223 Loading data for N133

[arrybash]

Hi,

I shall be loading the following 223 bullets for a Howa 1500 with Vit N133 powder:

• 50gr Sierra Blitzking - #1450
• 52gr Hornady BT A-Max - #22492
• 55gr Hornady FMJ-BT - #2267

I have obtained various load data from Vihtavuori, Sierra and Hornadys websites, but there are slight variances and all provide only a minimum and maximum range.

Does anybody have a mean/ideal powder load recommendation I can use to avoid trial loads.

Thanks in anticipation.

Regards

Chris

 

[Muir]

Hi,

I shall be loading the following 223 bullets for a Howa 1500 with Vit N133 powder:

• 50gr Sierra Blitzking - #1450
• 52gr Hornady BT A-Max - #22492
• 55gr Hornady FMJ-BT - #2267

I have obtained various load data from Vihtavuori, Sierra and Hornadys websites, but there are slight variances and all provide only a minimum and maximum range.

Does anybody have a mean/ideal powder load recommendation I can use to avoid trial loads.

Thanks in anticipation.

Regards

Chris

You always start at minimum and work your way up. It is one of the first and most basic rules of reloading. If you are going to reload, do your own work. Additionally, while I haven't looked, but given the nature of the powders used for 223, I'm willing to guess that the difference between minimum load and and maximum is no more than three grains. Are you so uninspired that you can't work up some loads in that narrow window?? I don't mean to sound harsh but this is your rifle. You need to find your load.~Muir

 

[MTLEADFARMER]

 

[arrybash]

Its actually for a mate who is going to use my gear. He is not in the least bit inclined to develop loads and when he has loaded previously he didn't keep any records.

In any event for the Hornady 55gr FMJ-BT 2267, Vihtavuori recommend a start load of 22.9gr but Hornady recommend a start load of 19.8gr and a maximum load of 22.7gr. The Vihtavuori recommended start load is higher than Hornady's maximum load. Now you can understand my confusion and also hence why I use Swiss Reload Powder.

Swiss Reload are excellent at providing load data and from experience I have found the "nominal" load works good for me (in most instances anyway).

Hence back to my question can anybody point me in the direction for a suggested load using N133.

Thanks in anticipation.

Chris

 

[Muir]

Its actually for a mate who is going to use my gear. He is not in the least bit inclined to develop loads and when he has loaded previously he didn't keep any records.

In any event for the Hornady 55gr FMJ-BT 2267, Vihtavuori recommend a start load of 22.9gr but Hornady recommend a start load of 19.8gr and a maximum load of 22.7gr. The Vihtavuori recommended start load is higher than Hornady's maximum load. Now you can understand my confusion and also hence why I use Swiss Reload Powder.

Swiss Reload are excellent at providing load data and from experience I have found the "nominal" load works good for me (in most instances anyway).

Hence back to my question can anybody point me in the direction for a suggested load using N133.

Thanks in anticipation.

Chris

Hornady is like that. When in doubt, the manufacturer's data should be considered the closest thing to Gospel. It is indeed a very narrow range then. Since Hornady's data is more conservative these days, giving him a starting load of 19.5 or 20 grains might be great for someone who is less inclined to keep notes? If that doesn't satisfy him, keep the Vhit limits as your high water marks.

We have Vhit powders here in my area but at $45/lb they just can't get my attention when Varget is $25! As a consequence, I have never used them.~Muir