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7/27/2008 9:56:02 AM EDT
I need to roll up some close range training ammo for my patrol rifle.

It dosent need to be crazy accurate since this will be for "run and gun" type stuff. It DOES need to be economical because a lot of it will be going downrange in a short amount of time.

The only requirements are that it goes bang, cycles the weapon, dosent cause baffle strikes in my suppressor, and is NOT steel core. Some of the shooting will be on steel and I don't need to hole any of the plates.

Engagement distance will not be more than 100 yards.

Easy metering through a Lee Perfect Powder Measure would be ideal.

This will mostly be loaded in once fired FC and some other mixed commercial brass (in case I can't find it later).

Thanks
7/27/2008 9:59:17 AM EDT
[#1]
IMHO...........

Buy some bulk bullets in 55 gr. FMJ.

Buy some surplus powder.  

Buy some cheap (WOLF sm. mag.) rifle primers.

_________________________________________

Find a load that works and go for it.

Aloha, Mark
7/27/2008 10:26:49 AM EDT
[#2]
Ramshot Tac is about $100 for 8 lbs, does about 2200 or so depending on load
Wolf Small Rifle Magnum $18.50 per 1000 (no failures here yet)
Hornady 55 grain FMJBT $74 per 1000
Add HAZMAT charge if shipped usually $20
Add shipping

Prices are from Widener's and they are currently out of TAC, but the prices are typical. I haven't tried the Hornady 55 grain yet, but I'm going to. Some have reported great accuracy with this bullet and that's pretty hard to beat pricewise.

The whole trick is finding a place that has everything in stock at the same time so you only end up with one shipping charge. That's the hard part. If you have to pay shipping and HAZMAT you're better off buying a bunch to spread that over the materials cost, if you can do that.
7/27/2008 10:37:24 AM EDT
[#3]
I don't know jack about surplus powders. What is good for .223?
7/27/2008 10:50:53 AM EDT
[#4]
For regular military loads. Generally...........

WC 844 is used in 5.56x45 NATO
WC 846 is used in 7.62x51 NATO

WC844(H335) and WC846(BL-C2) *Not a direct replacement.  Start low and work your way up.


________________________________________________________________

www.hodgdon.com/smokeless/rifle.php




H335â„¢ originated as a military powder, used for the 5.56 NATO, or 223 Remington as handloaders know it. Obviously, it sees endless use in the 222 Remington, 223 Remington and other small cartridges. In particular, prairie dog shooters will find this a favorite, as J.B. Hodgdon has for years! Available in 1 lb. & 8 lb. containers.

BL-C(2)â„¢ is a spherical powder that began as a military powder used in the 7.62 NATO, commonly known as the 308 Winchester. When it was first introduced to the handloader, benchrest shooters and other target shooters made it an instant success. BL-C(2) works extremely well in the 223 Remington, 17 Remington, 22 PPC and of course, the 308 Winchester, plus many more. Available in 1 lb. & 8 lb. containers.



__________________________________________

For load data..........the chart is in one of the posts..........

www.warrifles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51236

or

www.fortliberty.org/military-library/ballistics-chart.shtml

Aloha, Mark

PS........you might be able to find WC844 or WC846 at the Gun Show or from an Internet seller (w/ haz mat fees).  Most local stores will carry the "first line" Hodgdon Powders at a good price.

Speaking of which.......YMWV as to price........so, BEWARE.




7/27/2008 6:57:30 PM EDT
[#5]
For what it's worth, I have gotten my plinker load down to $16/100.

I buy bulk 55gr FMJ from Midway, Hodgen Benchmark, CCI 400 primers and Winchester brass...it would be a little cheaper if I used a less expensive powder but the Benchmark burns so clean that after 2-300 rounds I have no carbon anywhere in or on the bolt.

Good Luck,
Knucklehead
7/27/2008 9:57:02 PM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
IMHO...........

Buy some bulk bullets in 55 gr. FMJ.

Buy some surplus powder.  

Buy some cheap (WOLF sm. mag.) rifle primers.

_________________________________________

Find a load that works and go for it.

Aloha, Mark




sorry, im still a reloading noob.  But why the mag primers and not just the regular s.r?
7/28/2008 6:11:25 AM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:

sorry, im still a reloading noob.  But why the mag primers and not just the regular s.r?


they have thicker cups and are less likely to pierce if pressures get a bit warm... plus the wolf primers are the cheapest available atm.
7/28/2008 10:49:06 AM EDT
[#8]
According to Widener's.....WOLF Sm Mag Rifle primers are the recommended flavor for loading .223/5.56mm.

Like according to Remingtion.......they say to use their #7-1/2 Sm. Rilfe Primer and NOT their #6-1/2 Sm. Rifle Primer, when loading for .223/5.56mm.
____________________________________________

BTW.......it's NOT ALWAYS the case, that Magnum Primers are the recommendation for re-loading .223/5.56mm.  Use what the BOOK says to use.   And, you may note, that sometimes, only certain powders will be spec'ed for Mag. primers.

Now, OK.....there maybe a "PROBLEM."   Because, sometimes the primers you happen to have on hand, may not match the BOOK.

Currently, there aren't many re-loading BOOKs that have WOLF brand primers spec'ed.

So, buy the right ones.

OR.......

IF you elect to subsitute the primer brands (or standard for magnum).........REMEMBER:  Start to out low and work your way up.  Watch for the classic signs of overpressure.

Overpressure signs (photos), look about half way down the page.........

www.radomski.us/njhp/cart_tech.htm

Aloha, Mark

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