Looking for hand loads for a short barrel 223

popeyespappy · December 23, 2008, 11:22 AM

Anybody got in good loads for a 10.5” barrel 223? The factory rounds I’ve tried are real fire breathers and I’d like to find something that has less muzzle flash. I’m thinking, something that usually gets me in trouble, that a light load of a faster burning powder ought to help but I’m pretty new at reloading rifle calibers so I don’t really know. I’d probably be OK with anything loaded with 50-62 grain bullets.

totalloser · December 25, 2008, 02:49 PM

I dunno anything about short barrel loads, but I'll note that there is a separate section in my Lee book for .223 pistol loads.

kraigwy · December 25, 2008, 02:51 PM

Try the loads for the TC in 223. Problem is cutting back on muzzle flash with still having enough gas to work the action, but then again I don't shoot short ARs

crowbeaner · December 25, 2008, 03:29 PM

Few powders available to us handloaders work well in short barrels. In the 223, I use 4198 of either brand to get the most poop for the charge weight in that short tube. RL7 is easier to measure, and is a close second.

10 Spot Terminator · December 25, 2008, 07:39 PM

Just what exactly is it you are shooting here ? We could use a little insight here and may be able to help you better. I have a field report I printed out quite some time ago where they took a Sako in 223 and progressively cut the barrel down 1 inch at a time and recorded the performance as far as accuracy and speed went but as for muzzle flash that might be a different story .

marshall623 · December 25, 2008, 08:53 PM

Sierra & Speer book's H 322 looks good in 14" T/C.
In 7 TCU ( 7mm-223 ) H 322 has lot less flash than 3031 and both shoot
very good in that.

December 23, 2008, 11:22 AM	#1
popeyespappy Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Posts: 337	Looking for hand loads for a short barrel 223 Anybody got in good loads for a 10.5” barrel 223? The factory rounds I’ve tried are real fire breathers and I’d like to find something that has less muzzle flash. I’m thinking, something that usually gets me in trouble, that a light load of a faster burning powder ought to help but I’m pretty new at reloading rifle calibers so I don’t really know. I’d probably be OK with anything loaded with 50-62 grain bullets.

December 25, 2008, 02:49 PM	#2
totalloser Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2007 Location: Fort Bragg, CA Posts: 679	I dunno anything about short barrel loads, but I'll note that there is a separate section in my Lee book for .223 pistol loads. __________________ You only truly believe in freedom if you believe in the freedom of those you disagree.

December 25, 2008, 02:51 PM	#3
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Try the loads for the TC in 223. Problem is cutting back on muzzle flash with still having enough gas to work the action, but then again I don't shoot short ARs __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

December 25, 2008, 03:29 PM	#4
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	Few powders available to us handloaders work well in short barrels. In the 223, I use 4198 of either brand to get the most poop for the charge weight in that short tube. RL7 is easier to measure, and is a close second. __________________ 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.

December 25, 2008, 07:39 PM	#5
10 Spot Terminator Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2008 Location: Central Oregon Posts: 348	Just what exactly is it you are shooting here ? We could use a little insight here and may be able to help you better. I have a field report I printed out quite some time ago where they took a Sako in 223 and progressively cut the barrel down 1 inch at a time and recorded the performance as far as accuracy and speed went but as for muzzle flash that might be a different story .

December 25, 2008, 08:53 PM	#6
marshall623 Member Join Date: July 6, 2008 Location: Shen. Valley Va. Posts: 18	Sierra & Speer book's H 322 looks good in 14" T/C. In 7 TCU ( 7mm-223 ) H 322 has lot less flash than 3031 and both shoot very good in that.