Recommended Powder for 55g FMJBT W/C

General Firearms Reloading & Ammunition
1

I’m taking advantage of a bulk buy on Horandy 55g FMJBT W/C bullets with a couple of buddys.

Anyways, looking to purchase a 8# jug of powder to load for these bullets. I’ve tried 2520 it’s OK but would like to experiment with something else.

The load with be used in my DDM4V2 16 inch 1:7 twist and will be for practice and our local TAC rifle matches.

I’d prefer a ball powder as they meter real well, but primarily do not not want a compressed load thus no volumous powders. Makes a mess when I get moving on the XL650.

Appreciate the advice.

2

For 55 gr FMJ I usually use H335 or 2230.

3

I’ve used H335 and Ramshot TAC and was pleased with both. I’m currently loading the TAC because I’m using Wolf primers and it is incredibly accurate with 24.5 gr and the Hornady bullet (recommended by other forum members). I load it on a 550B and launch it with either a DDM4 or DDV5 midlength with no FT anythings. I think you can search both powders and get good information.
Eric

4

22.8 gr of accurate 2230 here, very nice powder, meters very well, and seems to burn clean…

Also only takes up about 2/3 of your case volume, so you can shake your rounds to verify powder charge as a part of your QC, and its impossible to double charge without overflowing.

5

The TAC really interests me as I’m also looking to trying the Wolf SRM primers out. Cost per a round is very much a isssue for me otherwise I’d just buy Fereral XM193.
The only thing I heard bad about TAC is contradicting to your experience though which it does not do well with lighter weight bullets and groups typical of 1.5 inches at 100 yards are the norm. Can you attest to this?

6

These are my two favorite Powders for 223/5.56 loads ! I have used more AA2230 than I have H335,but have had similair results with both !! Buy what ya can get a better deal on and go from there,I have also shot Thousands of Wolf SRP without a single issue !

7

H-335

8

So you will be loading for a carbine to shoot practice and tactical rifle matches but require accuracy better than 1.5 MOA, really?:confused:

9

h335 & IMR 4064. My last batch with the IMR worked very well for me.

10

H335

Go with 25g seated to 2.26 with a SRM primer and you’ll be good to go.

11

COL can make a big difference with some guns.

I use TAC for my 77 SMK accuracy load and also use it for a 55 Hornady FMJBT /w cann - for my practice and CQB 3-Gun load. I load 24.6 grains TAC for the 55s with Rem 7 1/2 primers.

For convenience, I was loading the 55s at the same seater setting I use for the 77s , which gave me an O/L of ~2.240". It worked well in my 16" N4 Light (~2 MOA) and better still in the SPR; but was disappointing in a DD 14.5" pencil barrel.

I shortened the COL to 2.222" and It made a big difference. Testing yesterday in the DD LW, my 10 shot group came in at a hair over 2" at 100 Yds. Brass was mixed IMI/TZZ, trimmed to 2.155".

12

WC844

Cheapest powder you can buy. It is non-cannister grade H335.

hi-techammo.com and patsreloading.com usually have it available.

(it is a surplus pulldown non commercial version of H335)

13

I’ll toss in my vote for Ramshot TAC. It’s stupid-easy to use and is really versatile.

14

BG,
I haven’t shot it at 100 yds for accuracy. I’ve shot many sub 1" groups at 50 yds with my Eotech off my shooting bag. I like this load.
Eric

15

I’m simply asking a question regarding the pros and cons I have read about this powder with a 55g bullet. In our TAC matches it’s commion to have a couple of targets out to 130-150 yards at the start of the stage, to shoot prone or benched, before a run and gun. We are only allowed non-magnified optics so the more accurate load for the chosen bullet the better is all…

Thank you. I’m gonna put a PV order in this week with a bunch of guys on a group buy TAC it is.

Anybody care to share your current TAC load? Particularly with a 55g bullet.

16

My XM193 duplication load is a 55gr FMJ over 25.0gr of H-335.

I’m going to have to try using the TAC load of 24.5 that few guys recommended, as I have about 10 pounds of it (I usually shoot 69gr bullets, and it does an excellent job with them).

17

H335 with Hornady 55gr FMJBT tests you might find interesting.

Cartridge: 223 Rem

Powder: Hodgdon H335
Case: Lake City 89 - Once Fired
Case Length: 1.75
Primer: CCI #41

Bullet: 55gr Hornady FMJBT - w/canalure
OAL: 2.225 (case mouth roughly center of canalure)
Crimp: Very Light using Lee Factory Crimp Die

Firearm: Custom Rock River AR-15
Barrel Length: 16"
Barrel Details: 223 Wylde Chamber, Stainless Steel, 1 in 8 twist
Comp: Lund/SJC .223 Titan

Chrono Dist: 15 ft

Date: 9/4/2007
Time: 2:00 PM
Temp: 87-89
Bar Pres: 29.95
Rel Hum: 66%

Pdr Wt: 25.0 - 2988 fps - 10 shot average
Pdr Wt: 25.4 - 3009 fps - 10 shot average
Pdr Wt: 25.7 - 3045 fps - 10 shot average
Pdr Wt: 26.0 - 3107 fps - 10 shot average

Following shot same day, same conditions for reference.

