So I went to the range yesterday to test some of the rounds I reloaded. The 380acp did fine, but the 9mm and 5.56 didn't do so great. Iknew the 9mm probly wouldn't go well with all the trouble I had making them. But the 5.56 rounds didn't even hit the target at 50ft!!? Would a consentricity gauge help fix this problem? I know its not the gun or me, because the factory ammo I shot after the reloads were dead on.

you likely have something going on that a concentricity gauge will not help. Could you elaborate a little more on what powder/bullet combo you are using? 223 is an easy round to load for to have the troubles you are having. Hang in there, with the help of the folks here that are far more experienced than me, I'm sure that we can help you solve the problem.

Did you load a really long heavy bullet in a rifle with a slow twist?
What rifle? What sight set up and barrel is installed on the rifle?
Do you have any experience with this rifle?
Have you shot it with similar bullet weights in the past?
Do you know if the barrel is a 5.56 or could it be a larger bore wildcat.
I knew a guy that thought he had a .257X.223.
He could not hit anything. He found out it was a 6.5mmx.223

quote:

Originally posted by Turner421:
So I went to the range yesterday to test some of the rounds I reloaded. The 380acp did fine, but the 9mm and 5.56 didn't do so great. Iknew the 9mm probly wouldn't go well with all the trouble I had making them. But the 5.56 rounds didn't even hit the target at 50ft!!? Would a consentricity gauge help fix this problem? I know its not the gun or me, because the factory ammo I shot after the reloads were dead on.

Concentricity gauges are for getting the last few tenths of an inch out of your groups, not feet.

I was using Nosler 22cal 55 grain bullets with 22grains of 4064. I was shooting my sig 516, I think the barrel twist is 1:7? I have never had any trouble out of the gun, it has always shot factory rounds dead on. And did so that day.

Turner... it is seriously difficult to determine what is wrong without observing your reloading process. Do you have any mentors/friends who can help identify the problem, working with you from beginning to end?

Based upon what you have posted, I don't see any info about working up the load. I do see that you started with a min. load, and fired it at the range, with unsatisfactory results.

When developing a load, I take about 3 loaded rounds of each different powder amount, staying within the safe loads listed in the book. In the .223, I would increase the loadings in .2 gr increments, avoiding the max load for now.

At the range, start with the least amount of powder, shoot for 3 shot groups, and look for signs of pressure as you progress. That way you get to see how different loadings of the same components work.

I don't know anyone else around who reloads, that's why I've been asking you fellas somany questions.

Don't be shy about asking questions. A lot of us that have been reloading for years don't mind passing knowledge on. I have been loading for over 40 years but have never loaded for the .223.
I'm sure when the forum gets back to normal, there will be some suggestions from a .223 loader.

quote:

Originally posted by Turner421:
I don't know anyone else around who reloads, that's why I've been asking you fellas somany questions.

Turner, if you were a little closer, I would gladly come over to help! I guess I'm spoiled, as I grew up in family that reloaded, and we have allot of reloaders hanging out at the gun club.

And, as pagos said, keep asking the questions.

I have loaded for the .223, but I am using a 40 gr bullet, with IMR 4198 powder. They make great groundhog medicine. I tried IMR 4064, but it didn't work well with the lighter bullets.

quote:

Originally posted by Turner421:
I don't know anyone else around who reloads, that's why I've been asking you fellas somany questions.

I am about 1 hour south.
What range are you using? Public or private, north, south, east, or west of Columbus?
If you are interested may be we can get together
I have loaded the .223 for almost 20 years. loaded 40 grain up thru 80 grain bullets.

muck

Turner, that load is lower than IMR recommends. You might up it to 23-24 grains.

I will do that, thanks for The tip

On the 5.56 were they all missing in the same spot or all over the range? What kind of bullets? What about OAL?

