New to Reloading 5.56/.223 questions

[SgtWeeks]

I'm handloading for my AR-15 and have Alliant Reloader 10x powder, Speer 50 gr SP bullets, CCI 450(magnum) primers and cannot find any load data that covers what I can get my hands on these days. Most of what I can find during my research is to take the min load and back off 10% to compensate for the magnum primer however i've also heard that 10x burns a little hotter faster so can raise the pressuress.. My AR IS rated for 5.56 NATO. Any help with starting loads would be greatly appriciated!!

Semper Fi

 

[zxcvbob]

Look on page 72: http://www.castpics.net/LoadData/Freebies/RM/Alliant/Alliant10.pdf

 

[Walkalong]

Alliant shows 24.2 Grs with a Nosler 50 gr BT at 2.200 OAL with a WSR primer.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/powderlist.aspx?type=1&powderid=24&cartridge=46

Speer #14 gives 21.5 (2997 FPS) to 23.5 Grs (3267 FPS) from a 22" barrel with 50 Gr bullets loaded at 2.185 (Spitz SP) and 2.235 (TNT) with a CCI 400 primer.

Welcome to THR

 

[KansasPaul]

I usually don't start at the min. for any loading but rather pick a point in the middle. Backing off 10% for the magnum primer is typical but I wouldn't start anywhere below the standard minimum. When working up a load for your AR I would recommend that you do a google search for "ladder method" - it's worked well for me in the past. I would also suggest that you watch for pressure signs as you work up your load (flattened primers). If you are using previously fired cases be sure that you trim them; brass fired from an AR often will stretch faster than brass fired from a bolt gun. Take your time and have fun.

Blessings

Paul

 

[rcmodel]

The latest Alliant reloading data handbook I have is from 2009.

But in it, it says .223 with a 55 grain Speer bullet and RX-10:
Max = 23.0 grains.

The starting load with all published Alliant data is a 10% reduction.

That would be a 20.7 grain Starting load with any 55 grain bullet.

Mag primers or not doesn't matter, as you need to always start at the start.
And work up.

rc

 

[SgtWeeks]

Thank you all!

So what I'm understanding here is Pick a middle "safe" point, Magnum primers don't effect much over all if i'm starting at a lower charge but within min/max load range and work to larger loads watching for pressure signs until i find a happy point? 20.7 grains with alliant 10x CCI 450 and Speer 50 gr SP sound good to everyone?

Sorry for the redundancy but you know us Jarheads gotta have it in crayon before it sinks in all the way ;^)

 

[rcmodel]

My mistake.
I thought you said 55 grain.

The Alliant manual I have says:
RX-10
50 Grain Speer.

24.2 MAX
That times 90% = a 10% reduction for a Starting load = 21.8 Start load.

Again my mistake!
I read 50 and thought I read 55!

rc

 

[SgtWeeks]

rcmodel,

Thank you for all your help!

I have two questions just to ensure that I'm being safe.
1.) The powder I have is Alliant Reloader 10x, you are writing RX-10 I just want to make sure their the same
2.) The Max load for the data you shared is more grains for a lighter bullet.. just want to make sure that is correct.

Again thank you for your help! One day i'll not be new at this ;^)

Semper Fi

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, & Yes.

Reloader 10x = RX10 in most reloading manuals.

Max for a lighter bullet is always higher then Max for a heavier bullet.

rc