.223 68 gr. HP/BT and IMR 4198

[Grampa]

I've just started loading for .223 Remington, and have a few pounds of IMR 4198 in the reloading cabinet. I found some load information for 55 gr. bullets, but nothing that shows IMR 4198 being used for 68 gr. bullets. (And, I've looked in five reloading manuals, searched the web, and searched a few newsgroups...) Is this powder too fast for a 68 gr. bullet load?

It looks as if H335 and magnum primers are necessary for 68 gr. bullets?

My rifle has a 20" 1 in 9" barrel, for load comparisons.

Thanks!

 

[Poodleshooter]

IMR4198 is an extremely fast rifle or extremely slow handgun powder if memory serves. Most powders for 68gr. bullets in the .223 are on the slower end of the burning rates used in that cartridge. Think of powders that burn well in the .308 Winchester for comparison. H335,BallC2,Win748,Varget,AA2230,AA2495,AA2520,& RL15 are some examples.
I use a military pulldown Ball(C)2 equivalent which serves well.
I'd imagine that 4198 would generate some high and unsafe pressures with 68gr bullets.
I've never used magnum primers in my .223, but I suppose opinion differs on that topic.
Hopefully some highpower reloaders will chime in with their opinions,too.

 

[SodaPop]

Use what you got, but I strongly suggest trying the Sierra 69gr HPBT for a 1-9 twist.

I use 24.5gr of AA2230 with the Sierra bullet and its great for accuracy and long range shooting.

 

[Sam Adams]

Soda Pop

I've got a 1 in 9 twist, 20 inch barrel, and I've found that the 52grain SMKs are more accurate than the 69s. I also have a couple of friends that have the same experience, and one told me that the 69s need a 1 in 7 or 8 twist to reach their potential. What, if any, is your experience?

Also, what kind of accuracy do you get with your 69 gr load, and what kind of rifle are you using with it?

Thanks

 

[Steve Smith]

You should be able to use 69s fine in a 1:9 barrel. The 52s are more accurate, but distance and wind gives heavier bullets the nod.

 

[SodaPop]

Also, what kind of accuracy do you get with your 69 gr load, and what kind of rifle are you using with it?

1 MOA with a Mini 14 out to 400yds.