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Posted: 2/14/2016 9:53:24 PM EDT
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Ok I have been reloading for a while now for various guns but just now starting to work up a new load for my AR and i am stumped. i had 20 rounds of Hornady 55g FMJBT B.C 0.243 loaded with 24.1gr of AR-Comp running at 3,000 fps ( 223 load ) as a test batch. I would prefably like to use this load but with further digging ( this is all according to Hornady 9th Edition ) if i look at the 5.56 section the only 55g Hornady has listed is a GMX bullet with a B.C of 0.245 which using that bullet as a general referance using AR-Comp and my current 24.1gr I'm way into the Hornady " RED ZONE " for a 55g projectile. According to the book with a 5.56 round with AR-Comp and 55g projectile 22.1gr = 3,000, 23.3gr = 3,100 and the Red Zone 24.4gr = 3,200fps. My question is this, Is my current load of Hornady 55g FMJBT B.C 0.243 loaded with 24.1gr of AR-Comp which is 100fps below Hornady's 223 "RED ZONE" safe to run in my AR?
I will note this my AR is a le6920 i shot 20 rounds of my current load through it and at 100 yards and got a 1.5 - 1 3/4 inch group using a ACOG sight so the rifle likes the load but i don't want to shoot anymore until i find out rather the load is safe for extended use. My thinking is its a 223 load so it should be fine whats your opinions ? |
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As a general rule Honady loads are on the conservative side. If I were you I would back the load down a bit and see what accuracy you achieve. If you have access to a Chrono so much the better. In my experience the max loads listed rarely are the most accurate.
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The key difference that is confusing you is that you are looking at data for a "GMX" bullet. The GMX is not a lead core copper jacket bullet.
If you want to compare data do it with other 55gr standard bullets not GMX or Barns or any other non traditional designs. Motor |
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Quoted: Ok I have been reloading for a while now for various guns but just now starting to work up a new load for my AR and i am stumped. i had 20 rounds of Hornady 55g FMJBT B.C 0.243 loaded with 24.1gr of AR-Comp running at 3,000 fps ( 223 load ) as a test batch. I would prefably like to use this load but with further digging ( this is all according to Hornady 9th Edition ) if i look at the 5.56 section the only 55g Hornady has listed is a GMX bullet with a B.C of 0.245 which using that bullet as a general referance using AR-Comp and my current 24.1gr I'm way into the Hornady " RED ZONE " for a 55g projectile. According to the book with a 5.56 round with AR-Comp and 55g projectile 22.1gr = 3,000, 23.3gr = 3,100 and the Red Zone 24.4gr = 3,200fps. My question is this, Is my current load of Hornady 55g FMJBT B.C 0.243 loaded with 24.1gr of AR-Comp which is 100fps below Hornady's 223 "RED ZONE" safe to run in my AR? I will note this my AR is a le6920 i shot 20 rounds of my current load through it and at 100 yards and got a 1.5 - 1 3/4 inch group using a ACOG sight so the rifle likes the load but i don't want to shoot anymore until i find out rather the load is safe for extended use. My thinking is its a 223 load so it should be fine whats your opinions ? Welcome  to Arfcom and the Reloading Forum.Have a tip for you, if you will doublespace between complete sentences your posts will be easier to read and you will get more responses. Like I'm doing here. Always check several sources for the load you want to load, don't forget the powder makers web sites. Data does and will vary, just how it is. Not sure why you are mentioning the BC of your bullets, doesn't really matter unless your shooting long range, and doesn't matter to the powder charge. As long as you begun loading at the start load and worked up watching for pressure signs, you should be GTG. |
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As stated above, did you work up to that load? Did you use a chrony or are you using the expected velocity from a published load. Also, unless you are specifically in the 5.56 section of your loading manual you are looking at 223 loads. Make sure you know which chamber your rifle has.
Depending on the powder and bullet 3,000 fps is not a particularly hot load for 5.56. It may be a hot load in a 223 chamber. Remember, every gun and component combination is different. Work up to each and every one. Learn the signs your gun will give when you reach max load. It can help to shoot a lot of hot factory loads from each gun to gain some experience. Hope this helps. |
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