I have a Remington 700 SPS Varmit with a 26in bull barrel that I like to use for target shooting. It has an 8 to 1 twist rate.

I chose a Hornady 55 grn. FMJ boatail bullet ( Manufacturer #: 2267) and would like to use IMR4064. I have Hornady's 11th edition reloading manual but when I chose this bullet - it doesn't list 4064 as one of the powders. My guess is they simply don't list all possible powders but the 4064 could be used.

The trouble is there is a fair bit of range for other bullets that does show 4064, from 22grains to 26grains. I can't get a good sense of what a good starting point might be.

So my question is - is there good data for this combination of 223/IMR4064/55 grain target bullet?

I would prefer to use 4064 as I already have it on hand, but if I have to I could get other powder.

Not sure what kind of target shooting that interests you, but one does not normally begin with FMJ bullets for the best accuracy. You'd be better serve with a Nosler Ballistic Tip or Hornady VMax from the standpoint of accuracy.

If you have data for another 55 gr. bullet, start with the recommended starting load and work up, watching for pressure signs. If you have a chronograph, watch the velocity as you increase the load and stop when the velocity gets to the area of maximum for the bullet with data, as well as pressure signs.

ClaMar

Basic, safe, reloading practices call for starting from the minimum shown in the book.

Then working up as your rifle decides what it prefers.

You mentioned target shooting.

There are no FMJ bullets made for target shooting.

Pick a specified target bullet, or you are going to be disappointed.

And for serious target shooting, you might have to try several powders too.

My book lists IMR 4064 beginning at 23.0 grains for 2867fps and going up to 25.7 grains compressed for 3201fps. Have fun!

Hi guys, thanks for your replies. I have used Hornady V-max bullets for my 7mm, 243 and 270 loads but at the time I was purchasing bullets for the .223 they were either not available or were much more expensive. As I have a limited budget for my hobby I do try to make good choices.

At Midway where I bought these bullets the product overview states: "These bullets are primarily used for target shooting and plinking." That is what I do so I thought I would try them. I guess this is what I'm working with for the first hundred loads. As far as using 4064 for the load, I'm leaning toward not doing so. I don't like that the higher loads are getting close to the case capacity, I don't want to get to the compressed load area. I think I will just buy a pound of Varget which I do have the data for this specific bullet.

With my reloading setup - an old single stage Lee - I measure each charge and trickle it up to my desired load. I've used only used 4064 and 4350 powders so far. Although I am primarily a trapshooter having been a member of one gun club or another all of my life, I am currently branching out into rifle reloading. I try to read up on what I'm doing but I'm still learning as well. I have been lurking here for a couple years now, gleaning what information I can. As I'm sure you guys know, many many people view each thread even though they are not directly involved in the thread, to learn what they can.

Lastly, I'd like to compliment the regular posters here at accurate reloading for the way they post. Other forums that I read on have the tendency to have each thread devolve into joke fests that are more about poking at each other than they are the original subject. That doesn't seem to happen here.

Varget is also going to have compressed loads at the upper end. You may want to try something like H335 which is a ball powder and max loads won't be compressed. Also, nothing wrong with compressed loads as long as you don't overdo it. Have fun!