218 Bee (Speer) in H&R 223

[Vacek]

I have an H&R 223 that I want to download some of Speer's 45 grain 218 Bee Bullets. These are jacketed flat points. One load noted for the 218 Bee is 7.5 grains of 2400 (starting load). Understanding the higher volume of a 223 case, would the 7.5 grains of 2400 still be a good starting point? I am looking for a load under 2000 fps.

 

[Clark]

For ground squirrels, I download the .223 to 218 bee levels with Blue Dot at 25kpsi to 35kpsi.

Thousands of the rodents have died out to 250 yards with these wimp loads.

13 gr for 60 gr bullets
15 gr for 35 gr bullets

Everything else is in between.

 

[kingmt]

I don't use 2400 but my guess is that would get it out the barrel just fine but accuracy may not be there. I use a powder close to the same burn rate as Blue Dot & second what Clark said.

7.5gr does look like it should get you in that neighborhood of 2K fps tho. Load one & try it.

 

[Vacek]

Thanks guys. I am not trying to get a bullet typically used in my .223 down to Bee levels, but a bullet made specifically for the Bee (Speer) down to 1800-1900 FPS in my .223. I have some BlueDot so will give that a try as well.

 

[Vacek]

I tried 4 grains of Blue Dot. Shot nice. Will load up several to try for accuracy and precision.

 

[Para Cassatt]

I wonder how Trail Boss would do?

I know jacketed bullets aren't recommended but it would be a reduced type load.

 

[kingmt]

I never used the stuff. What I use cost me $30 for 8# & it only takes 4-15gr per load depending what I want the bullet to do.

 

[ssyoumans]

I've loaded up numerous 223 reduced loads using Blue Dot and 40gr Vmaxs and 55gr JHPs. I was mimicking 22Mag rounds 40gr going 2000fps. They were all surprisingly accurate out of my AR15.

Scroll down to post #14 for some posted results with various weight bullets and amounts of Blue Dot. You shouldn't have any problems meeting your stated goal.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=446724&highlight=223+blue+dot

Must be extra careful to avoid a double charge which may blow up your gun and/or cause bodily harm. Reload carefully!

 

[langenc]

I never used the stuff. What I use cost me $30 for 8# & it only takes 4-15gr per load depending what I want the bullet to do.

That 8# of powder will last forever.

 

[kingmt]

I'm through about half of it since spring. I wish I would have bought more but I was told it will probably never be seen again. I'm so sad.