5.56/.223 Reloads & Chrono speeds

[jjordan355]

I finally had the time and opportunity to test some of my hand reloads out a 14.5” and 18” AR. Both guns are DI and 14.5” is 1/7 the 18” is 1/8 twist barrel. All of the test loads were precisely measured so as many inconsistencies as possible were eliminated. All were using 62 Grain FMJ-BT from Everglades Ammo. Tests are pretty much muzzle velocity roughly 8’ from the chronograph with each shot. All casings were 5.56 casings.

Doing this write up for a reference and will amend it when I have time to chrono some green tips as I ran out of time with the rain yesterday. These were all shot in the 95 degree heat and 80% Georgia humidity.

1st Load
Powder: Hodgdon Benchmark
Powder Charge: 24.5 grains
Primer: Win WSR
Bullet: 62 grain FMJ-BT
Cartridge OAL: 2.230”

14.5” Velocity FPS- 2,832, 2,793, 2,770, 2,788, 2,801, 2,721
Average= 2,784 FPS

18” Velocity FPS- 2,886, 2,927, 2,941, 2,836, 2,946
Average= 2,907 FPS

2nd Load
Powder: Hodgdon Benchmark
Powder Charge: 25.0 Grains
Primer: Win WSR
Bullet: 62 Grain FMJ-BT
Cartridge OAL: 2.230”

14.5”- 2,866, 2,829, 2,799, 2,765, 2,800, 2,798
Average= 2,809 FPS

18”- 2,895, 2,981, 2,945, 2,978
Average= 2,949 FPS (First two shots didn’t register)

3rd Load
Powder: Accurate 2520
Powder Charge: 26.5 Grains
Primer: CCI No. 41
Bullet: 62 Grain FMJ-BT
Cartridge OAL: 2.230”

14.5”- 3,017, 3,035, 2,993, 2,978, 2,976, 2,972
Average= 2,995 FPS

18”- 3,134, 3,083, 3,103, 3,125, 3,102, 3,096
Average= 3,107 FPS

4th Load
Powder: Accurate 2520
Powder Charge: 27.5 Grains
Primer: CCI No. 41
Bullet: 62 Grain FMJ-BT
Cartridge OAL: 2.230”

14.5”- 3,089, 3,050, 3,025, 3,032, 3,009, 3,025
Average= 3,038 FPS

18”- 3,242, 3,213, 3,224, 3,156, 3,162, 3,145
Average= 3,190 FPS

 

[1006]

Nice, I have never used those powders.

I like to reference the Hodgdon web site data. I use the pistol (15inch) 223 data for estimates on my 16inch AR, and the Rifle data for my 20 inch gun and everything in between.
The limiting factor is that not all powders are used in the pistol loads.

 

[1006]

If you are using an IPad, you might like the Sierra Load Data App.

 

[1006]

 

[jjordan355]

View attachment 2720865

View attachment 2720866

Thanks for the reply. I’ll check that Sierra app out. I’ve read so many different velocities out of those load pages so figured I’d record everything I could with what I had available to me this week to me give me some real numbers.

Unfortunately a lot of those velocities are from a 20” or greater length barrel on those load pages so I could only safely assume everything I had would be less velocity.

 

[deathbeforehonor]

I've never used CCI NO.41's.. Just Rem 7 1/2's, Fiocchi, and Federal. I understood that they are harder cups for floating firing pins and what not. But after looking over your data I was a little more intrigued and found that NO.41's are considered a Magnum primer. I mainly shoot 14.5" and like the numbers on that load. I was barely able to squeeze 2,900 out of some AA2495 (110% fill/compressed). I got more curious as to your load and ran some of my (American Reloading 62gr pulldowns .823") through QLoad with your powder and COL & came up with 112% Fill 27.50gr 3052 fps 1282 ft lbs 74965 PSI!!! !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

HOT DAMN Boy! Don't blow yourself up Given your brass/case capacity could be varied from what I have my loads setup up for (Usually LC) but that close of a match on velocity in a 14.5" has me worried to try that one. Thanks for the data & stay safe on the Wild Side

 

[jjordan355]

Lol I appreciate the insight. I loaded these under some NATO data knowing they were very hot. All were true 5.56 casings. Short on the OAL. No primers were flattened, they were all still at the depth I seated them at. The 27.5 is not a load I intend on running as it was only for testing. I knew it was not safe going into that territory and I’ll change some variables the more I do with it. My benchmark load will tell the tale if the No. 41 primers will really make a difference in velocity being all my benchmarks were loaded with WSR Primers.

 

[1006]

The primer may or may not change things much. You just have to try it out to know.
Some powders ignite easily enough that the heat of the primer does not make much difference.

I use Federal Small Rifle, CCI magnum SR,and Fiocchi. Pressures seemed about the same in the 223 with Varget.

 

[1006]

27.5 aa2520 and a 62 in a 5.56 or Wylde Chamber looks fine to me. From Accurate Arms load manual for 5.56 pressures.

 

[jjordan355]

27.5 aa2520 and a 62 in a 5.56 or Wylde Chamber looks fine to me. From Accurate Arms load manual for 5.56 pressures.

View attachment 2723487

That’s where I got the load data from. Most likely will end up switching to Ramshot tac as it’s a little more available around me.