I just reloaded my first 100 rounds of .223, and loaded 25.7 Varget and C.O.A.L. of 2.233 in 55gr Sierra HPBT. My Speer manual says 2.235 COAL on 55 gr HP, 2.215 for FMJ, and 2.175 for SP. My Nosler only says 2.260 COAL for everything, SP, HP, Tipped, Spitzer. The Varget/Hodgdon website says 2.220, but only lists for the 55 gr SP. I have read a lot of forums where people are loading 2.220. My next 100, I was thinking about going a little heavier with 26.2 gr Varget, but was unsure what to do as COAL. My factory Hornady ammo is 2.240. Since I am loading HP, should I stick with around 2.235? I am not sure why the Speer manual has HP at 2.235, but the SP at 2.175. Any feedback will be appreciated. I have 1000 Speer HPBT to load so I want other options and suggestions on the rest, from personal experiences. Thanks.

the coal numbers are just what they used in their tests. they really dont mean anything to your rifle. when you load make sure you are not into the lands unless that is what you are trying to do. get enough bullet in the case to hold it and it fits in your rifle. start at a safe place with your powder charge and work up until you find the amount of powder you want to use.

i am assuming you know how to watch pressure signs as you increase the powder charge.

quote:

My Nosler only says 2.260 COAL

I "believe" that might be the simple max standard. Issue will be what actually shoots best in your rifle. While the COAL can be critical with handgun ammo with a rifle not so much.

If your rifle is an AR type you are going to be limited by your magazine. A bolt rifle the max COAL could be the mag box or your chamber.

For a 223 don't get hung up on the COAL. Until you know the max your chamber will allow simply stay below the 2.26 and your should be fine. Regardless of bullet.

As Phil said watch for pressure signs

Ijust worked out the COAL for the 223 in a NE Firearms HandiRifle.

USed a cleaning rod with drill stops to measure the location of a bullet dropped into the rifling thru the chamber. Was easy to do.

I learned that this rifle has a long throat so COAL length can be large. Not having a magazine size limit is nice.

AM using 55 grain Sierra Varminter spitzers seated about one bullet diameter into the neck for a COAL of 2.315 inches. Not a max load.
Monday the rifle shot 1 MOA. Group size shrunk as soon as I seated the bullets out further.