.223

[ghitch75]

i'm just startin' to load some 55g fmj and the lee chart say's 25.5gr to 27.5gr with H-VARGET.....i'm goin' with 26gr....when i put 26gr in the case the powder is full to the top of the case....this is weighted out with my scales....is that right full to the top of the case?....something don't seem right....help

 

[red_zr24x4]

I dont use varget and dont have any load data for it ,but does it say compressed? Ive heard that alot of varget loads are compressed but thats just hear-say
go to the hodgdon site and double check the data.
if your using military cases remember to reduce by 10% and work up

 

[ghitch75]

went and checked hodgdon's site and it say nothing about compressed....this is the closes load with varget i can find...

55 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon Varget .224" 2.200" 25.5 3174 41,300 CUP 27.5C 3384 49,700 CUP

 

[45-70]

When I use Varget for .223 I load 26 gn under a Hornady 55 gn jsp and yes, the powder is almost to the top of the neck. Normal condition

 

[kludge]

+1. Are you using military cases?

went and checked hodgdon's site and it say nothing about compressed....this is the closes load with varget i can find...

55 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon Varget .224" 2.200" 25.5 3174 41,300 CUP 27.5C 3384 49,700 CUP

Hodgdon Data shows a compressed load at max. That's what the "C" is after the 27.5. If you're at the top of the case with 26, you'll need a drop tube to fit the max load. Varget is pretty slow for a 55gr bullet.

Sierra lists a start load of 23.7 and max of 26.9 for a 55gr bullet as a bolt-gun load, but doesn't mention compression. It also lists 25.1 start and 27.2 max for AR-15 loads. FYI .223 Rem is a 50k psi round; 5.56 NATO is a 60k psi round.

Before doing a compressed load, take some time and read up on it and do it right, and get a proper crimp. If necessary consult your die maker's suggestions.

Also, why not start with the start load?

 

[ghitch75]

got them worked out.....23.5gr 2.250 ol shoots great.....thanks for the help..

 

[l c gun guy]

Yes it will be full try putting the powder in very slowly and it will work better I use 27.5 with a 50 gr vmax.

 

[ZbornacSVT]

I have used 27 for what I have loaded thus far....time to redo as that gun is gone.

 

[Aszerigan]

Your answer is actually right in front of you : 55 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon Varget .224" 2.200" 25.5 3174 41,300 CUP 27.5C (meaning 27.5gn compressed) 3384 49,700 CUP.

You're probably doing everything correctly - just charging them hot. Be careful about the mil brass, although I haven't had a problem with 25.0gr of Benchmark, which is a very fast load.