Just thinking.

quote:

Originally posted by muck:
I am about 1 hour south.
What range are you using? Public or private, north, south, east, or west of Columbus?
If you are interested may be we can get together
I have loaded the .223 for almost 20 years. loaded 40 grain up thru 80 grain bullets.

muck

Or if that doesn't work out, I have a friend from Columbus, I can see if she knows any reloaders if you would like me to.

quote:

But the 5.56 rounds didn't even hit the target at 50ft!!? Would a consentricity gauge help fix this problem? I know its not the gun or me, because

How big of target having develop many loads for many different calibers. They could be just impacting to a different point of aim.

But at 50 feet wow off the target I seen it with a new scope mount but not with a already sighted in rifle.

Get a bigger target they are hitting some place.

Take muck up on his offer to help

quote:

Originally posted by Turner421:
I was using Nosler 22cal 55 grain bullets with 22grains of 4064. I was shooting my sig 516, I think the barrel twist is 1:7? I have never had any trouble out of the gun, it has always shot factory rounds dead on. And did so that day.

1. Where did you find a load suggesting 22 grains of IMR 4064 with 55 grain bullets? I've checked 4 different reloading manuals I have handy and only one had any mention of IMR 4064 for any bullet weight. The exception was the Speer Reloading Manual Number Ten (I'll bet you don't have that one). Its 4064 load with 55 grain bullets STARTED at 24.5 grains with a maximum load of 26.5 grains so it would appear you're way too light on the load. I'm not suprised your accuracy is poor.

2. With 55 grain bullets, barrel twist shouldn't be much of a factor. That said, I doubt your barrel has a 1:7 twist. Common 223 Remington twists would be 1:14, 1:12 and 1:10. Somewhat less common are 1:9 and 1:8 twists with 1:7 being the least common.

3. As others have said, a concentricity gauge won't solve your problem. Though I have said gauge, I rarely use it.

I know finding a particular powder at this time is a bit problematic so if you're really committed to IMR 4064, you might do better with a heavier bullet. If your gun really had a 1:7 twist, you could go as heavy as you liked. I have a 1:10 twist 223 that does best with 77 grain Nosler BTHP match bullets.

It was the Nosler #7, and now I see that the data I was using is for a 77/80grain bullet! I feel like a complete tard rite now!

4064 is the only thing I can find for my 5.56 rite now.... It sucks! I want to try CFE223, but I cant even find it online anywhere.

I have seen Win 748 on line, works pretty well with 55g FMJ's. 25.5g is mild, functions well with my S&W MP 15. Speer #13 calls for mag primers but I use standard without issues.

quote:

Originally posted by Turner421:
4064 is the only thing I can find for my 5.56 rite now.... It sucks! I want to try CFE223, but I cant even find it online anywhere.

4064 is a good powder and is a little slow for the 223.
The worst problem with 4064 in that small case is the density. You need to tap on the case or touch it to something vibrating like an electric shaver to settle the powder so you can get a max load into the case.

Bal C 2 ww844 are my go to powders for the 223 nice measuring ball powders

quote:

Originally posted by Turner421:
4064 is the only thing I can find for my 5.56 rite now.... It sucks! I want to try CFE223, but I cant even find it online anywhere.

Vance's a.k.a. Buckeye Outdoors

You might try Buckeye Outdoors (affiliated with Vance's) in Hebron, OH. They tend to have a lot on the shelf others don't have.

I believe Vance's is also opening a store in Obetz, OH which will supposedly be a lot bigger and maybe better. I'm not sure when it's to open.

quote:

Originally posted by Turner421:
It was the Nosler #7, and now I see that the data I was using is for a 77/80grain bullet! I feel like a complete tard rite now!

I know you feel bad enough but if you are going to load your own you really need to pay attention to detail. You may not get a second chance.

I actually go to Vance about twice week, but they haven't had jack lately!

You need to try the Hebron store. The Vance's down on Cleveland Ave., at least on the occasions I've been there, has never had nearly the powder selection that the Hebron store has had.

I go to both, neither have had anything I can use. I plan on taking a drive to Fin feather and fur this weekend, over in marion.