64 gr BSB load data for 223/5.56

[Jimbeaux82]

Does anyone have any load data using the 64 gr BSB in the 223 or 5.56? I will be shooting this in an AR platform in either a 1/9 or a 1/7 barrel.

Thanks

Jimbeaux

 

[FOTIS]

Cartridge          : .223 Rem.
Bullet             : .224, 64, Nosler Bond SB 38135
Useable Case Capaci: 25.822 grain H2O = 1.677 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.260 inch = 57.40 mm
Barrel Length      : 22.0 inch = 558.8 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 60000 psi, or 413 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 110 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

90 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
IMR 3031                           110.0     24.5     1.59    3144   100.0    58351    7958   0.955  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4895                           109.1     26.0     1.68    3141    96.5    60000    8511   0.954  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 748                     101.5     26.0     1.68    3141    98.5    60000    8212   0.946  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon CFE223                     103.2     27.4     1.77    3141    96.8    60000    8460   0.945  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2495                      107.1     24.9     1.62    3136   100.0    60000    7860   0.979  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant AR-Comp                    105.6     24.3     1.58    3135   100.0    60000    7337   0.945  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP11 TZ ~approximation      105.0     24.3     1.58    3134   100.0    60000    7337   0.945  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon BL-C2                      104.0     27.0     1.75    3132    97.7    60000    8379   0.954  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Big Game                   109.2     27.7     1.79    3128    96.0    60000    8390   0.946  ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA11                       109.8     26.1     1.69    3121    95.8    60000    8381   0.956  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP11 ~approximation         109.8     26.1     1.69    3121    95.8    60000    8381   0.956  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-15                 109.8     26.1     1.69    3121    95.8    60000    8381   0.956  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D073.6                       107.0     26.3     1.70    3121    99.1    60000    8040   0.962  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2520                      104.6     26.3     1.70    3121    99.1    60000    8040   0.962  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4895                      105.9     25.2     1.63    3115    97.0    60000    8255   0.957  ! Near Maximum !
Nitrochemie A/S 0300                93.6     22.9     1.48    3113   100.0    60000    7438   0.954  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203B                         110.0     26.2     1.70    3112    96.3    59105    8357   0.961  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2206H                       106.1     25.3     1.64    3105    96.4    60000    8221   0.958  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Wild Boar                  103.9     26.4     1.71    3103    96.3    60000    8201   0.953  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H322                       102.3     23.6     1.53    3102    99.8    60000    7674   0.949  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2219                         96.1     23.6     1.53    3102    99.8    60000    7674   0.949  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H335                        96.4     25.0     1.62    3100    99.4    60000    7851   0.954  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 202                          106.9     25.0     1.62    3099    99.5    60000    7848   0.959  ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 10                   96.0     24.4     1.58    3098    99.4    60000    7833   0.958  ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 507                102.9     25.6     1.66    3097    97.7    60000    8045   0.956  ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 508 (PCL223)        95.9     24.5     1.58    3096    99.4    60000    7821   0.958  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S321                       100.9     25.9     1.68    3095    98.0    60000    8074   0.961  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N540                    109.1     26.2     1.70    3093    99.4    60000    7923   0.958  ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 9                   106.6     26.2     1.70    3092    96.3    60000    8113   0.955  ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 52                  110.0     27.0     1.75    3089    95.9    56481    8382   0.970  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N530                    101.8     24.4     1.58    3089    97.8    60000    7958   0.956  ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 40                   98.2     23.8     1.54    3085    99.6    60000    7680   0.957  ! Near Maximum !
SF033 fl, russ. 5,45x39             96.8     23.5     1.53    3083   100.0    60000    7048   0.967  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 8208 XBR                       104.1     24.8     1.60    3077    97.7    60000    7860   0.957  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 201                          107.3     25.0     1.62    3077    97.7    60000    7944   0.970  ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 50                  108.7     26.9     1.74    3075    94.1    60000    8078   0.959  ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 516                106.4     27.0     1.75    3075    93.9    60000    8112   0.956  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R901                      105.4     23.8     1.54    3073    99.3    60000    7735   0.979  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-10x                 99.7     22.4     1.45    3072   100.0    60000    7228   0.965  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S341                       104.6     26.8     1.74    3071    96.1    60000    7878   0.955  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D073.5                        99.8     25.5     1.65    3071    98.5    60000    7766   0.973  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2460                       99.5     25.5     1.65    3071    98.5    60000    7766   0.973  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N140                    109.1     25.5     1.65    3069    99.6    60000    7530   0.958  ! Near Maximum !
Elcho TR140 - preliminary data     110.0     27.0     1.75    3067    94.1    59881    8022   0.960  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R902                      109.3     25.1     1.63    3066    97.7    60000    7838   0.971  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380                       110.0     26.8     1.73    3064    93.6    58416    8192   0.972  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S062                         110.0     25.5     1.65    3064    97.5    58266    7948   0.977  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-12                 101.7     24.7     1.60    3060    99.8    60000    7434   0.958  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D073.4                        97.9     25.0     1.62    3057    98.4    60000    7632   0.970  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4320                           110.0     25.8     1.67    3055    95.5    57740    7963   0.962  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2015                      102.5     23.3     1.51    3053   100.0    60000    7150   0.972  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP3                         110.0     26.5     1.72    3053    96.5    54905    8229   0.997  