S109 (M855) Data

[Steve H]

Anyone have a good direction to start looking for load data for the 62gr S109 bullet? I want to think that it is a longer bullet than the conventional 62gr bullet. If that is true I want to think starting at a minimum load is imperative. I searched the Hodgen/Winchester/IMR site and do not see that bullet mentioned. I did read that using 69gr bullet info is OK but I'm not convinced of that.

I just compared the S109 to a Winchester 55gr FMJ.........pretty big different in length. Overall the S109 is .190 longer with the majority of that length behind the cannelure. The 55gr is about .245 from the cannelure to the base while the S109 is about .400

 

[jwrowland77]

What's the overall length of the bullet?

Your best bet would be to use 69gr data. If you have a bullet that's between data in the manuals, use the heavier bullets data and work up. It's perfectly acceptable. You definitely don't want to use lighter bullet data, as the powder charges are more for the lighter bullet than the heavier one.

 

[Steve H]

The OAL of the S109 is .923 I do not have a 69gr. bullet to measure to compare the difference.

 

[jwrowland77]

The 69gr BTHP SMK is .904.

 

[243winxb]

S109 (M855) Data at link

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/WP_LoadSpec_1-23-14.pdf

 

[Steve H]

[

55 gr Winchester fmj next to 62gr S109

 

[jwrowland77]

The 69gr SMK is almost as long. The Tipped Match King would be longer.

 

[Steve H]

Thanks for the help guys. At least Accurate has data, now I just need to find somewhere to buy some................

 

[243winxb]

Cartridge, 5.56mm, ball, m855

http://www.tuffsteel.com/manuals/armyammodata.pdf Page 10-19 list Propellant:
Type ...............................WC 844
Weight ............................26.1 gr Surplus powder may be availabe. Do not use this amount of powder as different lots have different burn rates. Look over at http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_6/42_Reloading.html Oops I see you posted there.

 

[Steve H]

243..........

I'd love to try some WC 844 but I think my chances of finding some for sale are sorta like the proverbial ice cube

 

[243winxb]

I see you want H335 Data for the 62gr. S109.

 

[Steve H]

I just looked at the Barnes 62gr TAC-X bullet, it's .942 long which is pretty close to the 62gr SS109. That makes me think that the load data for the Barnes bullet might be a good starting point for the SS109
What do you think?

 

[Sunray]

Any powder/load that gives you approximately 3,100 ft/s with 1,303 ft-lbs. of energy out of a 20" barrel. Those'd be CFE 223 and H4895 from the Hodgdon stable.
http://www.ss109.com/index.php

 

[243winxb]

H335 62gr S109- 2.250" OAL.

H335 Data for the 62gr. S109. Start at 20.5 gr and work up to 24.5 gr maximum. Or i would just load 22.5 gr and forget about it. The bullet is not accurate enough to try for great accuracy. Use at your own risk. I do not use any of these componants. Internet data and published load data, using other components , was compiled for my best guess. Good luck.

 

[Steve H]

243
THANKS I'm not going to try to make this a target load by any means. These will be used as plinkers and or just in case stuff.