View Full Version : Please help me start loading 5.56
I'm going to start loading own 5.56 ammo soon and would like some advise.
I will use progressive press with volume charge metering (Hornady LNL-AP).
What I need to achieve is to have load good for 300m shooting on IPSC rifle matches, that will hold 150 Power Factor - means some 2800-2900fps would be good, safe goal. My rifle has 14.5", 1/7" tiwst barrel (HK MR223 - I have very good results using Hornady Steel Match 55g ammo, but it is tad too slow at 2700fps from my barrel). I already have bullets - Hornady 55gr FMJ. What I need to find is what powder would be good choice for my application.
Powders that are available for me are:
Hodgdon H335, H322, H4198
IMR 303, 4198
Winchester 748
Primers: Murom (Russian), CCI, Federal
Is there any more info I should provide to get good advice? I do not expect instant marvellous results, just want to save myself time, money and frustration of moving in wrong direction from a start.
I have a load that might meet your needs.
26.5 gr of 748 with a CCI or Federal primer would get me just over 3100 fps out of a 20 inch gun. I've shot a lot of that ammo in the past. A perfect balance of hot and reliable. 27.0 would get you closer to M193, but I saw no need to go that hot.
I've not chrono'd H335, but I load it to 25.0 for 55 gr. 25.5 would certainly get you to your desired velocity.
Thank you for your advice. I hoped you will chime in! ;)
Taking in mind that price difference here for 1lb of H335 and 748 is not significant ($54 vs $57) which would give me better overall performance (like temperature stability or stable dose from volume powder drop, etc.)?
They are both ball powders so no special temperature stability. And both will meter very well. My favorite load for 55 gr FMJ is 25.3 gr H335. Pretty much at max charge weight 25.0-25.5 gr depending on reference).
H335 might be a little more stabile. But it's very muzzle flashy. 748 isn't the most temp stabile... but when I load it at 26.5 it give me cushion on the top end for hot days. 748 is very low flash, and claims to have a lower flame temp.
Getting those kinds of velocities out of a 14.5" barrel might be a bit tricky. I would think the slower WW748 would be the way to go. You will probably have to push max charges to get there.
I was just looking at the load WW748 on Hodgdon's website. They seem really conservative.
I've been using the 26.5 grs. of Winchester 748 with any 55 gr. bullet since the 1980s...works well. I still have a couple of pounds of the tin bottled 748, but have pretty much gone to Varget for most .223 loads. My most recent 748 use was 26 grs. with a Nosler 64 gr. bonded softpoint. The load clocked a little over 3000 ft/sec from a 24 inch Colt HBar Elite with a cloverleaf group...would bear further testing. But I wanted these for carbine use, and I settled on 25 grs. Varget under the same bullet for mid 2800 ft/sec. from a 6920. Groups were decent at 1.5 inches at 100 yards with an Aimpoint.
Thanks for all advice so far. Unfortunately I can not get Varget here (only company that sells Hodgdon is out of stock). So looks like it is between H335 and WW748. Flash is not a big concern for me - this ammo is for dynamic rifle competition during day. And I'm sure it would not beat flash from my 9.4" 5.56 Mini Beryl that I shoot with muzzle brake on some matches ;) (those that do not require specific power factor to meet).
You're right about the flash not being a big deal for comp. I use H335 in my 3gun loads often and although it flashes like crazy in even bright sunlight it's no problem at all. H335 might be a bit speedy for your app though.
H335 might be a bit speedy for your app though.
Can you tell me more on that? I was thinking, that for shorter barrel I need faster powder to make it work most efficient in shorter time bullet is in the barrel. Where is my error?
I was referring to the burn rate of the powder for it's app in the 14.5" and getting 2800-2900fps. H335 would probably have a burn rate too fast to get 2800-2900 fps in a 14.5". It would probably be just fine in your 9.4".
You probably already knew that H335 has a faster burn rate than WW748.
You probably already knew that H335 has a faster burn rate than WW748.
I knew that (from burning rate tables), but I lack practical knowledge, that this rate can be too fast. So with WW748 I have bigger chance to reach my goal, without using insane amounts of powder. Is that right?
Generally speaking, yes. Slower powders should produce higher velocities (more powder is required though).
Leonidas24
06-02-14, 17:41
I'm glad I found this thread. Other than the magical pound of TAC left on the shelf that I buy every two weeks, I am swimming in W748 here. I bought it initially not knowing what I was getting into but it seems to be a viable alternative.
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I did some more research, as well as had my friend run proposed charges of H335 and WW748 trough Quickload. Looks like both loads should give what I need (at least in theory). But I got suggestion to look on powders, that are easier to obtain here and are in constant supply (unlike Hodgdon or Winchester).
Those powders are Lovex D074.3 (euivalent of Accurate 2230), D063 (equivalent of Accurate 1680) - those powders was made by Czech company Explosia for Accurate until they ceased cooperation and Explosia started to sell them under own brand and designation, that is why people call them equivalent to Accurate powders. Seem like Lovex powders are over 1/3 cheaper, so it is tempting, but I do not want price to "blind" me. Please comment on that.
Thank you for your advice. I hoped you will chime in! ;)
Taking in mind that price difference here for 1lb of H335 and 748 is not significant ($54 vs $57)
Is this typical pricing for powder overseas?
FYI all, the Hornady 9th edition reloading manual has 5.56 data.
Is this typical pricing for powder overseas?
This price includes 23% sales tax (VAT).
FYI all, the Hornady 9th edition reloading manual has 5.56 data.
Thanks for that. I was never a huge fan of the 8th edition, but I know a friend that has the 9th. I'll have to take a look.
Nosler manuals have specific 556 info as well. At least numbers 6 & 7 do. Not sure about editions previous to them. And of course there are always the powder manufacturer websites.
shark101au
09-14-14, 13:21
Is this typical pricing for powder overseas?
No in Australia where a lot of Hodgdson powder is made the prices are typically under $20/lb, they also have plentiful 22lr there as well. I can't speak for other countries, but those above prices are an incredible ripoff, worse than the highest prices I've seen on GB.
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