AA2230 Load Help

Scott Hearn

Well-Known Fanatic
Joined
Sep 19, 2010
Messages
2,614
Location
Moore, OK
What are you guys currently running with "newer" lots of powder?

Here's my results:

23.0 Gr. 23.5 Gr. 24.0Gr.

Average Vel 2861.55 2926.89 2975.44
Std. Deviation 27.18 36.30 17.23
Extreme Spread 90.00 111.00 51.00
Ave. PF 157.39 160.98 163.65


Obviously I want to go hotter and I'm fairly certain 24.5 grains is doable. I was digging around and found that Accurate has dropped their data over time. I'm getting a bit of primer flattening at 24.0.

These loads are with Hornady 55 FMJBT crimped in the cannelure @ 2.200 OAL with a 1.75" trim length, with Wolf SRM primers. Note that these are not the .223 primers, those were not out yet when I bought this 10K. Like I said I think I can go up some (and want to) but the primer flattening so soon has me wondering. My hotter BLC2 load is just North of 3100FPS and runs the gun fine. With the 2230 I'm going to have to open the gas block screw to get the gun to run.

Edit: How do you put a dang table in a post! :(
 

Rustyzx9

Founding Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
1,119
Location
Moore, OK.
Scott, I've been loading 24 grains of AA2230 behind several differnt brands of 55 grain FMJ's and a few 55 grain VMAX to an AOL of 2.250" with several different primers including the Wolff SRP's with no problems. I ran a few over the chrono out the the 10.5" rifle once but didn't make a not of the numbers. So far I've loaded through more than 16lb's of this powder, some of it older and some fresh batches. It's always been very consistant for me.

My intent for the data I'm using is to replicate regular XM193 ammo. I get good accuraccy from both the 16" rifle I'm running now and the 10.5" rifle I was running.
 

Chambers

actual GM
Joined
Oct 2, 2010
Messages
2,311
Location
OKC, OK
Considered heavier bullets? I'm happy with the velocity of my 68 gr. load for longer shots. And it is right in the middle (23.5) pressure wise.

18" gun?
 

Scott Hearn

Well-Known Fanatic
Joined
Sep 19, 2010
Messages
2,614
Location
Moore, OK
Considered heavier bullets? I'm happy with the velocity of my 68 gr. load for longer shots. And it is right in the middle (23.5) pressure wise. You using 2230 with the heavys? I was actually thinking Varget or maybe TAC or heaven forbid 4895?

18" gun?

Yep, it's the new Loki with the 18" double fluted barrel and all the go fast goodies. I got a crapload of 55's to use up, but will be looking for a heavier load for out past 300.

Scott, I've been loading 24 grains of AA2230 behind several differnt brands of 55 grain FMJ's and a few 55 grain VMAX to an AOL of 2.250" with several different primers including the Wolff SRP's with no problems. I ran a few over the chrono out the the 10.5" rifle once but didn't make a not of the numbers. So far I've loaded through more than 16lb's of this powder, some of it older and some fresh batches. It's always been very consistant for me.

My intent for the data I'm using is to replicate regular XM193 ammo. I get good accuraccy from both the 16" rifle I'm running now and the 10.5" rifle I was running.

Rusty that 24.0 load will actually work, I just want to get all the velocity I can. Plus If you look at the targets, though the numbers are sort of whacked with that middle set, the groups actually noticeably shrunk with each increase. I was shooting 10 shot groups and IIRC, that 24.0 load had 5 rounds clustered inside one of the 1" grid squares with the others orbiting above. I'm hoping 24.5 is going to be the money load. If I could throw some bigger glass on it, like 10X, I know I could probably reduce the group size by 30%. 4X ain't the best for ringing things out, but I don't have anything else that will fit this 30mm mount. Maybe I'll spring for one of those new Bushnell Elite 1X6s.
 

shootingbuff

Well-Known Fanatic
Joined
Oct 4, 2010
Messages
1,296
Location
Lawton, OK
Off topic of sorts. I would think the XM193 would push 3000+ from an 18" bbl - just thinnking out load here. If that is the case and H332/335/Vargat/BlC2/748/2230 don't get you there try 3031. I look at it for rifles like i do Unique for pistols and it post good vel with 55s.

The brass for the 223/556 vary. If you are pushing max loads it might be best to stay with one man.of brass or work the load up using each man of brass that you will be using. Of course 556 will have less vol then 223 with a slightly longer neck so trimming is important at least initially. Again just thinking out loud.

Great group. If the load shoots well, the gun works, the load performs satisfactorly or better - shoot it up ;)

Hope you find a happiness with your load development.
 

Scott Hearn

Well-Known Fanatic
Joined
Sep 19, 2010
Messages
2,614
Location
Moore, OK
Scott, I'm not saying you should try this but my 2230 load was 25gr behind a 55gr fmj. It went 2970-3000 out of my 18" barrel.

This just in. This load is money.

I got the following numbers.

Ave. Velocity: 3127
Hi: 3145
Low: 3106
SD: 14

10 shot string over a CED Millenium chrono with the newer M2 sensors. Primers are flat but look good to go. With 2230 this was by far my most consistent load and shot the best group too. Even better than IMR 8208XBR and that stuff is downright scary consistent. I think it's like Varget though, probably better with heavier bullets than 55gr and probably even better yet in a 20" barrel. I can sure see why the benchrest crowd likes it. But 2230 it is!

Now GT, why is my velocity so much higher than yours?
 

Wall

El Diablo
Staff member
Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
12,975
Location
NW OKC
Scott,
I'm shooting the same barrel 18" Loki dbl flute.
24.5 grn of 2230 with a 55grn hornady fmj bullet.
Just chono'd today & my velocities were around 3150
 

Latest posts

Top