Choosing a powder for low chamber pressures

[OrangePwrx9]

I've got an original T/C Contender carbine in .223 that gets a mite hard to open when full power loads are used. This includes some factory loads. Instead of sending it back for T/C to tinker with (as they suggested), I'm thinking of loading for it using powders that max out at fairly modest chamber pressures.

Looking at the Lee manual, I see that IMR3031, H4198, H4895 and W748 all operate at relatively low chamber pressure with max loads when shooting 50 gr. bullets. In fact, W748 pressures are low with all bullet weights I use; yet velocity is reasonably high. I recall some IMR3031 reloads that I fired in this gun years ago never gave trouble.

What kind of performance can I expect with these 'reduced pressure' loads? Will accuracy hold up? Will they be dirty or need magnum primers? I figure the pressures are low for these powders because they're a bit slow for the .223.

Just wondering if anyone's investigated this. Does it make sense to go this route or simply used a reduced charge of powders that deliver higher pressures like AA2230 or H335? Not trying to set speed records; .222 velocities would be fine.
Thanks.
Bob

 

[Beelzy]

Win 748 is a good choice, next to H-335.

I use H335 for my Contender loads.

 

[Horsemany]

I have no experience loading 223 but I can tell you that generally the slower burning powders will have less pressure. Most loading manuals list powders from fastest to slowest on each page. Find a few powders you're interested in and google "powder burn rate chart". You can also reduce pressure by seating your bullets a bit deeper than one would normally.

 

[rcmodel]

Instead of sending it back for T/C to tinker with (as they suggested),

That right there sounds like the best plan to me.

If it is hard to open with standard commercial .223 loads, there is something wrong with it that needs to be fixed.

rc