7th edition hornady odd 223 loads?

[Oklacoyotekiller]

anyone noticed an (for lack of better term)oddity about the 223 loads in hornady data? seem to jump around. using 4198 for AR and noticed a large drop in max load between 53gr and 55gr bullets. also they used a 26 inch barrel for development so looked at pistol data for better idea of velocity. they show max load of 21.7gr for53gr bullet. 24.0gr for 55gr bullet. also load for 223 contender and don't think i would load over 20gr for it. starting to question accuracy of hornady data. was using nosler book i bought back in 95 that i gave to friend starting out. any thoughts out there? been loading about 20 years and find these numbers a little confusing and maybe scary

 

[Waywatcher]

I have noticed, of my six plus manuals that I pore over quite regularly, the Hornady is easily the worst. Easily. I take everything within its pages with a hefty dose of salt.

The Nosler and Barnes books are very well done, the Speer book has its uses as does Lyman. If I had to pick one to keep it would be Nosler, and if I had to pick one to get rid of it would be Hornady.*

*In regards to .223 loads specifically.

 

[Oklacoyotekiller]

thanks for confirming my suspicions. finding lots of odd things Im this book the more i look. think i will be getting a new nosler. never saw anything Im my old one that concerned me like this one does. find it very strange since i feel hornady makes a quality product. will be keeping this one as i wouldn't be comfortable letting anyone i know load from it.

 

[Clark]

I have about 50 manuals and ignore published loads for my 223s.
The SAAMI registered max average pressure is 55 kpsi and the case head is good for 75kpsi.

Contrast that with the 270 that is registered at 65kpsi and the case head is good for 67 kpsi.

What does it all mean?
My 223 loads are way higher than anything published.
My 270 loads are lower than typical max published loads.

 

[Oklacoyotekiller]

thanx Clark. been loading quite awhile but new to world of the 223. finding out that it is a creature all its own. really like it though. much more efficient than 22-250 i had. my contender carbine loves the first load i tried. 19.5gr h4198 and 50gr seirra varmint. had not looked at other loads till AR. have settled on 20gr h4198 and55gr v-max. sub inch groups so very happy there. thanx for info on 223. not nearly as concerned now.

 

[Clark]

I run 35 kpsi 35 gr Vmax Blue Dot loads in a Ruger #1V 223 for rodents.

Two months ago I was shooting at a bouncing white tail with an AR15 with 66 kpsi 60 gr Tactical and Police bullets. Then I laid down and held still, until a skunk walked passed me.

I do better when the animal holds still.