Max load using H335 in .223

[My Toy]

I've been using 25.5 grs H335 with Hornady 55 gr FMC, Win Small Rifle primer in LC cases and been getting great accuracy. It is less than the max load in my Speer manual which is 26.0 grs H335 and using mil spec brass. It chronographs at 3065 fps out of my 20" barrel AR at 88 degree outside air temperature.
Primers are not flatten (they still show some radius around the edge) and bolt lift and extraction with this same load in my Rem 700 is easy.
My question is: do more experienced AR reloaders think this load is to hot for the AR-15. Seldom do you see anyone post with this combination using more than 25.0 grs H335.

 

[Sticky]

When I worked up loads for my Varminator, I wound up stopping at 25.3gr of H335 with 55gr Vmax and that has been my load since. Gave sub moa accuracy and no real pressure signs. I have not taken it any higher yet...

 

[byf43]

I'm loading 25.8 grains of H-335 and the Hornady 55 gr V-Max "boolit" for both my AR (6721) and Remington 799.

Accuracy is incredibly good out of both.

No excess signs of pressure. Primers look good. Cases aren't stretching (very much) and extraction/ejection is normal.

 

[Jaybeez]

a lot of people do go with 25gr h-335 with 55gr pills, but many people also use magnum or military type primers in their semiauto ar15s. every rifle is different, but the primer type may be why you are outside the norm reported by other reloaders.

 

[Dick Chaney]

the hornaday book says for h335 23.2 grains for max. for a 55 grain to get3100

 

[Traveler]

I don't see any OAL listed in the responses. That is critical, as pressure increases as you seat the bullet deeper.

 

[Pinecone]

Max charge depends on which manual you check.

Hodgdon online says 25.3 with a 55 gr SPR SP. 2.200 COL

Hornady (9th edition) says 23.2 max with a 55 gr bullet. 2.200 except for V-MAX at 2.250 COL.

These are for Ar loads, Sierra lists separate data for bolt guns.

Basic reloading, start 10% low and work up towards a max, to see what is safe for YOUR gun.

Lyman (49th edition) says 27.0 with 55 gr SPT. 2.260 COL

Sierra (5th edition) says 25.7 for 55 gr bullets. 2.250 except for 55 SMP at 2.230 and 55 HPBT at 2.240 COL.

 

[vafish]

Remember best accuracy is usually a little below max load levels.

 

[splatt]

Remember best accuracy is usually a little below max load levels.

I find I get better accuracy with 24.5-24.8 H335, 55 gr Hornady FMJBT.2.250OAL. At least in my 20" 1/9 AR v-match.

 

[hvymax]

Remember best accuracy is usually a little below max load levels.

And what is safe in a bolt gun might batter an AR. Most semi's especially military ones are made to work with a few carefully chosen loads.

 

[BRONZ]

It depends on what manuals you use. Old one have higher max. The newer ones have lower. Dont know if the powder is better or the lawyers are bigger.

 

[rmbates]

26.5 gr H335, CCI 400, Hornady 55 gr FMJBT, 2.260 OAL, DD 16" carbine 1:7, 3000 fps, 1" @ 100 yds, no pressure signs

 

[Winterborn]

My normal load with H335 is 25gr with 55gr FMJBT. I usually use Small rifle magnum primers with H335, simply because my Speer manual said to do so.

From what I can tell, the Hornady 9th edition is both very conservative and very general (for example, OAL numbers are ONLY dependent on the bullet weight, not the powder charge listed - IE, every single 55gr charge listed has the same OAL listed).

As usual, Pinecone's advice is solid. Work up a load with YOUR rifle, paying attention to what the rifle and brass is telling you, and you will find your own sweet spot.