.223 H335

[Bartkowski]

I have some .223 rem loads with 26.0gr. of H335 with 50gr. SP's and 52gr. HPBT's. Both are loaded to 2.250". Some manuals say 26.0gr. of H335 is below a starting load while others state that it is max or near max with 50gr. bullets.

It will be shot from an AR and I would rather not damage the gun or hurt myself...any input? I know to look for signs of over pressure if I choose to shoot it, but don't know how safe it would be.

 

[Bush Pilot]

I shoot 52gr HPs and 26.0 grs of H335 w/o any problem. BTW, nice idea on not wanting to hurt the gun or yourself.

 

[Bartkowski]

BTW, nice idea on not wanting to hurt the gun or yourself.

Ya, took me a while to decide I didn't want to do that.

I am not expecting problems, but handloading always has me worried because there is so much variation from manual to manual, gun to gun, etc.

 

[cliffy]

Gun to Gun . . .

Reloading manuals are a general guide to get one started. One man's maximum is another man's starting point. Gun to gun, what does one's "gun" actually enjoy shooting most accurately? And at what ambient temperature? NO GIVEN load works BEST under ALL conditions, hence keeping tight records whilst handloading and range-firing with a chronograph is priceless. Factory-loads ALWAYS error on the safe side of maximum power. cliffy

 

[NCsmitty]

26gr of H335 is the listed maximum for 53gr bullets on the Hodgden site. If you reload or shoot reloads, you need to cross check data and make an informed decision on the safety of each load being used in your rifle. Most powder suppliers have that data available at your fingertips on the internet. Remember, data supplied by someone else, may not be good for your rifle.

http://www.hodgdon.com/

NCsmitty

 

[JRadice45]

Like what smitty has said, CROSS REFERENCE your data! I almost learned this the hard way. Lyman 48th ed. lists a starting charge of 22gr and a max of 25 gr (so I seem to remember, manual is not with me) of aa2230 for a 69 gr bullet!!!!!! this is the SAME EXACT DATA listed for a 55 gr bullet????? ***! If I had really listened to myself I would have stopped right there and not loaded up test loads for it, but I did! Luckily my gf had other plans for the two of us sunday that prevented me from shooting. I thanked her again and again.... saved my face, my life, rifle etc...
This experience has me on the hunt for a few manuals.

I plan on looking up the load I plan to use in all of the manuals, then starting with the lowest starting charge of them all.

 

[jhansman]

Hodgdon's site says 24-26 gr. with a 50 and 53 gr. bullet. FWIW, I use 24 gr. of H335 under a 55. gr FMJBT in my Saiga.

 

[Bartkowski]

I have check a few sources. Hodgdon was the one that made me worry. My speer manual says 26.5gr. of H335 is the starting load and 28.5gr is the max. The sierra data I saw online said that 26gr was inbetween max and min loads.

This is fairly bothersome; you would think that if speer says 26.5 is a staring load 26.0 grs is safe. But other manuals claim it is max.

 

[SSN Vet]

I think your safe.

Powder manufacturers are on the hook for a lot of liability. If they publish it, I trust it as safe in a quality firearm of modern construction.

I've found Spear to post hotter loads than Hodgdon on a couple of occasions.

Probably not the most prudent practice to start at the max.

Might be a good idea to set those aside and then load a couple in the 25 to 25.5 gr range. Shoot those and inspect cases. If all looks and functions well, shoot your 26 gr. loads.

FWIW, I load 25 gr. of H335 (as do many others) behind a 55 gr. FMJBT and it's a great load w/ no signs of overpressure. I've found my powder measure dropping 2/10th over and still had no issue. Your 50 gr. bullets are 10% lighter.

 

[mallc]

Plus 1

24 gr H335 with a 55 gr pill makes both my AR's smile!

Scott

 

[RustyFN]

My speer manual says 26.5gr. of H335 is the starting load and 28.5gr is the max.

Just wondered which Speer manual you have? I have Speer #13. It says 25 to 27 for the 50 grain and 24.5 to 26.5 for the 52 grain. I usually check the manual and a few other sources and use the one with the lowest data and work the load up. I don't usually start at the starting load but I don't start over half way to max either.
Rusty

 

[Frankl03]

I have been using 24.8 gr of H335 with Hornady 55 gr FMBT. I use this load in my AR and like it with no problems.

I did have some trouble getting my Lee Auto Disk to throw consistent charges but I think have it worked out now.

 

[supertech]

Just to add another referance,my hornady 7th ed. load manual says to start with 21.8 gr and lists a max load of 25.7 gr of h335 with a 50 gr projectile. I guess the important thing is with whatever start load you decide use, make sure to look out for signs of excessive pressure from the cases coming out of your gun.

 

[Bartkowski]

Just wondered which Speer manual you have?

Can't remember the number off the top of my head. I know it is a older though, at least 25 years old.

 

[Clark]

thread with work up to 31 gr H335 55 gr .223

 

[Jayman]

I doubt you will have any issues, but you may not be getting the most accuracy out of those loads. Most bullets are more accurate when loaded to mid levels.