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203 old                      110.0     26.5     1.72    3053    96.5    54905    8229   0.997  ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 7                   104.3     26.6     1.73    3053    93.7    60000    7925   0.966  ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 11                  110.0     27.0     1.75    3051    94.9    54707    8302   0.984  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 200                           95.8     22.3     1.45    3051   100.0    60000    7049   0.980  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2230                       98.7     25.4     1.65    3049    97.1    60000    7681   0.968  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2210                         96.5     23.7     1.54    3045    98.3    60000    7568   0.961  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot TAC                        102.8     26.4     1.71    3044    93.1    60000    7933   0.963  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot X-Terminator               100.5     25.5     1.65    3042    96.1    60000    7752   0.964  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4064                      110.0     25.6     1.66    3040    99.2    53497    8029   1.026  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2200                       93.7     22.7     1.47    3038    99.0    60000    7400   0.959  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP2 NT ~approximation       104.8     24.8     1.60    3035    96.8    60000    7603   0.959  ! Near Maximum !
ADI BM2                             94.3     23.9     1.55    3034    98.3    60000    7493   0.963  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Benchmark                  102.5     24.0     1.56    3033    98.2    60000    7496   0.963  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2208                        110.0     25.4     1.65    3029    94.9    57593    7872   0.970  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4198                            98.8     21.1     1.37    3028   100.0    60000    6705   0.951  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S335                       106.3     24.7     1.60    3023    99.8    60000    7229   0.972  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2207                         94.2     21.0     1.36    3022   100.0    60000    6650   0.966  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S060                         105.3     24.4     1.58    3021    96.3    60000    7533   0.963  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon VARGET                     110.0     25.3     1.64    3019    94.7    56934    7847   0.975  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N133                    108.4     23.6     1.53    3018   100.0    60000    6888   0.961  ! Near Maximum !
Elcho 17                           110.0     27.5     1.78    3013    93.9    50638    8658   1.012
Alliant Reloder-17                 110.0     27.5     1.78    3013    93.9    50638    8658   1.012
Alliant Reloder-7                   93.3     21.5     1.39    3011   100.0    60000    6763   0.970  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2206                        104.4     24.6     1.59    3011    96.8    60000    7441   0.963  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP1 NT ~approximation        94.4     21.8     1.41    3010    99.6    60000    7033   0.955  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N130                    102.2     22.7     1.47    3009   100.0    60000    6795   0.968  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4198                       95.0     21.2     1.38    3001    99.7    60000    6909   0.956  ! Near Maximum !
Kazan Sunar 308W                    97.3     22.7     1.47    2999   100.0    60000    6773   0.969  ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 60                  110.0     27.5     1.78    2995    94.4    49490    8780   1.022
Bofors RP7 NT ~approximation       110.0     26.4     1.71    2993    90.1    58172    7701   0.965  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4064                           110.0     24.7     1.60    2988    94.7    55185    7697   0.992  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760                     110.0     27.7     1.79    2984    88.1    52258    8224   1.007
Hodgdon H414                       110.0     27.7     1.79    2984    88.1    52258    8224   1.007
Somchem S355                       110.0     25.6     1.66    2976    95.2    51813    7950   1.024
IMR 4007 SSC                       110.0     26.6     1.72    2973    88.9    57159    7723   0.989  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N120                     96.7     21.0     1.36    2968   100.0    60000    6188   0.971  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R903                      110.0     25.9     1.68    2968    95.1    50439    7975   1.035
Vihtavuori N125                     91.3     20.2     1.31    2965   100.0    60000    6199   0.971  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2700                      110.0     27.3     1.77    2926    88.7    58424    7231   0.988  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S053                          90.3     19.3     1.25    2926   100.0    60000    5965   0.973  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP3 NT ~approximation       110.0     26.0     1.69    2921    90.6    53223    7495   1.005  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550                    110.0     26.8     1.73    2917    90.5    46864    8145   1.056
Vihtavuori N135                    110.0     23.7     1.54    2911    99.5    48098    7239   1.052
PB Clermont PCL 511                110.0     27.9     1.81    2908    87.6    48364    8074   1.042
ReloadSwiss RS 62                  110.0     27.4     1.78    2873    89.7    44183    8108   1.081
Bofors RP7                         110.0     25.7     1.67    2868    86.9    50806    7446   1.041
Rottweil R907                      110.0     25.7     1.67    2868    86.9    50806    7446   1.041
ReloadSwiss RS 70                  110.0     27.9     1.81    2846    86.2    45733    8113   1.068
Lovex S065                         110.0     25.6     1.66    2837    89.1    47443    7457   1.072
Norma URP                          110.0     25.9     1.68    2813    88.5    42439    7776   1.102
Bofors RP19 ~approximation         110.0     25.9     1.68    2812    88.5    42398    7770   1.102
Norma 204                          110.0     27.0     1.75    2796    81.6    46260    7412   1.069
Vihtavuori N150                    110.0     24.7     1.60    2795    94.5    43487    7242   1.099
Accurate 4350                      110.0     26.2     1.70    2794    88.2    40342    7824   1.128
Ramshot Hunter                     110.0     27.0     1.75    2794    85.2    42982    7714   1.099
Lovex S070                         110.0     25.9     1.68    2793    86.1    44589    7435   1.099
IMR 4350                           110.0     26.0     1.69    2771    84.3    44957    7182   1.085
Bofors RP4 NT ~approximation       110.0     26.6     1.72    2758    83.9    43042    7332   1.104
Somchem S365                       110.0     26.0     1.69    2734    90.5    37577    7818   1.161
Hodgdon H4350                      110.0     25.6     1.66    2712    82.9    42219    7000   1.116
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V                110.0     25.3     1.64    2707    89.4    39077    7224   1.145
Bofors RP4 ~approximation          110.0     26.2     1.70    2688    79.2    41154    7067   1.127
Raufoss RA4                        110.0     26.2     1.70    2688    79.2    41154    7067   1.127
ADI AR 2209                        110.0     26.0     1.69    2648    77.4    39738    6979   1.145
Rottweil R904                      110.0     25.8     1.67    2646    77.6    40649    6735   1.138
Somchem S361                       110.0     27.9     1.81    2637    77.0    41845    6598   1.134

