55gr FMJ suggestions for mini-14

[JonMorganHill]

I'm ready to start doing some .223 reloading for my new mini-14. Of course stock is short everywhere right now. I'll be using H335, and looking around I'm thinking RMR 55gr FMJBT bullets. Anyone have experience with these? The price seems pretty reasonable. I haven't done anything with them in the past.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[gsbuickman]

I loaded up about 500 or so of the same for some 22-250 loads w/ Win brass & IMR 3031 to Speer 11th edition specs & they work well.

 

[Dudedog]

They worked fine for me for practice ammo in my Mini 14. Not MOA bullets but then a Mini 14 is not the most accurate thing to begin with.

 

[JonMorganHill]

Thanks both of you. There is so much conflicting info about weights, but I think 55gr is a good place to start, it’s mainly for plinking but it’s also a personal defense gun

 

[Dudedog]

Two sides to using reloaded ammo for SD,
I would suggest against it but others feel differently.
You want something other than FMJs for SD, will they work yes, but my thought is to use the best ammo I can for SD, since I don't shoot much of it. (verify function, replace every couple years)
This is a good read on reloads for SD pointing out some possible issues.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...f-handloads-in-self-defense-shootings.821474/


55s or 62s both seem to shoot about the same in my Mini.

 

[Skeptic13]

You might also look at Everglades Ammo. Their bullets have always shot well for me.

 

[gsbuickman]

Thanks both of you. There is so much conflicting info about weights, but I think 55gr is a good place to start, it’s mainly for plinking but it’s also a personal defense gun

It's all good and I agree with things being the way they are I would suggest stocking up on what you can especially in bulk, then work with what you have to get the best consistency you can from what you have on hand ...

 

[JonMorganHill]

Two sides to using reloaded ammo for SD,
I would suggest against it bith others feel differently.
You want something other than FMJs for SD, will they work yes, but my thought is to use the best ammo I can for SD, since I don't shoot much of it. (verify function, replace every couple years)
This is a good read on reloads for SD pointing out some possible issues.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...f-handloads-in-self-defense-shootings.821474/


55s or 62s both seem to shoot about the same in my Mini.

Thanks - I probable should have been more clear - I want something that will be close to what I'd use for SD and have been seeing 55gr being suggested as best option. I'd hate to have to defend my use of handholds in a SD situation, I'm sure they would have a field day with that in court.

 

[JonMorganHill]

You might also look at Everglades Ammo. Their bullets have always shot well for me.

Thanks, I'll check them. RMR says they have in stock, but the order page is also saying up to 8 weeks out. I'm hoping to get something in a bit quicker than that, but I'm not going to spend the insane prices people on GB seem to be asking

 

[Dudedog]

I had an email from RMR yesterday saying that they have some .223 55gr FMJs were in stock. So if they still have any it shouldn't be 8 weeks.
The email said they got some bullets from outside manufactures so they would have some supply.
RMR is saying 8 weeks for their in house bullets that are back ordered.
I would try giving RMR a call this morning and ordering.

This is what RMR had to say about them

Description
These are brand new 55 grain FMJBT bullets from another manufacturer. These are bulk produced bullets. These should not be considered match bullets. I doubt that they would be capable of anything much better than 2 moa. Because there are so many people buying bullets right now and then turning around and reselling them for more money, we are not going to accept any returns. Please, do not buy these if you are looking for match quality bullets. They’re just run of the mill mass produced range fodder.

 

[JonMorganHill]

I put in an order, I didn’t see this on the website, but if that’s what they ship it won’t make a difference for me. I’m not looking for match quality, just general target stuff

 

[Dudedog]

If you haven't loaded bottle neck rifle before be aware you will need to trim the cases.
I have a Worlds Finest Trimmer (WFT) not cheap but it makes trimming .223 brass much less of a chore and with a semi auto you will probably have a bunch of brass to trim.

H335 should work well with the 55s
You have a different bullet of course but here is some data from Hodgdon
55 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon H335 .224" 2.200" 23 3018 40,800 CUP 25.3 3203 49,300 CUP
Start 23gr, MAX 25.3
Lyman 50 shows
Start 24.3 MAX 27.0 with a different 55.
Lymans data seems a bit hotter than Hodgdon or Sierra, I think I would use Sierra or Hodgons data.


Need to try to find my notes but I was thinking I ended up loading 24.7gr H335 with a 55 for my Mini.

Always start at the start charge and work up to be safe.

If you Mini is like mine it will throw the brass a little (mine is like 15' or more), Nice positive ejection on my Mini

 

[JonMorganHill]

If you haven't loaded bottle neck rifle before be aware you will need to trim the cases.
I have a Worlds Finest Trimmer (WFT) not cheap but it makes trimming .223 brass much less of a chore and with a semi auto you will probably have a bunch of brass to trim.

H335 should work well with the 55s
You have a different bullet of course but here is some data from Hodgdon
55 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon H335 .224" 2.200" 23 3018 40,800 CUP 25.3 3203 49,300 CUP
Start 23gr, MAX 25.3
Lyman 50 shows
Start 24.3 MAX 27.0 with a different 55.
Lymans data seems a bit hotter than Hodgdon or Sierra, I think I would use Sierra or Hodgons data.

View attachment 933633
Need to try to find my notes but I was thinking I ended up loading 24.7gr H335 with a 55 for my Mini.

Always start at the start charge and work up to be safe.

If you Mini is like mine it will throw the brass a little (mine is like 15' or more), Nice positive ejection on my Mini

Great info, thanks. I ordered the Lee trim die, so I’ll start with that. The WFT looks great, maybe something for the Christmas list.
I was thinking about a work up from 24gr to 25gr, so it sounds like I’m in the ball park.
I haven’t been able to shoot yet, all the ranges around here are closed down, but I may need to change out the gas block bushing to something less energetic

 

[Dudedog]

My favorite powder for range fodder .223 is Ramshot TAC, meters very well.

 

[FROGO207]

Another vote for Tac I use it with all my 55 grain loads. Also if you can find any 55 grain FMJ Armscor bullets those are always the most accurate FMJ in my 223 rifles.