I'm a newbie to reloading and have a question about powder substitution. I'm working up loads for a few different bullets for my .223 and trying to keep things as simple as possible. I have Hodgdon Varget and Accurate 2520 for powders. One of the bullets (68gr BTHP) has only one listing in the Lee manual, and it is for Reloder15. The 69gr jacketed has a listing for 2520, and the 70gr has a listing for Varget. Would it be okay to use either of those as a substitute?
I would follow the books to the letter and you cant go wrong.
When you start Changing stuff bad things can and do happen from time to time
just my thoughts
rob
Using the Hodgdons link that DW posted you can look up 223 and use varget for both the 68 and 69 gr bullets. Since the data is for the 69 you can load the 68 similarly. If the data was reversed, then you would want to back off a little and work your way up.
Think of it this way, all other variables the same (powder, primer, case seating), the heavier bullet will take more energy to push them down the pipe than the lighter one, also some heavier bullets are a tad longer and have more bearing surface. Since it takes a bit longer time (nano or pico seconds) the pressure builds in that small amount of time. Our goal is accuracy and velocity at the lowest pressures possible.
Using the Hodgdons link that DW posted you can look up 223 and use varget for both the 68 and 69 gr bullets. Since the data is for the 69 you can load the 68 similarly. If the data was reversed, then you would want to back off a little and work your way up.
Think of it this way, all other variables the same (powder, primer, case seating), the heavier bullet will take more energy to push them down the pipe than the lighter one, also some heavier bullets are a tad longer and have more bearing surface. Since it takes a bit longer time (nano or pico seconds) the pressure builds in that small amount of time. Our goal is accuracy and velocity at the lowest pressures possible.
The 68 grain Hornady bullet is a lot longer then the Sierra Matchking!!! Start low and work up!!!
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Just because your paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you!
The main concern is not so much the weight (±1gn isn't any real difference for bullets), it is any construction changes of the bullets. You couldn't use jacketed lead-core bullet data for pure copper bullets. Likewise, with rifle bullets, you can have some serious length differences for the exact same weight of bullet that will give you more loading variations than 1.0gn of bullet weight.
If you start with the starting load, you will be fine.
Of course, all reloaders always start with a safe starting load from a trusted manual or two.
I'm a newbie to reloading and have a question about powder substitution. I'm working up loads for a few different bullets for my .223 and trying to keep things as simple as possible. I have Hodgdon Varget and Accurate 2520 for powders. One of the bullets (68gr BTHP) has only one listing in the Lee manual, and it is for Reloder15. The 69gr jacketed has a listing for 2520, and the 70gr has a listing for Varget. Would it be okay to use either of those as a substitute?
you just need more data manuals for what your working with.
my primary data comes from the bullet manufacturers manual. my secondary is from the powder manufacturer I decide I want to use. (note: some powder data I've seen in the past has used generic projectile weights instead of actual bullet designs. this data can list a higher max charge, use caution) if possible I'll check this data against a third manual such as Lee, Lyman, or my caliber specific Loadbook.
Lee and Lyman manuals are a very good choice when shooting cast bullets, but at times lack a broad spectrum of powder choices when working with jacketed ammo. (some of my favorite loads are not even listed at times in one or maybe both of these manuals on occasion due to a lack of that powder option)
Another special note here on using a Bullet Manufacturers Manual as your primary data. here is an example of how all things are not equal. different bullet designs, even though being the same weight may not have the same OAL when loaded properly. the example is the Hornady 75 gr bullets for .223. Under the Service Rifle data you will find a Hornady 75 gr BTHP that can be loaded to an OAL that will fit magazine length, yet the 75 gr Hornady A-Max can not be loaded with a correct OAL to fit magazine length.
Just an example as to why you should use the bullet manufacturers manuals for at least a reference on OAL for a specific design.
I'm a newbie to reloading and have a question about powder substitution. I'm working up loads for a few different bullets for my .223 and trying to keep things as simple as possible. I have Hodgdon Varget and Accurate 2520 for powders. One of the bullets (68gr BTHP) has only one listing in the Lee manual, and it is for Reloder15. The 69gr jacketed has a listing for 2520, and the 70gr has a listing for Varget. Would it be okay to use either of those as a substitute?
the reason some are telling you to be careful of different bullet design is based on the vary'in amount of friction 2 identical wieght bullets can have.it all depends on the length of the wall (the bearing surface) of the bullet.
i agree with the concept of goin to bullet manufacturers first to obtain data and go from there. companies like hornaday will gladly discuss your options on the phone as well if data is limited.
I am just the messenger for the reality of empirical data. You can do what ever you want, with whatever you think your skill level allows.
Climb Mt Everest if you want.
Over the years, I have read of your 'exploits' with interest, humor and occasional shock - much of what you have done is blatantly unsafe. So much so I must seriously question your supposedly being an 'engineer' as some have called you. Testing guns to destruction for your own pleasure - have at it. Blow them thangs up! Heck, it's only money.......
But please do not egg others on to these feats of questionable loading. You likely can't afford the lawsuits if injury results......
Safe handloading is following established SAFE guidelines. You climb Everest - it's up your alley.
223 capriciously registered at SAAMI at 55kpsi
223 long brass life with margin 75kpsi
A 223 around 90kpsi the primer falls out on the first shot.
At around 110 kpsi the primer pocket doubles in diameter on the first shot.
Ah well, heck. Don't let myself and the entire world of safe reloading hinder your efforts at suicide. Have at it, full bore...... with my blessing.
Just please don't try to get others to do what you insist on doing. Hopefully they are smarter than that.
I got an idea, Clark - a case full of C4 - that should get you the velocity rush you desire.......
"A 223 around 90kpsi the primer falls out on the first shot.
At around 110 kpsi the primer pocket doubles in diameter on the first shot."
If you are actually doing this, you are doing something incredibly dangerous and stupid - but it is YOUR gun and YOUR life - just make sure the blast area is clear beforehand.
If you are actually doing this, you are doing something incredibly dangerous and stupid - but it is YOUR gun and YOUR life - just make sure the blast area is clear beforehand.
And that I am in a different county!
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People think I'm paranoid because I own guns. If I own guns, what do I have to be paranoid about?
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Teach
What the hell do I need with manuals when I got you at my dispose! Could you send me one of your manuals so's I could bolt my eye out?