 

[andrewctillman]

Here are my chronograph results from a 16 inch 1-9 twist, NATO chamber, with the64 grain bonded solid base. Dont have data here for the CFE223 with Remington 7 1/2 primer, will try to add it later. Made all the difference int he world with CFE. Dont even bother with the CCI450, too hot a primer with most of these powders despite its otherwise good reputation with the AR15 platform. I standardized on CFE223 at about 2900 fps, WW brass and Remington 7 1/2 primer. The max load in Nosler manual, which is a SAMMI loading (not NATO) gives you 2750 fps from a 16 inch barrel. I dont know why Nosler does not publish data for the AR at NATO pressures for all of its bullets. It is after all the most popular rifle in America.

64 grain Nosler Bonded solid Base Reloading data.

16 inch Bushmaster. 70 degrees.

New Winchester (primed) brass.

WW 748.

25.0 grains 2,809 fps

25.5 grains Error

25.7 grains 2,829 fps.

*25.9 grains 2,814, 2821 fps, 2817 av. (Last powder charge is max predicted by Quickload).

Comments: Accurate, all shots center high point of aim, about one inch vertical group).

WW748, continued.

CCI 450 primer.

25.9 2942, 2872, 2907 av. (+90, 109, 115 fps WSR primer). Back off 0.4 – 0.5 grains.

