Experience needed!

[tikkat3]

Just started trying a new load today:

Lapua brass (.223 REM)
CCI small rifle primers
H335
Hornady 55gr SP
OAL 2.215" (= back 0.015 from my lands)
Twist rate 1-8"

What powder weight would any of you guys suggest for this load? I have been loading up small batches of 25gr and 25.3gr (based on Hodgdon data).
Any help is appreciated!

 

[Lennyjoe]

I use 25.0 under 55gr FMJ's and CCI mag primers for range plinking out of my 16" AR-15.

They are pretty darn accurate.

 

[tikkat3]

I am not too far off a good load then. I have also put together a small batch of FMJs above the same 25gr load. I will try a further lot with 25.5gr to see what difference I get. Thanks for the response.

 

[Sunray]

Read your manual. Just picking a load will take far longer finding the load your rifle shoots best than the following.
Begin with the starting load and load 5 rounds only, carefully weighing each charge. Use the OAL given in your manual. Go up by half a grain, loading 5 of each until you get to the max load. Keep the loads separate. Then go shooting off a solid rest on a bench at 100 yards. Change targets for each load, write the load on the target. Shoot slowly and deliberately and allow time for cooling between strings of 5. Once you have found the most accurate load in your rifle with that bullet and powder, load more and sight in.

 

[Steve Wynn]

If you want to use Hornady bullets, you should have the Hornady loading manual .....then start with the starting loads. You should have a manual for each brand of bullets that you use. Generic loading manuals such as the Lyman will get you close though. Once yo become experienced you'll learn the signs of high pressure etc.

Steve