223 Rem and Barnes 70 gr TSX loads?

dangthathurt · August 20, 2014, 01:01 PM

I'm working up some "Hog Hammer" rounds.
I have LC 223 brass, CCI 400 primers, and Barnes 70 gr TSX bullets.
For powder I have on hand H335 and TAC.

Any suggestions?

Marco Califo · August 20, 2014, 01:32 PM

If you can shoot 5.56 loads you are in luck. Barnes lists those two powders for that bullet.
http://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-cont.../5.56-Nato.pdf
Note that these loads are different from their 223 loads.
http://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-cont...mingtonWeb.pdf
I have pierced some CCI 400 primers, and switched to #41's for that reason.
I have only shot these at paper, but accuracy was good.
Others will post that the 70 grn copper bullet is tough and will not expand dramatically; and recommend lighter weight copper bullets.

dangthathurt · August 20, 2014, 10:12 PM

I'm surprised by the difference in max loads using TAC.
223 REM max. 23.5 grains
5.56 NATO max. 26.0 grains

My RRA AR is rated for 5.56 NATO with a Wylde chamber.

Should I just jump in with the 5.56 data?

Marco Califo · August 20, 2014, 10:55 PM

Yes, I would use the 5.56 starting load as a starting point.

You need 1:9 or faster twist to shoot the 70 grs. Barnes says 1:8 or faster, but I have shot these in a 1:9 and found them to be accurate at least to 100 yards. I would also see how long you can seat them in your magazine. I understand the Wylde chamber accommodates the longer M855 62 gr bullet, and that is the main distinction between 223 and 5.56. I shoot these and other heavy bullets in a Savage Edge/Axis and it has a long throat that lets me load to a longer OAL, like around 2.40 in the magazine and chamber no problem. I bought another Savage a Model 10 variant, and it does NOT like long bullets at all. 2.25 tops.

Water-Man · August 20, 2014, 11:06 PM

Hog Hammer's are 62gr. loads.

dangthathurt · August 20, 2014, 11:14 PM

Mine will be called the "Long Pig Hammer"

dangthathurt · August 20, 2014, 11:17 PM

I'm going to seat them magazine length.
Do you think this would make them compressed loads at the higher charges?

Water-Man · August 20, 2014, 11:28 PM

What twist rate do you have?

Marco Califo · August 20, 2014, 11:54 PM

Quote:

would make them compressed loads at the higher charges?

No unless your mag is shorter than 2.25" That is the COAL Barnes used and with TAC that is 94% case load density.

dangthathurt · August 21, 2014, 12:30 AM

I have a 1:8 twist.

I know it stabilizes 77gr SMK's like a dream. I got into the 500 yard prairie dog club with them.

Thanks guys.

steve4102 · August 21, 2014, 06:01 AM

Ramshot TAC 223 data.

Code:

 70 BARNES TSX-BT Start=21.6, 2,658fps,... Max=24.0,  2,884fps, 54,544psi, 2.260 OAL

http://www.ramshot.com/wp-content/up...ec_1-23-14.pdf

dangthathurt · August 21, 2014, 12:40 PM

Thanks for the data!

August 20, 2014, 01:01 PM	#1
dangthathurt Member Join Date: February 6, 2012 Posts: 54	223 Rem and Barnes 70 gr TSX loads? I'm working up some "Hog Hammer" rounds. I have LC 223 brass, CCI 400 primers, and Barnes 70 gr TSX bullets. For powder I have on hand H335 and TAC. Any suggestions?

August 20, 2014, 01:32 PM	#2
Marco Califo Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: LA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Posts: 2,598	Barnes 5.56 Loads If you can shoot 5.56 loads you are in luck. Barnes lists those two powders for that bullet. http://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-cont.../5.56-Nato.pdf Note that these loads are different from their 223 loads. http://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-cont...mingtonWeb.pdf I have pierced some CCI 400 primers, and switched to #41's for that reason. I have only shot these at paper, but accuracy was good. Others will post that the 70 grn copper bullet is tough and will not expand dramatically; and recommend lighter weight copper bullets. __________________ ............

August 21, 2014, 06:01 AM	#11
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,955	Ramshot TAC 223 data. Code: 70 BARNES TSX-BT Start=21.6, 2,658fps,... Max=24.0, 2,884fps, 54,544psi, 2.260 OAL http://www.ramshot.com/wp-content/up...ec_1-23-14.pdf

August 20, 2014, 10:12 PM	#3
dangthathurt Member Join Date: February 6, 2012 Posts: 54	I'm surprised by the difference in max loads using TAC. 223 REM max. 23.5 grains 5.56 NATO max. 26.0 grains My RRA AR is rated for 5.56 NATO with a Wylde chamber. Should I just jump in with the 5.56 data?

August 20, 2014, 10:55 PM	#4
Marco Califo Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: LA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Posts: 2,598	Yes, I would use the 5.56 starting load Yes, I would use the 5.56 starting load as a starting point. You need 1:9 or faster twist to shoot the 70 grs. Barnes says 1:8 or faster, but I have shot these in a 1:9 and found them to be accurate at least to 100 yards. I would also see how long you can seat them in your magazine. I understand the Wylde chamber accommodates the longer M855 62 gr bullet, and that is the main distinction between 223 and 5.56. I shoot these and other heavy bullets in a Savage Edge/Axis and it has a long throat that lets me load to a longer OAL, like around 2.40 in the magazine and chamber no problem. I bought another Savage a Model 10 variant, and it does NOT like long bullets at all. 2.25 tops. __________________ ............ Last edited by Marco Califo; August 20, 2014 at 11:07 PM.

August 20, 2014, 11:06 PM	#5
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	Hog Hammer's are 62gr. loads.

August 20, 2014, 11:14 PM	#6
dangthathurt Member Join Date: February 6, 2012 Posts: 54	Mine will be called the "Long Pig Hammer"

August 20, 2014, 11:17 PM	#7
dangthathurt Member Join Date: February 6, 2012 Posts: 54	I'm going to seat them magazine length. Do you think this would make them compressed loads at the higher charges?

August 20, 2014, 11:28 PM	#8
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	What twist rate do you have?

August 21, 2014, 12:30 AM	#10
dangthathurt Member Join Date: February 6, 2012 Posts: 54	I have a 1:8 twist. I know it stabilizes 77gr SMK's like a dream. I got into the 500 yard prairie dog club with them. Thanks guys.

August 21, 2014, 12:40 PM	#12
dangthathurt Member Join Date: February 6, 2012 Posts: 54	Thanks for the data!