WW748, continued. Accuracy.

WSR primer.

25.9 grains. 2787, 2805, 2786, 2791, 2789, 2791, 2792 average. 1 H x 3/8 V. (-115 fps CCI450).

WW748, continued.

25.9 grains 2795, 2801, 2798 av (-109 fps CCI450)

26.1 2814, 2789, 2801 av

26.3 2805, 2785, 2795 av (flatter primer)

RL 15.

25.0 2,712 fps, 2675 fps

*25.5 2,904 (zeroed powder charge), 2,826 (pulled), 2,843 (two un-zeroed).

*25.9 2,894, 2,870. 2882 av. (Equal velocity to 27.1 gr CFE223/CCI450 or 27.0 WSR).

Comments: Accurate. Similar POI as W748. Slightly larger dispersion due to velocity variation?

RL15, continued.

WSR primer.

26.1 2918, 2872. 2895 av. (Flat primer back off to 25.9)

CCI 450 primer.

25.8 Try.

26.1 2910, 2925, 2917 av. (flatter still. Back off to 25.9 or less). +22 fps WSR.

RL15 Accuracy, continued.

WSR primer.

25.9 grains* 2874, 2860, 2845, 28897, 2858, 2867 average. 1 ¼ V x 7/8 H.

25.9 grains 2797, 2840, 2862, 2846, 2836 average. 2 ½ H x 1 V.

26.1 grains 2846, 2831, 2844, 2840 average. 1 x ¾ (6). Flatter primer.

26.3 grains 2892, 2875, 2872, 2881, 2873, 2876 average. Very flat primer.

BLC-2.

25.5 2,849, 2827 (ok)

26.0 2,881, 2864 (Max NATO w 75 grain BTHP)

*26.5 2,934, 2957

26.9 2,942, 2953 (ok). 2947 av.

Comments: Larger groups than W748 or RL15 but centered high.

BLC-2, continued. Accuracy.

WSR primer.

26.5 grain 2857, 2883, 2885, 2860, 2882, 2853 average. 1 ¾ H x 5/8 V.

26.9 grains 2866, 2895, 2894, 2901, 2894, 2847, 2882 average. 2 ½ H x 1 V.

CCI450 primer.

26.5 grain 2853, 2886, 2906, 2930, 2872, 2889 average, +36 fps WSR. 1 7/8 H x 2 5/8 V.

IMR 4895.

25.0 2727, 2737 (mild)

25.5 2790, 2810 (ok)

*25.7 2859, 2828, 2843 av. (worn case head on extraction like many loads above).

Comments: Similar POI as RL15. Not very accurate. Nice full case supports bullet set back 109% full but below neck. Probably OK for automatic powder measure. Try IMR 3031 if you can find any.

IMR 4895, continued. Accuracy. WSR primer.

25.7 grains. 2818, 2898, 2829, 2835, 2831, 2824 average. (Less pressure than other powders tested. Probably another 50 fps possible?) 2 ¼ H x ¾ V.

Try 25.7 grains with CCI450?

H335.

24.0 2693, 2679

24.5 2822, 2718

24.8 2755, 2735

25.0 2713, 2783 (small case head mark. Flat primer).

Comments: Too fast burning for this bullet.

Varget.

40 degrees or less. Ammo 65 degrees.

25.0 grains 2654 (cold barrel), 2699, 2676 av

25.2 2725, 2746, 2735 av (fairly flat primer, some radius left)

25.4 2739, 2759, 2749 av (probably too hot)

25.6 2819, 2764, 2797 av

Comments: Faster burning than IMR 4895.

Hodgon CFE223.

WW primed brass and primer. 47 degree outside, 67 degree ammo.

25.0 grains 2,575 (cold barrel)

25.5 2,676

26.0 2,779 (- 150 fps 26 inch barrel max SAMMI in Nosler manual).

26.2 2,787

26.4 2,817

26.7* 2,822

26.8 2797 (ambient house), 2776 (cold room).

27.0 2916 (ambient house), 2874 (cold room). Sudden increase in velocity. Don’t use above 26.7 grains with WSR. Better predictability with CCI 450.

27.2 2979 flat primer and ejector mark. Too hot.

27.3 Max predicted Quick Load. Pulled bullet. Too hot.

CFE223

Once fired WW brass and CCI450 primer.

