Optimizing 223 loads for a short barrel.

[Klingkong251]

Looking at tailoring new hand loads for my 10.5 inch AR. From all the research I've done, Gold Dots in the 62 and 75 grain variety perform good out of a short barrel out to 200 yards. I'm well aware a 223 round is "less" effective out of a short barrel, but I was wondering if anyone had any input on how to maximize the effectiveness of a 223 round out of a short barrel. Different weight bullets, specific powders? Any imput would be greatly appreciated.

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[markm]

77 grain OTMs are my go to. This has been covered quite a bit, and they're are many options for bullets.

[Clint]

As Mark mentioned, the key is proper selection of bullets that have good terminal performance at lower velocities.

[rjacobs]

go to walmart...buy 62g federal fusions...basically same bullet as a gold dot with a lot less pain in the ass to find it, move on with your life.

Supposedly they have terminal ballistics down to 1700fps which gives 150-200 or so yard range out of a 10.5" barrel.

[Klingkong251]

go to walmart...buy 62g federal fusions...basically same bullet as a gold dot with a lot less pain in the ass to find it, move on with your life.

Supposedly they have terminal ballistics down to 1700fps which gives 150-200 or so yard range out of a 10.5" barrel.Considering I was asking specifically about hand loading rounds such as gold dots or something of the like, I'll think I'll skip the trip to Walmart. I want to hand load because one, its a hobby that I enjoy. Two, I can dramatically cut down on the cost on good ammo.

With that being said, I'll look into maybe finding some Fusions to hand load.

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[grizzman]

If maximum velocity is desired, then a powder (that's appropriate to the platform) that is consumed before the bullet leaves the bore is superior to to powder that doesn't.

[boombotz401]

Flash will also be an issue to contend with

My old standby was 25gr of h335 in a 55gr

That load has a good light show in a 10”

I’m doing the same tests and 8208XBR the first test subject

Try 8208xbr..h322...TAC and AR COMP depending on your weight bullet

Another thing to keep in mind that goes hand with flash is finding a powder that burns before it leaves the barrel if you run suppressed

Granted my dead air can has a lifetime warranty I’d rather not beat on it more than needed. Plus it may keep it 600 degrees instead of 1200 lol


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[markm]

I've never had a flash issue with SBRs unless I ran H335. I like to use the faster burning Benchrest powders (XBR,H322,LT-32) because they're accurate and meter well.

[308sako]

I've had very good luck with BenchMark in my 11.5's but haven't shot in the dark to see if flash would be an issue, and they are also shot through a suppressor. That said I did fire a .300 blackout also through a suppressor with a load of Win 296 and a 110 V-Max that was "bright" shocked me!

55 V-Max coyote load velocity is 2840 ft/secs.

[TomPenguin5145]

I have been loading 68 BTHP under 23.3 gns of H322 for our 10.5. Low flash, clean, and operates the gas system properly. Gets about 2450 fps which seems to meet min velocity for that bullet to do its job. The 68 BTHP are also easier for me to find and cheaper then 75/77s. That load is .3 gns over max, but all my rifles, 18 mid, 14.7 mid, and the 10.5 carbine run it fine. No signs of pressure. All are chambered in 5.56.

I also did a short test between power burn rates and barrel lengths...i find that a fast powder, like H332 did not develop as much velocity as slower powers like H335 or even Varget. The whole fast-powder-for-short-barrels-to maximize-burning-in-a-shorter-time-frame-gives-you-higher-velocity seems to be a myth.

[markm]

That load is .3 gns over max, but all my rifles, 18 mid, 14.7 mid, and the 10.5 carbine run it fine. No signs of pressure. All are chambered in 5.56.


Powder lot variances are so great that load data is really a rough approximation. You could probably go hotter if you wanted. I often use published max as the starting point for .223/5.56 loads.

[kwg020]

Bullet of your choice and RL10x or AA2015 for powder. If you have a chrono move up to IMR3031 or AA2230 if you want to try to get more velocity.

kwg

[gaijin]

Powder lot variances are so great that load data is really a rough approximation. You could probably go hotter if you wanted. I often use published max as the starting point for .223/5.56 loads.

^^Gospel.

Lot variance, without load workup for new lots, effectively screws my ballistic data/DOPE.

[markm]

If you have a chrono move up to IMR3031

That's the one powder I still want to mess with.

[kwg020]

I like 24.6 grains of 3031 for accuracy. I don't own a chrono so I can only speculate on the velocity. But it is accurate out of any of my 16" rifles.

[TomPenguin5145]

Yeah. I am thinking I could go much higher, but 23.3 is getting me to the velocity needed for 68BTHP to work so I don't see the need to shove it further. :)

[aklaunch]

Max loads are subjective.

Try the 60gr Nosler BT. They look like the Sierra Blitz King and the Hornady V-Max.

They are very, very different though. (Much tougher) I am a hunter and don't know much about human bullets and tactical stuff.

H4895 & Benchmark will serve you well.

Slower powders can make the rifle cycle harder.