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November 11, 2014, 01:02 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: January 25, 2006
Location: N. E. AZ
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5.56 load data with Barnes 55 gr JHP-FB
I am in the process of working up some loads with these bullets for my AR.
Powder: TAC Primer: CCI SR Case: WCC 14 and R-P .223 Bullet: Barnes 55gr JHP-FB (cup-n-core style) Rifle: 5.56 S&W M&P 15 with 16" military contour barrel I have looked everywhere for good data on the Barnes 55 gr JHP-FB bullets I bought from Midway. Barnes book, emailed them (waiting on response), Ramshot load data etc. So, here are a couple things I ran into. At 25.6 gr of TAC I started seeing raised primers with minimal brass stretching. Velocity was 2945 or so (I only shot two rounds). THIS ONLY HAPPENED IN THE R-P BRASS. The NATO brass by Winchester (WCC14) had no problems and at 25.6 grains of TAC I shot .9" groups(2) at 3010 fps. I don't know why the difference in velocity other than the small sample size (2) for the R-P brass load. I have found some similar data that shows as high as 27.4 grains for flat based cup & core bullets. So I was surprised to see the raised primers. One was flush, one was slightly above the rim. My COL is 2.230 with this load. I put on just enough crimp so I can drop them several times without the length changing. I drop them ~2' onto my wooden bench to check. The bullet size consistency is good but not great. COAL varies by +.004/-0.000 through the 50 I have loaded so far Those groups were with an Eotech so the bullets are VERY promising. I have had zero luck with this rifle and 55gr bullets until now. Extraction is amazingly consistent and all brass lands within about 18" so far. Sean |
November 12, 2014, 02:26 PM | #2 |
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From what I could see on the Ramshot data site, looks like you might be on the upper end for load data but certainly not into dangerous territory by any means. I bought a box of the Barnes 55 gr. FBHP's from Midway for plinking bullets but am planning on loading them either with BLC-2 or IMR 4895, haven't tested either load yet though.
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November 12, 2014, 09:48 PM | #3 | |
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Join Date: December 23, 2005
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You are almost two(2) full grains below Max according to Ramshot.
Quote:
What is Brass stretching and how did you measure this "Stretch? |
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November 12, 2014, 10:57 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: June 11, 2005
Location: eastern Kansas
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The velocity will be different between the load using the R-P .223 brass and the identical load in the Winchester 5.56 NATO brass because of the different case capacities. 5.56 NATO brass is thicker than .223 commercial brass.
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November 13, 2014, 10:58 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: January 25, 2006
Location: N. E. AZ
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Yeah I know these things. Brass stretching is the case elongated more than normal measured with calipers. A raised primer is one that is backing out of the primer pocket due to either a stretched pocket or over pressure.
I know I am below max, I didn't know it was two full grains for this bullet. That is why I am trying to get word out so you guys watch out for this early on like I did. I didn't expect to see press signs this low either. .223 and 5.56 brass are MUCH closer capacity than you think. Usually the samein my measurements. I don't buy the much thicker argument. |
November 15, 2014, 07:15 PM | #6 | |
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Join Date: December 23, 2005
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Quote:
Where are you measuring this "Stretching" from? Case head to datum, case head to case mouth? What part of your cases become "elongated" after firing. |
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November 17, 2014, 09:36 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: January 25, 2006
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Okay, thanks. For whatever reason, that load has issues that I am not comfortable with. I am not going to proceed.
Yes, brass stretching in a semi auto is a bit hard to read. I don't measure anything following firing. I go by how much force is required to resize it and if it is exceptionally long/short prior to trimming. None of the test rounds require abnormal force or trimming compared to other .223 factory loads I have run through this rifle. I only have about 10 years and 6 calibers experience in reloading (albeit 10,000+/- rounds) so I don't push too hard. If I see something that isn't normal, I just stop. |
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