25.0 2615

25.5 2717

26.0 2755

26.3 2755

26.5 grains 2771

26.7 2816

26.9 2863

27.1 2880 (sm ejector mark or just rough bolt face?)

27.2* Try. (2908 predicted from 27.1 and 27.3).

27.3 2937 (Max predicted w Quick Load). Still some radius on primer.

Try five shots ea for accuracy w 64 grain NBSB/CFE223/CCI450 at 27.2 and 27.3 grains.

CFE223

75 grain Hornady BTHP moly coated.

WSR.

24.3 2328

25.4 2513

25.9 2560 (-30 fps OTM from 16 inch)

26.5 2659 (+70 fps OTM).

26.7 2704

26.8 Try.

26.9* 2770

27.1 2814 (2790 goal equals 2900 from 20 inch).

Comments: With these components and rifle CFE223 appears to be slower burning than indicated in both Hornady and Nosler manual. Getting some powder residue on case head after each shot. Dirty like using a suppressor. Longer barrel may be appropriate. Try five shots w 26.9 grains with 75 grain BTHP.

Reference Ammo.

Federal MSR Fusion, control. 2731, flat primer.

Federal MSR. 2695, 2700, 2638, 2677 average. 1 x 1 inch (4). 2 flyers from cold barrel? About 2 inches high point of aim.

Hornady Super Performance 53 grain V Max, 3126, 3180, 3162 average fps.

RA64 M193, 3087, 3057, 3026, 3054, 3038, 3052 average. 3 x 2 inches.

IMI M855, 3019, 3040, 3029 average.

 

[Jimbeaux82]

Thanks guys. You have exceeded my expectations!

Jimbeaux

 

[andrewctillman]

Jim,

I found my data with Remington 7 1/2 primer. Made a big difference in consistancy. Ive loaded several hundred of these now. It is my std load. Not quite as accurate as Win 748 or RL 15 at 2800 fps but for 125 fps extra velocity I will take it.

FBI ammo loaded by Winchester chronographs about 2830 fps from my 16 inch barrel. So CFE reload is faster but still slower than either Mk318 or M855, and probably safe. No signs of rapid loss of case life, or ejector marks in my two rifles. Wish Nosler would publish NATO pressure loads for the 223/556.

CFE223, continued.

64 grain NSB, Remington 7 ½ Benchrest primer.

27.1 2906 (round primers!), 2913, 2916. ES 10 fps. 2912 average. Use this!!!

27.0 Colder component temperature. Used pulled bullets. 2890, 2930. 2920 average. Both primers round.

64 grain NSB, CCI 450 primer.

27.1 2975 (extrusion on firing pin), 2939, 2899. (flat w some radius left). 2937 average. Back off w CCI 450.

27.2 Pulled bullets. Too hot.

 

[Guy Miner]

And straight from Nosler's load info:



Guy

 

[andrewctillman]

26.0 cfe223 produces 2750 fps in a 16 inch barrel.

SAMMI pressure, not NATO.

 

[Jimbeaux82]

Been trying to find some CFE 223 but no luck. But I have secured some AA2460 powder and loaded up a batch ranging from 23.0 grs to 25.4 grs. Will chrono tomorrow and report the results. Trying to load to NATO pressure and velocity.

 

[andrewctillman]

Jim, I would be surprised if you got more than 2800 fps from a 16 inch even at NATO pressure using NATO LC brass with that powder.

By all means try it an please post results here.

If you can find Win 748 or RL 15 you can get that much velocity or more at exceptional accuracy. Common powders in most parts of the country.

 

[Guy Miner]

Andrewctillman, GREAT info. Thanks.

The little .223/5.56 loses a fair bit of velocity when confined to a shorter barrel. Still an awful lot of fun to shoot, and useful too.

Regards, Guy

 

[andrewctillman]

Guy, nothing really wrong with 2750 fps. That is what you get on a warm day with Federal Fusion MSR in a 16 inch. Fusion is also a SAMMI rather than NATO load.

Most people dont realize how different a 556 nato and 223 remington are from each other. the nato loading makes a 223 look more like a 222. The nato chamber has a long throat. I tell people to think of it as a 223 weatherby! (meaning it has alot of free bore).

