4320 and .223/5.56

gdcpony · Sep 2, 2017

So I came across a sweet deal on some IMR4320. at $15/lb including tax, I couldn't pass it up. I checked really quick, made sure I could use it for the most consumed rounds in the family (.223) and bought all 12 cans. I figure for at least the kids plinking loads, it will work.

I will be loading 50gr HP and 55gr SP bullets. Anyone got some pet loads they wouldn't mind sharing? I know to cut by 10% and work up and all that happy safety stuff. It wold just be nice to have a point of reference. I will be loading for a Rossi single shot, a Frankengun AR build, PSA AR15 build, Savage Axis, and might even try it in my own AR.

stoky · Sep 2, 2017

It will work, but it's pretty slow, the slowest listed in the 55gr AR section of the Sierra manual, with a max at 2900 fps.

gdcpony · Sep 2, 2017

stoky said:
It will work, but it's pretty slow, the slowest listed in the 55gr AR section of the Sierra manual, with a max at 2900 fps.

Yeah, I saw that. If it is accurate enough for them to hit pop cans at 100yds and minute of 'yote at 200, we will be good. The max listed on the website http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle is 26.5 a compressed load for the closest bullet they list and a MV of 3146fps out of a 24" tube (the longest I have on hand is a 22" and most are 16-18"). I figured no speed demon.

brasscollector · Sep 2, 2017

I had most of a pound of 4320 leftover and happen to try it with some 55gr hornadys. About as accurate as my load using benchmark but about 200fps slower from my 16" barrel (2700 vs 2900). It ran through my AR just fine, didn't notice it was any cleaner/dirtier than benchmark. Can't remember the exact load, according to my notes I started at 23.5gr (likely in the 23.5-24.0gr range).

gdcpony · Sep 3, 2017

Thanks.
Someone suggested elsewhere I look to make this a lighter bullet powder and just order some blems (MidSouth or such) in bulk and use those. Any thoughts?

hdwhit · Sep 3, 2017

gdc pony wrote:
Anyone got some pet loads they wouldn't mind sharing?

No.

Go to the manufacturer's web site: http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle

Look up the bullet weight and type you will be firing using your new powder. Begin with the Starting Load (it's called that and not the "pansy load" or the "our lawyers made us include this load" for a reason), load some rounds and see how they perform. Increase the load in increments of a fraction of a grain until you either 1) get pressure signs, or 2) reach maximum load.

You may also choose to use other published sources and if they don't all agree, select a consensus Stating Load.

Doing anything else is just asking for a sadist (could be me) to give you a load that will result in the new nickname, "Lefty" or "One Eyes Jack". And don't think the moderators will safeguard you. We've already had one person in the last couple of days post a load that was in excess of maximum and without the disclosure the site requires for posting above maximum load data, so you could be in the hospital before the moderators catch it.

gdcpony · Sep 3, 2017

hdwhit said:
No.

Go to the manufacturer's web site: http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle

Look up the bullet weight and type you will be firing using your new powder. Begin with the Starting Load (it's called that and not the "pansy load" or the "our lawyers made us include this load" for a reason), load some rounds and see how they perform. Increase the load in increments of a fraction of a grain until you either 1) get pressure signs, or 2) reach maximum load.

You may also choose to use other published sources and if they don't all agree, select a consensus Stating Load.

Doing anything else is just asking for a sadist (could be me) to give you a load that will result in the new nickname, "Lefty" or "One Eyes Jack". And don't think the moderators will safeguard you. We've already had one person in the last couple of days post a load that was in excess of maximum and without the disclosure the site requires for posting above maximum load data, so you could be in the hospital before the moderators catch it.

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

Well, I wasn't thinking to try say a 30gr load. Thankfully, with the bullet weights I am looking at, it seems about impossible to load too much. I tried to see how much I could fit in and got 27gr only .5gr above listed max. Enough to loosen a primer pocket, but not likely a gun blow up. I did look at exactly that site and decided that I would see what others had tried.

However, I do see your point. If say I was looking for a H335 load, it would be easy to give me a load enough above listed to give me a grenade rifle. So don't think I don't appreciate the caution. I would hope that when someone reads that my kids would be shooting these loads (I figure this powder with its case filling ability would be a good one to teach them to work up their own loads too), that they would show some retraint.

4320 and .223/5.56

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