this question goes to our host Saeed:
I've noticed that in the load data in the reloading section the .22 calibers seem to give awfully high speeds with the 35 and 40gr bullets.
3800fps you achieve with a 40gr bullet out of a .223rem or 4200(!!!)fps with a 35gr bullet out of a .222rem seem almost too good to be true.
what's more, these speeds were not the results of overly long barrels.
gerard of GS Custom mentioned that he feels 3850fps should be possible with his 35gr bullets out of a .223rem, and all my reloading manuals show considerably lower speeds.
now my question is: saeed, do you feel that these speeds can safely be achieved with most any rifle or is this one of those "children, don't try this at home"-stunts?
I'd love to load a .223 with a 35gr GS Custom bullet at 400+ fps...

regards,

david

David,

None of the loads we have show any sign of excessive pressure.

I have found that some barrels tend to be faster than others, everything being equal. I have no idea why this is so.

The most incredible example of this was when 5 Mannlicher Luxus Model rifles were brought in here for scopes to be installed on them. All the rifles were identical in every way.

We used Norma 150 grain factory ammo, and the eye opener was that the difference in velocity from the slowest rifle to the fastes was 150 fps!?

Also, I think custom built rifles, where the actions have been worked on, seem to show less signs of pressure than a standard factory issue rifle. Also, bench rest actions seem to take higher charges than a normal factory action.

This all equates to - hopefully - higher velocity without any sign of high pressure.

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saeed@ emirates.net.ae

www.accuratereloading.com

dcjs
I have a lab report from Somchem Ballistic Proof range http://www.somchem.co.za that states that they test fired 40 grain HVs from a 24" .223 at 3832 fps and that pressure at that speed was still 32mpa under CIP maximum for commercial ammo.

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Gerard Schultz
GS Custom Bullets

hi Saeed,
that does sound good indeed
it seems logical to me that an action with close tolerances will take more pressure without showing any signs then one with higher tolerances.
I think for obvious reasons the reloading manuals just don't show "real-world" maximum loads ...

to Gerard:
have you tried your 35gr hornet bullets in the .223 or .223 yet?
IF it gives the same velocities as the 35gr berger in Saeeds tests it sould make the .223 shoot laser flat out to 300yards

regards,

david