Warning! The load data listed below exceeds the Max load listed in a Lyman's reloading book.
A few days ago someone asked about using Alliant 2400 for reloading the .223 and someone else posted an old recipe from Lyman's listing a max load of 14 grs. I just happened to have about 8 lbs. of old Hercules 2400 I have been trying to find a use for so I decided to give this load a try. I started at 12.6 grs. and loaded up to 14 grs (stopped at 13.9 grs). I wasn't at all pleased with the results I was getting from any of the test loads so I figured I would just use this load for plinking. After I got back from the range and could get a good look at the brass from these test rounds I determined that 14 grs. was not causing any excessive pressure to the cases. I first tried 14.3 grs and the group tightened to less than 1 1/2". After seeing that this group ejected with no problem and the brass looked okay, I tried 5 more at 14.6 grs. The photo below shows the results of this group. I don't get groups like this every day so I was very pleased with this load. I am not suggesting that anyone try this, as I was using very old powder and it may not be as potent as the modern Alliant 2400. Based on the way these rounds shot in my gun today I think I have found a way to use up some of this old powder
A few days ago someone asked about using Alliant 2400 for reloading the .223 and someone else posted an old recipe from Lyman's listing a max load of 14 grs. I just happened to have about 8 lbs. of old Hercules 2400 I have been trying to find a use for so I decided to give this load a try. I started at 12.6 grs. and loaded up to 14 grs (stopped at 13.9 grs). I wasn't at all pleased with the results I was getting from any of the test loads so I figured I would just use this load for plinking. After I got back from the range and could get a good look at the brass from these test rounds I determined that 14 grs. was not causing any excessive pressure to the cases. I first tried 14.3 grs and the group tightened to less than 1 1/2". After seeing that this group ejected with no problem and the brass looked okay, I tried 5 more at 14.6 grs. The photo below shows the results of this group. I don't get groups like this every day so I was very pleased with this load. I am not suggesting that anyone try this, as I was using very old powder and it may not be as potent as the modern Alliant 2400. Based on the way these rounds shot in my gun today I think I have found a way to use up some of this old powder
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