Hornady LNL 223

[tdb]

I loaded up some Hornady .224 bullets yesterday with my Hornady LNL with my free bullets 55 GR SP , with powder H335 24.6 load , and the groups were anywhere from 1.5" to 2.5" ,Would like some of advice from people who has used the hornady free bullets in 223 , the groups they are getting and the load they are using with there free bullets . Thanks TEDMI. PS Iam using a Winchester Coyote with 1-9 twist .

 

[jwalt01]

How long did it take to get your bullets
if you dont mind me asking?
It,s been six weeks so far for me.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Try working your powder load up and not just use a set powder load. You're more than likely find a powder load your rifle likes and get better groups.

Regards,

Dave

 

[tdb]

.223

It took about 2 weeks , Dave I started with the 24.6 because that was the load I was using with Sierra 52HPBT and they shot great , I loaded some 23.0 loads today will try them Sunday , with the 1-9 twist maybe I should try a little higher load . Thanks for the replies. TEDMI.

 

[snuffy]

Dave I started with the 24.6 because that was the load I was using with Sierra 52HPBT and they shot great , I loaded some 23.0 loads today will try them Sunday , with the 1-9 twist maybe I should try a little higher load . Thanks for the replies. TEDMI.

Yes, you're going the wrong direction. H-335 can go up to 27.0,(Lyman 48th) for a 55 gr, bullet. Hodgdon says 25.3 is max for 55's.

It's been a while since I loaded any Hornady 55's, my bushy AR in 1-9 likes heavier bullets. I load the 60 Hornady v-max and 60 HP. for informal shooting and varmints.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

When I "work up a load," I do this:

First, I load 10 rounds of each weight of each powder I want to try I load the cartridges started at the bullet manufacturer's minimum recommended load for that bullet and load up to max recommendation, half a grain at a time until I have cartridges close to or at the max.

Second, I bring "backer paper" and plenty of targets to the range. I shoot each ten round group with a fresh target and fresh backer paper to insure I only have a ten round group on that paper and target. I don't adjust the sights or the rifle in any way, so as to not affect the groups. I measure the groups outside edge to outside edge, to be as conservative as possible. I record each load on the target and in a "dope book" for reloading as well. Then I keep the targets until I get home and record the data. That way, I make sure I get the data on each load.

Once I find a load that is "close" to what I am looking for, I attempt to fine tune that load using smaller increments of powder above and below the best group I had for that powder/bullet. I take the new loads and repeat the process, seeing if I get an even better group.

I then stuff all the data for the loads into an excel spreadsheet and see what jumps out at me. If the velocity and accuracy is good for the range I'm wanting to shoot in, I'm done and I load up a batch of however large a quantity I want for that rifle. If it's a hunting rifle, enough for a couple years hunting. For target rifles, anywhere from 200 to a 1000, depending on forseen usage.

I may try up to three or four powders if I'm not satisfied with the results of a single powder.

All that said, when it comes to bolt action rifles, I make sure the barrel is free floated (able to slide a dollar bill around barrel from action to front of stock or vice versa) and the rifle has had a trigger job at a minimum. Add a 10 degree target crown and steel bed the action if it appears to be worth while.

To date, most rifles I've worked with are 1.5" and below using the above procedures. It is a bit of work, but it's been worth it. Newer, more modern bolt actions are fairly easy to get down around an inch and below using this procedure.

Regards,

Dave

 

[tdb]

load

Thanks for the replies , I loaded some cases today , I load 10- 25.5 H335 55 GR SP , My ? is I also load up some 10 cases of H335 26.0 , was wondering if this wouldn't be to hot of load , Hodgddon Webb site says not to exceed 25.3, has anyone shot H335 26.0 load in .223 . Thanks TEDMI.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Load to the bullet manufacturer's recommendations, not the powder companies. Generally speaking, your results will be much better, as that manufacturer knows about his bullet and has specifically tested various powders for it.

I never use powder manufacturer's recommendations, having seen too many guys on the net have problems using those recommendations and I suspect this is because the recommendations are too general and don't work well with all bullets.

You may also have to use smaller increments than half a grain, depending on the powder starting and maximum loads.

BTW, I forgot to mention in the earlier post that if you have the equipment, it's preferable to make velocity measurements as well.

Dave

 

[jim147]

My Hornady manual lists 23.2 as MAX for H335 with the 55 grain bullet.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Jim,

What does that manual list for min? That's the load I'd start with and work up from. If I couldn't get the performance I wanted at the load ranges listed in that manual, I'd look at using another powder.

Regards,

Dave

 

[jim147]

H335 start 20.8-max 23.2 C.O.L. 2.200

It does show it was a 26" 1 in 12 twist barrel which could make a bit of differance.

Go small steps and take care.

I load 24.5 Varget with 55 SP myself.