.224 bullet not listed in load data

[rammy]

Good day everyone!

quick question, I picked up some bulk (no manufacture is listed on the bag) .224 55grn JSP (jacketed soft point) with cannelure to try with Western powders Ramshot TAC (never tried it before) and I'm not seeing a JSP bullet in the load data. There is FMJ, FMJHP, SPSX and others but no JSP. Would I use the FMJHP and back off 10% of the starting load and try from there? I have looked in my Lee book (which doesn't show TAC powders and only shows jacketed bullets), downloaded the load data from Western and Hodgdon and none show a JSP. Hodgdon is closed on Fridays, I tried to call them.

What is a good rule of thumb when faced with not finding the specific bullet type in the load data?

The only primers I have right now is the CCI 450 Magnum, I know that can make a difference.

 

[Skgreen]

I would use FMJ data as a reference on charge weight and seat to the middle of the cannelure.

 

[lordpaxman]

What is a good rule of thumb when faced with not finding the specific bullet type in the load data?

I try to use a similar technology, similar OAL bullet. Although with rifle there’s a bit more latitude with bullet OAL than with pistol.
In your case, I’d go for the SPSX data, believe that’s a Hornady soft point. Typically the hollow points have a different OAL. I also cross check with the other bullets listed to just make sure there’s all in the same ballpark as far as charge weights go. Good luck.

 

[mrawesome22-250]

SPSX = soft point super explosive. Just a soft point with a thin jacket.

22 cal centerfire bullets are usually .224" not .223".

 

[rammy]

Correct mrawesome. type-o on my part. I've corrected

 

[rammy]

Thank you everyone! the Hornady SPSX looks the same as what I've got minus the cannelure.

 

[redcon1]

What is a good rule of thumb when faced with not finding the specific bullet type in the load data?

Start at the lowest listed powder charge and then run your bullets past a chronograph and make sure you aren't grossly exceeding the published velocity (taking into account differences in barrel lengths that may exist between your rifle and the published data's rifle). Your velocity is an indirect means of evaluating pressures this way. If the publisher got 2,800 fps with 25 grains and you got 3,000 fps with a shorter barrel, you know there's a problem. You aren't really reloading for accuracy here, not yet anyways. You're loading for data.

 

[AJC1]

Good day everyone!

quick question, I picked up some bulk (no manufacture is listed on the bag) .224 55grn JSP (jacketed soft point) with cannelure to try with Western powders Ramshot TAC (never tried it before) and I'm not seeing a JSP bullet in the load data. There is FMJ, FMJHP, SPSX and others but no JSP. Would I use the FMJHP and back off 10% of the starting load and try from there? I have looked in my Lee book (which doesn't show TAC powders and only shows jacketed bullets), downloaded the load data from Western and Hodgdon and none show a JSP. Hodgdon is closed on Fridays, I tried to call them.

What is a good rule of thumb when faced with not finding the specific bullet type in the load data?

The only primers I have right now is the CCI 450 Magnum, I know that can make a difference.

First, never reduce a starting load!!!!!
Find a bullet of the same weight and material, and work up from start.

 

[Blue68f100]

That bullet description sounds like the Hornady bullet. Sierra, Nosler also makes a similar bullet.

 

[ms6852]

You could also try data for the Sierra 55gr SBT, soft bullet tip.

 

[JimKirk]

TAC 24.3 . grains works well with 55 gr. Hornady VMax, Sierra 55 gr. and Mid south varmintnightmare 55 grain ... ...

I think the data calls for 55 FMj at 24.5 grains ...

 

[jmorris]

How different is your bullet from its FMJ brothers, as far as base depth after seating, distance to the lands, etc?

I have used some interchangeably with the same loads over the years.