrad]

If the only data that is available is for a slightly heavier bullet, and it's only 5% heavier as is your case, I'll use it, but I won't come any closer to max than 5% (being afraid of overcharge).

If there's a closer match for a smaller bullet, I'll use that instead, but instead of being wary of the max charge, it's the min charge I'll be not approach, not wanting a stuck bullet.

In short, I think you are alright loading to 22 grains. I would not go any more than 22.8 grains (that's 24 grains minus 5%). Be cautious.

This advice is based on what I've read and thought about: I am not an expert. Please don't get yourself blown up. Corrections from experts gladly accepted.

Mal H, I think you've misread. AfY is loading a lighter bullet than the recipe calls for, not a heavier one.

[Mal H]

Nope, didn't misread it at all, but you might have misread mine (or it wasn't clear enough).

I was saying that if you have data for a heavy bullet, it can be used with a lighter one, within reason, since loads for heavier bullets are generally lighter in powder weight than those for lighter bullets, all other things being equal.

[WayneConrad]

Well, color me stupid. You're quite right. The mistake is all mine.

[dagger dog]

Ary,

I know of two loading manuals, Nosler, Lee that states it's ok to substitute, a lighter bullet for the heavier,with the other components, including powder weight, being the same. Pressure level shold go down.

All within reason though,the bullet being the same metal, in other words If using FMJ-FMJ and not LRNGC-FMJ or any of Barnes Solid copper X bullets.Some metals ar harder to push down the bore and the pressures could go up!

Your load weights are low enough, to be shootable, and if they are made on new brass at least you will get the benifit of getting it fireformed.

[Walkalong]

Wish I had load data with that powder for you. I have a Sako HB .222 Mag and it rocks. I generally shoot H335 in it. Great caliber, but the .223 killed it stateside. :)

[ricciardelli]

Loading TU3000 From 22.0 grains to 24.0 grains for your 52 grain bullet is okay.

But, I would have used TU2000 From 20.0 grains to 22.0 grains.