Accur 5744 in 223rem

[Dr.Zubrato]

I was looking at economical 223 powders, and it looks as though this may be an answer to getting more loads per pound.
My Lee loading book lists the Starting load at 16.8gr, and Max at 18.7gr, with a min COAL of 2.230 for a 55gr projectile, and it checks out with the most recent Accurate loading data online so I know this load is safe.
I'm going to the range in less than a week and will begin working this powder up for an AR.
I've used IMR 3031 before with good results, but I'd like to get more than ~280 rounds per lb, and this looks like a decent option if it cycles well. (389 rounds/lb 5744)
Side note: Im not abandoning 3031, because it's useful above 55gr too, but I'm talking plinker ammo.

Does anyone have experience with loading this powder, or any tips? Will I have to use a case filler of some sort , seeing as there will be plenty of empty space?

Although it's listed in the Lee manual as being safe, and an accepted 223 powder, I cant find very much information on the net besides the factory loading data, and maybe some folks at the cast boolit forum using much reduced loads.

 

[Walkalong]

5 shots of 18.5 Grs AA5744 with a Winchester 55 Gr FMJ @ 2.219 to 2.229 OAL gave me 2605 FPS with an ES of 15 and an SD of 7. Small sample. It cycled my mid length AR with a Spikes ST-T2 buffer and tossed the brass 5 to 6 feet away 90 degrees from the gun. 18.0 Grs did 2525 FPS (ES of 38) and cycled the gun. 17.5 Grs was erratic (ES of 840) and would not cycle the gun dependably.

No filler, and I neglected to note the Load Density.

 

[Dr.Zubrato]

Wow! Many thanks, that's actually EXACTLY what I wanted to know!
I run a bcm midlength with an H2 buffer, so that was perfect!
Does the powder run clean, and did you find it to be accurate, or at least acceptable?

i couldnt have hoped for a better response, especially considering I dont have a chrono, dang glad I asked!

 

[Walkalong]

It was clean enough for the few rounds I fired, but AA 5744 has been plenty clean for me in other applications. I did not fire for accuracy, as I was simply getting numbers in a low velocity cycling test for a thread.

I have since given my PSA mid length upper (With lower) to my younger son, but I still have my BCM mid length and it has an ST-T2 buffer in it as well.

 

[Dr.Zubrato]

Thanks for the excellent and detailed information!
So, I've looked at my load book again, and started comparing Max PSI readings for a few different powders, and at max loads this powder is pretty dang high at almost 55k PSI, compared to the other powders is really the max value for any powders listed. (Makes sense for such a fast burning powder..)

1,000 rds @ 18.5gr 5744 is approx. 3 lbs : 78$ (26$/lb)
1,000 rds @ 24.3gr 3031 is approx. 4 lbs : 104$ (26$/lb)

AA5744 MAX PSI: 54990
IMR3031 MAX PSI: 52500

Now, assuming worst case scenario 3 reloads max from 5.56 LC once fired @ $100 shipped, and absolute BEST case scenario 6 hot reloads from 3031, I've calculated I'd still save close to 60$ by using 5744, and the gap widens if we're realistic about 3031 hot loads being closer to maybe 3-4 reloads @ those pressures.

Assuming we get 3 reloads from each case redlining both powders you'd save 80 dollars just by using 5744, which is almost enough to buy another 1k brass cases.

Some folks are trying to get as many firings from each piece of brass as possible, and I get that. However, for my uses I'm trying to simulate the recoil and accuracy of NATO spec rounds for training purposes without burning yet another hole in my pocket


Thank you Walkalong, I was tickled pink to see we had an identical setup and a working load with chrono data for the powder I purchased!! Have a great weekend to yourself and your son.

 

[Walkalong]

I'm trying to simulate the recoil and accuracy of NATO spec rounds

The recoil will be substantially lighter due to the lower velocities, but it will certainly work for plinking rounds.

I saved on powder costs in .223 by buying surplus powder (SRB-118) when it was much cheaper. ($250 for 32 Lbs shipped) I also picked up a jug of 2230-S cheap.

 

[Dr.Zubrato]

Dang, well so much for that. At least I'm happy to be saving bucks on some plinking rounds, and pending brass life, may just move back to 3031 or try 2230 in a few months when powder availability will return to normal (hopefully)
I'm just looking to save some extra cash any way I can, and researching casting for 357, too. So I'll definitely have some more questions then