The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - .223 Loaded with 55gr FMJ and 24.5gr H335 Velocity?

rg1 · May 12, 2011, 08:15 PM

-- Colt 1/7 20" AR--RP 7 1/2 primer--RP and WCC cases
-Hornady 55 fmj seated to 2.218-2.220"
-H 335 powder
-July 90 degrees
-Oehler 35 P at approx. 10 ft
___________
average velocities
23.2--2850fps
24----2975-3005fps
24.5---3050-3080fps
Maximum as per Hodgdon--25.3 -----3165-3195fps
These loads as mentioned are in a 1/7 Colt 20" rifle. Your loads may vary in your rifle but I wouldn't think by much and your components may cause some variation. Work up to the maximum load in your rifle with your components. But 24.5 grains with Hornady 55 fmj's and H335 should be safe. A lot of AR shooters use 25 grains and report it to be accurate. That's what I've settled on and shoot these loads in different AR's 1/9 and 1/7 twist and 16 and 20" barrels. Don't know which 55 fmj you're loading but that may make some difference too and your overall length may make a little difference. Hornady 55 fmj's have a blunter tip and overall lengths are 2.200-2.230" while sharply pointed military style 55 fmj's are most often seated to 2.250" oal.

May 12, 2011, 08:15 PM	#2
rg1 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Posts: 1,125	-- Colt 1/7 20" AR--RP 7 1/2 primer--RP and WCC cases -Hornady 55 fmj seated to 2.218-2.220" -H 335 powder -July 90 degrees -Oehler 35 P at approx. 10 ft ___________ average velocities 23.2--2850fps 24----2975-3005fps 24.5---3050-3080fps Maximum as per Hodgdon--25.3 -----3165-3195fps These loads as mentioned are in a 1/7 Colt 20" rifle. Your loads may vary in your rifle but I wouldn't think by much and your components may cause some variation. Work up to the maximum load in your rifle with your components. But 24.5 grains with Hornady 55 fmj's and H335 should be safe. A lot of AR shooters use 25 grains and report it to be accurate. That's what I've settled on and shoot these loads in different AR's 1/9 and 1/7 twist and 16 and 20" barrels. Don't know which 55 fmj you're loading but that may make some difference too and your overall length may make a little difference. Hornady 55 fmj's have a blunter tip and overall lengths are 2.200-2.230" while sharply pointed military style 55 fmj's are most often seated to 2.250" oal. Last edited by rg1; May 12, 2011 at 08:22 PM.