Hornady is one of few ammo makers who load 223 remington and nato ammo and sell it to the public. It is a liaility issue I realize and really a tower of babel in many ways. But the black rifle is the most popular rifle in the USA now for many years and Nosler is loosing customers to Hornady and Barnes who publish both 223 remington and nato loads.

The nosler manual only stresses 69 and 77 custom competition loads for the ar15, yet most ar owners are not nra service rifle comeptitors.

The 64 grain bonded solid base is such a good bullet it really deserves a work up by nosler staff in the nato chamber. Nosler has won the FBI contract twice, first with the 60 grain PT and now with the 64. They should be proud of that, advertise it, and publish nato pressure loads. It would be good business and good for the brand.

They may be reluctant to push a trophy bonded style bullet but the 556 is such a pip squeak, you need to halt expansion to get the desired penetration, and most premium bullet reloaders can understand that.

 

[Jimbeaux82]

OK, so here are my results with AA2460.

64 gr NSB, AA 2460 , Tula SRP, LC brass, 2.180" oal, crimped into cannelure with Lee Collet crimper, 90 deg Louisiana afternoon.

AR 15, 16" barrel, 1/7 twist, Eotech Optic

23.0 gr - 2647 fps, 2611 fps, 2647 fps
24.0 grs - 2727 fps, 2699 fps, 2742 fps
24.5 grs - 2806 fps, 2782 fps, 2838 fps
25.0 grs - 2853 fps, 2828 fps, 2854 fps
25.4 grs - 2900 fps, 2903 fps, 2988 fps

I did not see any signs of pressure at all. The primers start to finish looked the same.

Regarding group size, I was shooting at a 100 yard target but with a non-magnified optic, Eotech, all my groups were in the 3 inch neighborhood which is sufficient for this rifle. As I load more, I may clamp on a 4x scope and see what groups I get.

Just for comparison, I ran 2 rounds of Win 5.56, M885, 62 gr factory and chrono'd 2954 fps.

All in all, I am satisfied with the results and plan to load up a major batch at 25.4 grs.

 

[Guy Miner]

Nice.

My AR-15, also a 16" model but with a 1-4x Leupold, carries real easy. I keep having thoughts of using it this coming winter on coyotes, and perhaps walking the tracks of a cougar, hoping for a shot... Have a good stash of these 64's and can't think of any reason why that wouldn't work great on a cougar...

 

[Jimbeaux82]

I just re-looked at my brass from the 25.4 gr loads and noticed a slight ejector mark on the brass. I might drop down to 25.0 or 25.2 grs to be safe .

 

[andrewctillman]

Jim, there are others here more experienced than I to discuss this but at first glance it looks like you are increasing velocity about 10 fps per tenth grain between 24.5 and 25.0 and doubl that when going from 25.0 to 25.4 grains.

I would not exceed 2900 fps average which will probably be closer to 25.1 or 25.2 grains.

Remember, factory nato pressure ammo is going 2830 fps from a 16 inch.

Not to say you dont have one of a few magic powders or combination of reloading components we all look for.

I think you will find much better than 3 inch groups w your scope or taking a six ocolock hold on a bullseye with good metallic sights. 4895 and BLC2 gave me 3 inch groups but low pressure. Other powders much better groups without loosing too much velocity.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[efw]

This is well timed for me thanks all. I just ordered some 2nds from SPS in prep for my son's 1st deer hunt. He really likes my AR so I am hoping this projectile will shine.

What does Nosler list as it's optimal velocity window for expansion/integrity balance? My shots will be short range & I'd like to me sure to get exits since underbrush is pretty thick during our early youth hunts.

I've got the 70 gr Speer shooting really well with a pretty sedate charge of Ramshot XTerminator. That is a good deer bullet from what I've been told, but to be honest I'm a little uncomfortable chasing big game with a tiny little guy labeled "varmint" even though I know several w/ 1st hand experience.

Thanks all,

Efw

 

[andrewctillman]

EFW, you can see what an expanded 64 grain looks like in the bullet test section. Great expansion, weight retention and penetration (about 17 inches) which is max you can get with a 223.

Speer not even close to same class as a 64 bonded solid base.

Only other bullets I would use for deer would be 55 - 64 grain TBBC, or 70 grain TSX.

They will not blow up at any velocity you can shoot them from a 223. There are several folks here who use them in a 22-250 and they even hold up to that.