Help with a h322 load

[2ac]

I'm looking for some help with load info for Nosler 55gr bt and H322. I've tried AA2230, 748, and Varget, all with less than spectacular results. I'd like to try the H322 that I have but can't find any info on it. This is for a Colt 1/9 twist barrel if that helps.

 

[rfwobbly]

According to the Sierra book, in an AR begin at 22.5 and work up to 24.3 max. OAL of 2.250" or as cannelure requires.

 

[Walkalong]

From Hodgdon's data center:

55 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon H322 .224" 2.200" 21.0 2841 38,600 CUP 23.0 3106 48,900 CUP

Link to data center:

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

 

[2ac]

Thanks for the replies but those are for Sierra and Speer bullets. I'm looking for load data for the Nosler bt. I'm not experience enough to substitute different bullets/data. If the was the case I'd think that a Vmax would be the closest?

 

[HOWARD J]

Nosler's telephone # 1-800-285-3701
Nosler does show H322 data for 60 gr bullet
Better to call them for 55 gr. bullet

 

[Walkalong]

If the was the case I'd think that a Vmax would be the closest?

No way to tell. That is why there is a min and a max. Start low and work up, but all those the bullets are made very similarly as far as jacket thickness and lead hardness, so that data should be perfectly safe.

I'll bet a buck that if you call Nosler as HOWARD J suggested, they will fix you up.

 

[45ACPUSER]

Boy if Varget is not shooting it is probably the operator......or the gun.

Varget with lighter bullets has charged weights that fill the case. You need a drop tube to help settle the powder.

I would not hesitate to use the Hodgdon reloading data as a starting point.
Online data from Nosler does not show H322 http://www.nosler.com/Reloading-Data/223-Remington--5.56x45-NATO-55-Grains.aspx

 

[2ac]

Ok, Varget isn't doing as bad as I remembered. I dug out some old targets and measured a few groups at +/- 1 moa. Seems between 23-24 grains works best. I just haven't used the H322 yet and wanted to give it a try. I guess I'll just save it for another load. And Hodgdon doesn't have a load for Nosler listed either, no one has that combo listed that I can find. I'll most likely give them a call on Monday. I also think it's time to revisit the Varget.

Thanks for all the advise..

 

[68wj]

You should be fine starting with the 22.5 load and working up and look for pressure signs. I use 322 for .223 but more for function than precision.

 

[LTR shooter]

Some of the most accurate 223 loads I've ever fired were with H322 , although I am loading for bolt rifles.

 

[rfwobbly]

That is why there is a min and a max. Start low and work up, but all those the bullets are made very similarly as far as jacket thickness and lead hardness, so that data should be perfectly safe.

+1

I bet your phone call to Nosler yields data very, very similar to what has already been given you.

 

[jem375]

I'm getting ready to load up some 55 gr. Hornady's with H322 and will start at 22.0 grs.

 

[2ac]

Well I just called Nosler...and wasn't much help. He suggested I use Hodgdon's info, which isn't going to do me any good. He basically told me, not in his words, to pick the closest one and drop a grain.
I guess it's time for the next step of learning how to handload without the proper data. I know to start low and look for pressure signs, it's just the how low and too much that make me nervous. I like to have baselines to work with. I guess I have plenty of other data points to cross reference. 22 grains does seem like a good number to start with and I cant imagine I'll need to get to max before I find a decent load.
Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

[HOWARD J]

Nosler data for 60 gr. partition is:
H322- 21.5--23.5 max

 

[Walkalong]

He suggested I use Hodgdon's info, which isn't going to do me any good. He basically told me, not in his words, to pick the closest one and drop a grain.
I guess it's time for the next step of learning how to handload without the proper data.

That is proper data. No powder company can test every single bullet out there.

You are not even close to loading without proper data.

Relax, start at the minimum, and as you posted, I bet you find a load you like before you get to max.

 

[chevy_dmax]

You have several good recommendations from a few much respected people on here. I completely agree and second the advice you’ve been given. Experimentation is a given for the sport of reloading. You have to develop a load in your rifle, with your components, based on starting loads that use similar components. That is why there is a range of data.

If you want an exact recipe to match, you’re going to have to buy/use every component, right down to the brand that the manual used in their test cases; cases, primers, bullets, powder and oal.

Bill