reduced .223 load for 16 inch Contender?

[NCdrummer]

I am curious about trying to duplicate .22 Hornet ballistics in my 16" .223 Contender Carbine. I have a prairie dog trip coming up this summer and want to shoot the varmints at close range with low report similar to the Hornet's before I break out the heavier artillery (and subsequent noise) for longer shots. Has anybody tried using a pistol powder like W296 and 40 grain VMax in the .223?

 

[dagger dog]

Lyman 48 has data for 40gr VMAX for TC Contender they have H322 as their most accurate load, starting at 24.3 giving 2780 fps and a MAX of 27.0 @3141. using Remington brass and Remington 7 1/2's primers, shot from 14" Contender 1 in14 twist.

enjoy and welcome!