Help with load

Bearb8 · January 19, 2009, 09:56 PM

Just purchased a Mini 14, have new small base 223 dies and need help with a good load to start with.

Let me rephrase, what i would like is a good powder, is there a powder that burns clean for use in a gas operated gun? I have a bullet that I really like, Sierra HPBT 55 grain and want to try in this rifle.

Thanks for the warnings

LHB1 · January 19, 2009, 10:42 PM

Bearb8,
Welcome to the forum. Can't help you with a specific load for that cartridge but will add my standard warning about using loading formulas from anonymous strangers (especially from the internet):
Do NOT use any load formula from either friend or stranger that you can't confirm as being safe in at least one commercially published loading manual.

T. O'Heir · January 19, 2009, 10:48 PM

I've always started with whatever powder is given for the accuracy load for a given bullet weight. Don't expect great accuracy out of a Mini-14 either.

**Unclenick** · January 19, 2009, 11:05 PM

Welcome to the forum.

A good rule of thumb is to find three sources of load information and use the lowest starting load from among the three.

The loads below are above Hodgdon's posted limits, so I will post the obligatory warning:

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

For that gun (I have one) there is no point in fretting about high accuracy loads unless you've accurized the weapon? I would shoot the 55 grain Hornady Spire Point, which proved about as good as they get in my mini, over IMR4198 or H4198 for economy and about as much accuracy as you can squeeze out of that gun. The inexpensive Lee Perfect powder measure works well-enough with those powders. The commonly used easy metering ball powders are all a little slow for the light bullet and short barrel, though you can certainly try them. I usually start load workup with about 19 grains of H4198 in that bullet weight, figuring to land good accuracy at around 19.6 grains and still better at around 21.5 grains.

You can get the Hornady bullet with or without a cannelure for crimping. I would get it with a cannelure for the semi-auto mechanism, just to be able to crimp it well enough to resist being shoved back into the case. Another choice is to use the smooth version with the Lee Factory Crimp Die, instead.

Bearb8 · February 3, 2009, 09:27 AM

I decided to go with H335, pushing a nosler 55 Gr ballistic tip. Thank for all the help.

dlb435 · February 3, 2009, 09:48 AM

If you can't find H335, try WIN 748 or Varget.

crowbeaner · February 4, 2009, 07:26 PM

WW 748, BLC2, H322 and H335 are my favorites.

hyrczyk · February 5, 2009, 07:42 AM

I'm using IMR 4064

sserdlihc · February 5, 2009, 08:13 AM

First, grab you few manuals, read them, then re-read them.

CrustyFN · February 5, 2009, 10:08 AM

My two powders for 223 in my AR are W748 and H335.
Rusty

devilfrog · February 5, 2009, 10:11 AM

I've been using Accurate 2230 w/ Hornady 68 gr HPBT, works in great in my ARs and Minis

January 19, 2009, 09:56 PM	#1
Bearb8 Junior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Posts: 2	Help with load Just purchased a Mini 14, have new small base 223 dies and need help with a good load to start with. Let me rephrase, what i would like is a good powder, is there a powder that burns clean for use in a gas operated gun? I have a bullet that I really like, Sierra HPBT 55 grain and want to try in this rifle. Thanks for the warnings Last edited by Bearb8; January 20, 2009 at 09:33 AM. Reason: more info

January 19, 2009, 10:42 PM	#2
LHB1 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,545	Bearb8, Welcome to the forum. Can't help you with a specific load for that cartridge but will add my standard warning about using loading formulas from anonymous strangers (especially from the internet): Do NOT use any load formula from either friend or stranger that you can't confirm as being safe in at least one commercially published loading manual. __________________ Good shooting and be safe. LB

January 19, 2009, 10:48 PM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	I've always started with whatever powder is given for the accuracy load for a given bullet weight. Don't expect great accuracy out of a Mini-14 either. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

January 19, 2009, 11:05 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Welcome to the forum. A good rule of thumb is to find three sources of load information and use the lowest starting load from among the three. The loads below are above Hodgdon's posted limits, so I will post the obligatory warning: CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information. For that gun (I have one) there is no point in fretting about high accuracy loads unless you've accurized the weapon? I would shoot the 55 grain Hornady Spire Point, which proved about as good as they get in my mini, over IMR4198 or H4198 for economy and about as much accuracy as you can squeeze out of that gun. The inexpensive Lee Perfect powder measure works well-enough with those powders. The commonly used easy metering ball powders are all a little slow for the light bullet and short barrel, though you can certainly try them. I usually start load workup with about 19 grains of H4198 in that bullet weight, figuring to land good accuracy at around 19.6 grains and still better at around 21.5 grains. You can get the Hornady bullet with or without a cannelure for crimping. I would get it with a cannelure for the semi-auto mechanism, just to be able to crimp it well enough to resist being shoved back into the case. Another choice is to use the smooth version with the Lee Factory Crimp Die, instead. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle Last edited by Unclenick; January 19, 2009 at 11:22 PM.

February 3, 2009, 09:27 AM	#5
Bearb8 Junior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Posts: 2	Decision made I decided to go with H335, pushing a nosler 55 Gr ballistic tip. Thank for all the help.

February 3, 2009, 09:48 AM	#6
dlb435 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 654	If you can't find H335, try WIN 748 or Varget.

February 4, 2009, 07:26 PM	#7
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	WW 748, BLC2, H322 and H335 are my favorites. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

February 5, 2009, 07:42 AM	#8
hyrczyk Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: NE WI Posts: 24	I'm using IMR 4064

February 5, 2009, 08:13 AM	#9
sserdlihc Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2008 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,454	First, grab you few manuals, read them, then re-read them. __________________ Familiarity breeds contempt, while rarity wins admiration. Aupleius If someone doesn't like you, that's their problem! Milton Childress

February 5, 2009, 10:08 AM	#10
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	My two powders for 223 in my AR are W748 and H335. Rusty __________________ I don't ever remember being absent minded.

February 5, 2009, 10:11 AM	#11
devilfrog Member Join Date: November 28, 2008 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 30	I've been using Accurate 2230 w/ Hornady 68 gr HPBT, works in great in my ARs and Minis