H4198 load for .223

Runswiththunder · February 1, 2013, 10:40 PM

I recently began reloading for my Sig M400. I made 20 rounds using H4198 and 20 rounds using IMR4895. Last week at the range, I began with factory rounds, as usual to make sure everything was working properly. I then tried the rounds with the H4198. They fired ok and ejected ok but failed to load the next round from the magazine. The next round did load when I pulled back on the recharge handle, and the cycle repeated until it failed to load the next round.
I used 20.5 gr of H4198, which was midrange from the Hodgdon and Lee data.
I then tried the IMR4895 which fired, ejected, and reloaded properly. I used 25.5 gr of the IMR4895.
I suspect the H4198 load was a bit too light. Does anyone have any experience using H4198 for .223? I have used H4198 in my 30/30, but that's not a semi-automatic.
Thanks,
Wayne

Adamantium · February 1, 2013, 11:11 PM

For a fast powder like that you are going to need to move to max load. Lots of reloaders use the term "mid-range", which really just means reduced. You didn't say what bullet weight you were using but 20.5 looks at max or extremely close according to Hodgdons load data for the common bullet weights.

paralaska · February 2, 2013, 12:41 AM

I've had good results with 20.5gr of H 4198 under Hornady 55gr FMJ/ w/cannelure and medium crimp.

CleanDean · February 2, 2013, 01:07 AM

I have a mini 14, made in late 1985. I have had the best grouping ......of..1.5 @ 100 yds. using the exact formula of 20.5 gr. of H 4198 ( THE OLD STUFF) 55 & 52 gr. Pills. That mini shoot s the same now , with Black Hills ; cause I don't reload the .223 , so much.

Runswiththunder · February 2, 2013, 11:36 AM

Sorry, I forgot to mention the bullet I was using. This load was used with the Hornady 50 gr z-max. The 20.5 gr of H4198 would move to the higher end of the suggested load data when used with a 52-55 gr bullet.
So, I'll move the load up to 21 gr and see what happens.
Thanks for the responses.

February 1, 2013, 10:40 PM	#1
Runswiththunder Junior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Location: Summerfield, FL Posts: 9	H4198 load for .223 I recently began reloading for my Sig M400. I made 20 rounds using H4198 and 20 rounds using IMR4895. Last week at the range, I began with factory rounds, as usual to make sure everything was working properly. I then tried the rounds with the H4198. They fired ok and ejected ok but failed to load the next round from the magazine. The next round did load when I pulled back on the recharge handle, and the cycle repeated until it failed to load the next round. I used 20.5 gr of H4198, which was midrange from the Hodgdon and Lee data. I then tried the IMR4895 which fired, ejected, and reloaded properly. I used 25.5 gr of the IMR4895. I suspect the H4198 load was a bit too light. Does anyone have any experience using H4198 for .223? I have used H4198 in my 30/30, but that's not a semi-automatic. Thanks, Wayne

February 1, 2013, 11:11 PM	#2
Adamantium Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 1999 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 1,021	For a fast powder like that you are going to need to move to max load. Lots of reloaders use the term "mid-range", which really just means reduced. You didn't say what bullet weight you were using but 20.5 looks at max or extremely close according to Hodgdons load data for the common bullet weights. __________________ New gun, same ol' shot.

February 2, 2013, 01:07 AM	#4
CleanDean Member Join Date: March 18, 2012 Location: Penna◇VIGILANT CURMUDGEON Posts: 80	I have a mini 14, made in late 1985. I have had the best grouping ......of..1.5 @ 100 yds. using the exact formula of 20.5 gr. of H 4198 ( THE OLD STUFF) 55 & 52 gr. Pills. That mini shoot s the same now , with Black Hills ; cause I don't reload the .223 , so much. __________________ FNH Scar 17 s --Black ; cause it goes so well with my formal wear, for those special occasions. Customized Mini 14 ,& ATI stock and a 3.5 lb.-- Pittsburgh trigger. / SIG P227 / Colt Python 8 in.Nickel / Colt Gold Cup N.M. ; Voere * KDF in .270 ; N. frame S&W revolvers; and TC Contender in 41 Magnum .

February 2, 2013, 12:41 AM	#3
paralaska Member Join Date: September 29, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 24	I've had good results with 20.5gr of H 4198 under Hornady 55gr FMJ/ w/cannelure and medium crimp.

February 2, 2013, 11:36 AM	#5
Runswiththunder Junior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Location: Summerfield, FL Posts: 9	Sorry, I forgot to mention the bullet I was using. This load was used with the Hornady 50 gr z-max. The 20.5 gr of H4198 would move to the higher end of the suggested load data when used with a 52-55 gr bullet. So, I'll move the load up to 21 gr and see what happens. Thanks for the responses.