Min length for 55 gr .223 Remington

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ohioshooter

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I've read from various websites but the best I can come up with is 2.165 for the min on 55 gr bullets. Just wondered if 2.187 was good enough cause I don't know what the min is. I'm using Benchmark powder and it says C.O.L is 2.200
 
I load mine to 2.230" (I remember the 2-2-3) and they work fine in my AR. At least they work as fin as one can expect from Winny bulk 55gr FMJ bullets....

Is there a reason you are trying to minimize the OAL or did I miss something?
 
I just wanted to find a happy 'medium'....wanted to stay away from the min but didn't want to reach the max either.
 
To stay away from "Max", you first need to know what max is. The max OAL in your rifle will most certainly not be what is listed in your manuals. This is from Accurate Powders web site.

SPECIAL NOTE ON CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH “COL”
It is important to note that the SAAMI “COL” values are for the firearms and ammunition manufacturers industry and must
be seen as a guideline only.
The individual reloader is free to adjust this dimension to suit their particular firearm-component-weapon combination.
This parameter is determined by various dimensions such as 1) magazine length (space), 2) freebore-lead dimensions of
the barrel, 3) ogive or profile of the projectile and 4) position of cannelure or crimp groove.
 
For use in an AR-15, 2.260" max is mil-spec.
GI 55 grain ammo I have comes in at 2.250" exactly.

SO load to 2.250" to take up excess room in the magazine, and also feed the best.

Do not try to load too short for an AR.

rc
 
You need to find out the free bore space is for your particular rifle. This usually called the throat. It's the space in the barrel before the rifling starts. Once you determine this length, back off .010 and load to this length. There are many ways to determine this length but I just took my rifles to my local gunsmith and let him check the distance.

RCModel, fellows, please correct me if I have given any wrong info. Thanks.
 
You need to find out the free bore space is for your particular rifle. This usually called the throat. It's the space in the barrel before the rifling starts. Once you determine this length, back off .010 and load to this length. There are many ways to determine this length but I just took my rifles to my local gunsmith and let him check the distance.

The two caveats I'd add are:

1) Be mindful of the maximum length that will fit in the magazine of a repeater unless you intend to single load.

2) Try to keep about 1 caliber worth of the bullet in the case for neck tension to hold it in place. (The boat tail part doesn't count.)
 
Hello, ohioshooter.

I'm curious why you want it so short. I use Benchmark extensively with 55 grain bullets, and the 2.200" minimum OAL is a good number to honor.

Benchmark is a fairly fast powder. Keep it at the recommended 2.200" and be happy. By the way, 25.0 grains at 2.240" is quite accurate in my 16" and 20" rifles. Give it a try.
 
If you load a 55 grain FMJ-BT bullet with a cannulure, you will find they come out 2.250" or very close.

Why is everyone so stuck on short loading them to 2.20"?

rc
 
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