.223 n140 load data
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David.evans
Well-Known Member
vit don’t list 50g vmax
this is about the nearest
this is about the nearest
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The Viht data page has various loads for .223. The values for 50-55gr projectiles of different constructions seem to vary very little. Excerpt:
N140 is too slow burning for 50gn bullets in 223. Basically you can fill the case to half way up the neck and it'll work but you'll be well down on velocity. That's why Viht doesn't have any N140 loads for this bullet weight and the slowest shown is N135. Even N135 is on the slow burning side and N133 usually gives higher MVs, in some cases by as much as 190 fps.
That's 55gn. There is a considerable difference in the internal ballistics of 223 between bullets of these two weights. Note too that the N140 MV is down on every one of the faster burners in the preceding rows. The 26.5gn N140 maximum charge isn't limited by pressure but by case capacity.
I defer to your undoubted experience. And I have zero .223 load data of my own. However I have found the Viht load data for two other calibers to be good staring guides. And N140 is listed for 50gr projectiles. The difference in recommended minimum load between 50gr and 55gr projectiles is .2 grains.
If the OP is looking for a starter load, and only has N140 on his shelf, then it would appear that there may be an entry level load that works. I do note that Viht declare the hottest loading of N140 for a 50gr projectile would need to be compressed as per your case capacity observation.
Out of interest, I thought I'd have a look at how well 27.0gn N140 fits a Lapua 223 case. This pair are Lapua that have been fireformed in a 'minimum SAAMI' chamber. On the left, 27gn was poured in normally but using a Forster powder funnel with a 5-inch length narrow-bore drop-tube. (Straight pour in from a Lee, Hornady etc funnel would have seen it overflow.) On the right is the same charge using the 5-inch tube Forster funnel with a very slow 'dribbling' pour and also angled to induce a swirl to maximise settling inside the case. The top of charge lies just over the bottom of the neck.
I worked up a load with n140 and 55gn Vmax a few years ago when my n133 had ran out and there was non locally for a while. Like mentioned above, it went bang & dropped foxes but didn't get anywhere near what the cartridge is capable of. I'm running the last of my varget out & working up with RS40.
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