I just got my .223 dies today. I intend to reload 5.56 nato ammo. There's no data about the round in the manual I have. Does anyone know the preffered powder and amount to achieve factory ammo performance.?
5.56 NATO Reloading
- Thread starter CECannonJr
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
What powder do you have on hand now? Or do you want to order the right one now?
I'm going to order it if I can. The only rifle powder l have on hand is IMR-3031. I think it will work, but it's not ideal.
IMR 3031 is a good choice for .223 only beware powder bridging
www.longrangehunting.com
www.ar15.com
IMR 3031 in .223 Rem
Just picked up 8 lbs of. IMR 3031 looking for anyone's pet/favorite loads for .223 rem. I have never used it before I normally use Varget or Win 748 but was able to lay my hands on a 8lb keg so I did trying to get Varget is still a pain in the backside. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
What are your top 5 powders for .223/5.56? > Reloading > AR15.COM
Going to gun show tomorrow looking specifically for powder and projectiles.Powder supply is still extremely weak around here, so I'll have to take what I can get.I've used only a few powders in .223/5
www.ar15.com
I may try it. I want to make sure it generates enough gas to operate the bolt. I'm aware of the bridging risk and other metering issues with it, so I'll be careful. The Lee powder measure is said to work well with it.IMR 3031 is a good choice for .223 only beware powder bridging
IMR 3031 in .223 Rem
Just picked up 8 lbs of. IMR 3031 looking for anyone's pet/favorite loads for .223 rem. I have never used it before I normally use Varget or Win 748 but was able to lay my hands on a 8lb keg so I did trying to get Varget is still a pain in the backside. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
What are your top 5 powders for .223/5.56? > Reloading > AR15.COM
Going to gun show tomorrow looking specifically for powder and projectiles.Powder supply is still extremely weak around here, so I'll have to take what I can get.I've used only a few powders in .223/5
The powder choice for a gas gun is much different than for a Bolt gun.
Port pressure is paramount in loading for the AR, M1A the pressure used to
operate the bolt on a gas gun must be inside certain parameters.
I have found that AA ball powders not only meter very true I believe they have a powder
for the .223 https://shop.hodgdon.com/accurate/accurate-2230r
I used their AA2520 for many years for our NM M1a rifles with perfect results, yea I saw the 2520 recall LOL.
Port pressure is paramount in loading for the AR, M1A the pressure used to
operate the bolt on a gas gun must be inside certain parameters.
I have found that AA ball powders not only meter very true I believe they have a powder
for the .223 https://shop.hodgdon.com/accurate/accurate-2230r
I used their AA2520 for many years for our NM M1a rifles with perfect results, yea I saw the 2520 recall LOL.
Do you think it would work well in an AR?
OK. It looks like, based on the conversation in the link you posted, that Hodgdon H335 would be great for 5.56.
A good choice for the M16.
switchback
Well-Known Fanatic
good info and conversation. Old time reloader, m16 loading rookie. I will seek the H335
1Sgt_Jerry
Well-Known Fanatic
H335 fan here as well.
On proper loading for function. I've been loading for 30+ yrs. AR type about half that much. From experience, everything I have loaded in 223 data that is generated by a quality trusted source has functioned at the start load. May need to adjust for ejection path a bit and of course accuracy. The main difference between 556 and 223 is how they are pressure tested. 556 chambers have more lead as welll. If using military 556 brass the case capacity may be a bit less than commercial 223 due to the thickness of the brass. Definitely start at the bottom of the load data and look for pressure signs.
On proper loading for function. I've been loading for 30+ yrs. AR type about half that much. From experience, everything I have loaded in 223 data that is generated by a quality trusted source has functioned at the start load. May need to adjust for ejection path a bit and of course accuracy. The main difference between 556 and 223 is how they are pressure tested. 556 chambers have more lead as welll. If using military 556 brass the case capacity may be a bit less than commercial 223 due to the thickness of the brass. Definitely start at the bottom of the load data and look for pressure signs.
Thank you sir. I will definitely use your advice. I'm still waiting for the h335 to arrive. Can you provide the load data? I have a manual, but it is lacking 5.56 data. It has .223 data. I have seen widely different numbers on various forums.
1Sgt_Jerry
Well-Known Fanatic
Here is a start.
I'll check the books I have in a bit. I think most of my commercial books call out 223 data. The two are so close, I don't get too wrapped around the axle about it.
blueridgebrass.com
Any thing anyone puts out for data, be very cautious. I have not personally used this site / data. Be very suspicious of anything typed. It's easy to have an inadvertent typo. If possible always cross ref data with an additional source or two.
I'll check the books I have in a bit. I think most of my commercial books call out 223 data. The two are so close, I don't get too wrapped around the axle about it.
223 / 5.56 Reloading Data - Blue Ridge Brass
Compiling all of the best FREE 223 / 5.56 Reloading Data manual and links. They are also some of the most inexpensive to load for. Bulk Brass
blueridgebrass.com
Any thing anyone puts out for data, be very cautious. I have not personally used this site / data. Be very suspicious of anything typed. It's easy to have an inadvertent typo. If possible always cross ref data with an additional source or two.
Thank you very much. Safety first. I don't want to blow my face off.Here is a start.
I'll check the books I have in a bit. I think most of my commercial books call out 223 data. The two are so close, I don't get too wrapped around the axle about it.
223 / 5.56 Reloading Data - Blue Ridge Brass
Compiling all of the best FREE 223 / 5.56 Reloading Data manual and links. They are also some of the most inexpensive to load for. Bulk Brass
Any thing anyone puts out for data, be very cautious. I have not personally used this site / data. Be very suspicious of anything typed. It's easy to have an inadvertent typo. If possible always cross ref data with an additional source or two.
1Sgt_Jerry
Well-Known Fanatic
62 gr.
1Sgt_Jerry
Well-Known Fanatic
Good info. Thank you sir. I've got some IMR 3031.
Looks like H335 at 22 gr might be a good starting point with a 62 gr bullet. That's in line with several other recommendations I've seen. I think I'll try that initially. Now, I need to buy a chrono.
