Reduced .223 Rem Loads

[4090Sharps]

Does anyone have a reduced .223 Rem load they'd like to share?

I'm looking to down load one of my straight pull 223's for an ultralight predator/fur-friendly rifle in 22 Hornet-level velocity until I have an ultralight 17 caliber AR barrel built.

Lyman has some lower pressure, reduced speed, lead bullet loads which can get me started using some powders I have on hand like AA #9, Unique, and IMR-4198, but I would appreciate hearing recommendations from folks here.

 

[49ereric]

Bluedot Seafire…

 

[4090Sharps]

Bluedot Seafire…

But good luck finding Bluedot, right?

 

[49ereric]

But good luck finding Bluedot, right?

No bluedot
Unique can be used but 4-5.5 grains but be careful. Research first.
Different pistol powders can be used.

 

[4090Sharps]

No bluedot
Unique can be used but 4-5.5 grains but be careful. Research first.
Different pistol powders can be used.

I found some older Handloader magazine data that used 8.0gr Unique under a 40gr Nosler ballistic tip and cast loads go a bit higher in my Lyman book (maxes around 10-12gr iirc, but away from my books right now). Not saying I would go higher, but the Lyman data was constrained in those max loads by speed for cast, not pressure.

 

[49ereric]

I had read 8 grains but didn’t want to say it.
Numbers I gave are supposed to be subsonic I think.

 

[Jamie930]

Look up reduced loads for H4895 on Hodgden website

h4895-reduced-rifle-loads-2.pdf https://share.google/8h1g90HGJkX9Ag3k5

 

[TaperPin]

I’ve used some of Lyman’s lead bullet data with fast pistol powders, but ignition was questionable with so little powder in the case. Many hang fires.

The lowest velocity loads from Sierra are only a few hundred fps faster than the Hornet data.

4895 seems to work well in bottleneck cartridges and still have decent case fill. Hogdon even made a suggestion that anything from 60% of max loads on up are safe.

 

[Chris in TN]

The reduced 4895 loads would be my first choice but you can still find older IMR manuals online and I have used some of their old data with 4227 for reduced loads before, in several calibers.

(I have some old cans of IMR4227 that are likely older than I am - I'm working through one can when I need reduced stuff for the kids, and I'll likely never open the other, they can sell it to some old junk collector when I'm gone)

 

[4090Sharps]

Thanks guys! I have a collection of old digitized manuals I should mine—appreciate the reminder.

 

[Marbles]

My notes on a reduced velocity load.

18 gr H4895 with good accuracy, 2030 fps with 75 gr RMR. 0.7 MRAD down at 100 yards. Fed primers and FC brass.

 

[Brucebarker024]

My notes on a reduced velocity load.

18 gr H4895 with good accuracy, 2030 fps with 75 gr RMR. 0.7 MRAD down at 100 yards. Fed primers and FC brass.

Ooh I’m gonna have to try this. Hoping for something super quiet for close to town coyotes.

 

[rabbithuntr]

Accurate 5744 and shooters world buffalo rifle can both go from near matching standard loads to subsonic or near

 

[ezwy]

Hogdon has a tab on their reloading page for subsonic and reduced loads.
I have also had good luck with tite group around 4-5.5 grains ~1700 fps in my straight pull with 40gr speers

 

[4090Sharps]

I found what I’m looking for to use what I have on hand.

Reduced Loads: When Less Is More

Building reduced loads can greatly expand the versatility of your favorite rifle. Find out how to duplicate other cartridges from the one you shoot.

gundigest.com

Between the cast loads with IMR 4198 and full power loads with the same powder up to 60gr bullets, I figured I was in the clear to experiment a bit in the middle. This confirms it.

 

[83cj-7]

I’m not sure how “reduced” my load is but I’ve been using it for many years on Fox, coyote and deer with excellent results.

23.3gr IMR3031 under a Nosler 60 grain BT. I call this my “universal” load because it shoots MOA or less in just about any 223 I’ve ever shot it in. This gets me 2550 from a 12.5” SBR and kills stuff with authority. It’s actually a bit odd how well it works. Tiny exits on Fox and coyote and immediate death.

This is the exit from about 80 yards.