Using Reload Data

[liberalwithagun]

THR,

I have what may be a simple question but I figure it is better to ask than to remain silent. I am currently using the Nosler reload data book. However, I am NOT using nosler bullets. In order to stay "safe" I am loading it at starting load reccomendation.

For example I am loading .223 w/ 55 grain hornaday FMJBT w/ 23.0 grains of H335.

Does the bullet make that much difference? Should I be using a more general load data that just refers to grains?

 

[[email protected]]

Go to the hodgon powder web site and compare the load data. IIRC you should be ok and could push the load a little faster with around 25 grains of powder with a col of 2.200, but work your way up.

 

[liberalwithagun]

Another question on abbreviaton:

on the hodgon powder loads the two 55gr .223 bullets have the abbreviations SFIRE and SPR SP

What do those mean? Which is comparable (or are non comparable) to the 55 gr FMJBT I am loading?

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

SFIRE = Sinterfire. it's a brand name. i don't think you can use it for your FMJBT because sinterfire is a lead free bullet, iirc.

SPR SP most likely stands for Speer Soft Point

in general, as long as you're using data for a jacketed bullet of the same weight and you're sure to start low and work your way up while watching for pressure signs, then that starting point will probably be safe for any jacketed bullet in that weight. of course, if you can find data for your specific bullet, then that's better. get as close to your bullet style as possible and start low.

 

[gamestalker]

If the data being used is for a jacketed bullet of the same weight, it doesn't really matter who makes it. An example would be say if I loading some Speer 145 gr. Grand Slams, but the only data I can locate is for a Hornady or Sierra SP 145 gr., I'll use one of those as my data source.

And any more, Barnes all copper bullets are actually running a bit higher powder charge. So If I'm going to load one of those I would probably start around the mid range for a jacketed bullet of the same weight.

 

[BullfrogKen]

My general rule is as long as the bullet profile is generally the same, I treat them the same using the load data.


But I wouldn't make that leap with a radically different shape. Lapua's Scenar rifle bullets immediately come to mind.

 

[Clark]

Each bag of chocolate chips has a cookie recipe.
If you use the chips from one bag, and the recipe from another bag, will the house burn down and your family perish?
It could happen.

If you use a hand loading recipe from one brand bullets on another brand of the same weight, could it harm your 223?

No, the .223 case head is good for 75kpsi with long brass life, and the recipes are for less than 55kpsi.

When I get 223 primer pockets to open like a flower, it is more like 100 kpsi.

 

[rcmodel]

The things you need to avoid are using lead bullet data with Barnes solid copper bullets, Round-Nose bullets with Spitzer bullet data, and things like that.

For the most part, changing brand of bullets is pretty safe, and long as the bullet shape or composition stays the same.

rc

 

[kingmt]

Put NeuseRvrRat & RC's post together & I can't add much. A all brass bullet is longer & more likely increase pressure.