.223 Velocity in 16" barrel

[Lee Q. Loader]

Started loading .223 with a friend recently. Based on searching posts here we decided to use H335 with some Nosler 50 gr SP's we got from RMR.

We worked up to a very accurate load at 25.8 grains of H335 with a Win Small Rifle primer. When we ran this load over my chrony we got 2965 ave. fps. The rifle is a Delton AR with 16" barrel and 9 twist.

My question is: What to you think of that velocity for that load? I was a bit disappointed. Do you think that's about where that load should be in that rifle? I know I should be happy given how accurate it is. Sometimes I admit I'm too concerned with velocity.

 

[climbnjump]

With that combination of powder, bullet and barrel length, you are right in the ballpark on the velocity. Since you are happy with the accuracy, load 'em up and shoot.

 

[cougar1717]

The question is, "in comparison to what?" It's a 16" barrel. Most rifle velocities in a loading manual use a 24" test barrel. Some manuals use an actual rifle. Manual velocities are usually optimistic. Individual firearms vary as well in that some shoot faster or slower than others.

Here's a great comparison.
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/223rifle.html

One time I had my chrono out at the range and another range patron came by gushing the praises of his 18" barreled 6.5G. He asked if I would shoot his rifle across my chrono to get an idea about the long range capabilities of his handloads. I gladly obliged, but the recorded velocity was much slower than he was expecting, even with the shorter barrel. Needless to say, he wasn't that happy when faced with an objective source of truth.

 

[Charlie98]

That’s about right. I, too, load H335 for my 16” AR’s, and that’s about the right velocity, unless you redline it.

 

[jmr40]

I don't handload for my 223's, but that is about what I see from 16" barrels and factory loads. You're in the ballpark.

 

[2ndtimer]

Barrel length matters. Fiocchi factory .223 Rem 40 gr V-Max loads are rated at 3650 fps by the factory. And that is what they chronographed at - out of my 26" Remington 700 SPS Varmint. Out of my S&W M&P-15 Sport (original 1 in 8" twist 16" barrel,) they clocked 3150 fps. Sounds like you gain around 50 fps per added inch of barrel with lighter weight bullet loads in the .223/5.56.
You can get over 3,000 fps with a 50 gr bullet (or maybe even a 55 gr), if you are willing to push 5.56 NATO pressures in a 5.56 NATO or .223 Wylde 16" barrel. And settle for 3 or 4 loadings from your brass before your primer pockets expand to the point that they no longer hold a primer.

 

[kcofohio]

I have a 24" and 16" barrel uppers. One day I need to compare loads. I imagine there will be some considerable difference.

 

[Charlie98]

I have a 24" and 16" barrel uppers. One day I need to compare loads. I imagine there will be some considerable difference.

I have compared identical loads between my 16" carbine and my 20" H-bar, there is a minor difference with factory ammos, but what I found was more of a difference with handloads. As 2ndTimer mentions, you really have to ramp the load up to match factory velocities.

FC 'M193'... 2900fps 16", 3000fps 20"
LC M193... 3100/3200
LC M855... 3000/3100

But I found with moderate handloads (moderate using Hornady Service Rifle load data...) was I could barely tap 2800fps with a 55grn bullet, even using slower powders like IMR4895, and in most cases, starting loads were in the low- to mid-2000's.

 

[kcofohio]

I have compared identical loads between my 16" carbine and my 20" H-bar, there is a minor difference with factory ammos, but what I found was more of a difference with handloads. As 2ndTimer mentions, you really have to ramp the load up to match factory velocities.

FC 'M193'... 2900fps 16", 3000fps 20"
LC M193... 3100/3200
LC M855... 3000/3100

But I found with moderate handloads (moderate using Hornady Service Rifle load data...) was I could barely tap 2800fps with a 55grn bullet, even using slower powders like IMR4895, and in most cases, starting loads were in the low- to mid-2000's.

I have some 55 gr. Nosler that I plan on trying CFE-223 and Varget with. Maybe TAC also. Western Powders has 5.56 NATO loads for the Hornady FMJBTs I have on hand. Don't know for sure if that would keep up with the Lake City rounds though. Gotta try.

 

[Lee Q. Loader]

Thanks for the replies. I think my biggest problem with the velocity is that the first number is a "2" and not a "3".
I really like the Nosler 50 gr SP's and they're about 9 cents each from RMR. Rocky Mountain Reloading.

 

[Blue68f100]

I have some 55 gr. Nosler that I plan on trying CFE-223 and Varget with. Maybe TAC also. Western Powders has 5.56 NATO loads for the Hornady FMJBTs I have on hand. Don't know for sure if that would keep up with the Lake City rounds though. Gotta try.

I found the best accuracy using TAC on the 55 gr. CFE-223 will work but not as near consistent. I've had better luck using Varget with the heavier pills.

 

[win30o6]

What powder charge are you using for the TAC with the 55gr? Also the Varget with the heavier pills?
[email protected]

 

[Blue68f100]

I'm using 26.1 - 26.2 gr TAC with a 52gr HPBT-M bullet from Sierra in LC -15 Brass, yielding 3155fps. Yesterday I had my brother out shooting with me and once I had the scope sighted in, I did a 5 shot group that produced 7/8" at 200 yrds. This is with my heavy barrel 24" AR that I put together. I use the Sierra 65gr GK and 69gr MK using Varget around 25.8gr with Lapua brass (2980 fps), and a slightly lower charge if use LC brass. The Varget loads are nearing max so work up your loads.

The CFE-223 powder is what I use with the cheap Hornady 55gr FMJ-BT bullets. I have all my LC brass sorted by years and tweak the OAL to get the same accuracy/velocity (3130 fps). These are my general practice rounds that will give you ~1" groups at 100 yrds. My neighbor has shot these and said they have better accuracy than any factory ammo he has tried. This heavy barrel AR has always been very accurate. It has a 1:10 twist, with a 223R match chamber (tight) which I custom order, is what I wanted for shooting the lighter range pills. It starts opening up with the 65gr and up. But at 100 yrds it regularly produces clover leaf groups if you do your part.