Factory Win USA 55 gr FMJ - Lot HL42 - 3252 fps - 10 shot average
Factory Win USA 55 gr FMJ - Lot NM32 - 3177 fps - 10 shot average
Factory Fed XM193 55 gr FMJ - Lot 2 - 3267 fps - 10 shot average
Black Hills 77 gr HPBT - Red Box - 2685 fps - 10 shot average

Cartridge: 223 Rem

Powder: Hodgdon H335
Case: Lake City 89 - Once Fired
Case Length: 1.75
Primer: CCI #41

Bullet: 55gr Hornady FMJBT - w/canalure
OAL: 2.225 (case mouth roughly center of canalure)
Crimp: Very Light using Lee Factory Crimp Die

Firearm: Colt CAR-15 HBAR
Barrel Length: 16"
Barrel Details: 1 in 9 twist

Chrono Dist: 15 ft

Date: 9/4/2007
Time: 2:00 PM
Temp: 87-89
Bar Pres: 29.95
Rel Hum: 66%

Pdr Wt: 25.0 - 2947 fps - 10 shot average
Pdr Wt: 25.4 - 2995 fps - 10 shot average
Pdr Wt: 25.7 - 3029 fps - 10 shot average
Pdr Wt: 26.0 - 3065 fps - 10 shot average

Following shot same day, same conditions for reference.

Factory Win USA 55 gr FMJ - Lot HL42 - 3204 fps - 10 shot average
Factory Fed XM193 55 gr FMJ - Lot 2 - 3218 fps - 10 shot average
Black Hills 77 gr HPBT - Red Box - 2666 fps - 10 shot average

Various primers 26.0 gr H335

–

Cartridge: 223 Rem

Powder: Hodgdon H335
Case: Lake City 89 - Once Fired
Case Length: 1.75

Bullet: 55gr Hornady FMJBT - w/canalure
OAL: 2.225 (case mouth roughly center of canalure)
Crimp: Very Light using Lee Factory Crimp Die

Firearm: Custom Rock River AR-15
Barrel Length: 16"
Barrel Details: 223 Wylde Chamber, Stainless Steel, 1 in 8 twist
Comp: Lund/SJC .223 Titan

Chrono Dist: 15 ft

Date: 9/18/2007
Time: 1:00 PM
Temp: 82-86
Bar Pres: 29.96
Rel Hum: 58%

Elevation: 1001 ft

Primer: CCI #41 Pdr Wt: 26.0 - 3102 fps - 10 shot average
Primer: Fed Match Pdr Wt: 26.0 - 3085 fps - 10 shot average
Primer: Win SR Pdr Wt: 26.0 - 3082 fps - 10 shot average
Primer: Rem BR Pdr Wt: 26.0 - 3083 fps - 10 shot average

Following shot same day, same conditions for reference.

Factory Win USA 55 gr FMJ - Lot HL42 - 3188 fps - 10 shot average
Factory Fed XM193 55 gr FMJ - Lot 2 - 3241 fps - 10 shot average

Various primers 26.0 gr H335

–

Cartridge: 223 Rem

Powder: Hodgdon H335
Case: Lake City 89 - Once Fired
Case Length: 1.75

Bullet: 55gr Hornady FMJBT - w/canalure
OAL: 2.225 (case mouth roughly center of canalure)
Crimp: Very Light using Lee Factory Crimp Die

Firearm: Colt CAR-15 HBAR
Barrel Length: 16"
Barrel Details: 1 in 9 twist

Chrono Dist: 15 ft

Date: 9/18/2007
Time: 1:00 PM
Temp: 82-86
Bar Pres: 29.96
Rel Hum: 58%

Elevation: 1001 ft

Primer: CCI #41 Pdr Wt: 26.0 - 3075 fps - 10 shot average
Primer: Fed Match Pdr Wt: 26.0 - 3080 fps - 10 shot average
Primer: Win SR Pdr Wt: 26.0 - 3044 fps - 10 shot average
Primer: Rem BR Pdr Wt: 26.0 - 3073 fps - 10 shot average

Following shot same day, same conditions for reference.

Factory Win USA 55 gr FMJ - Lot HL42 - 3177 fps - 10 shot average
Factory Fed XM193 55 gr FMJ - Lot 2 - 3153 fps - 10 shot average

Various primers 26.2 gr H335

–

Cartridge: 223 Rem

Powder: Hodgdon H335
Case: Lake City 89 - Once Fired
Case Length: 1.75

Bullet: 55gr Hornady FMJBT - w/canalure
OAL: 2.225 (case mouth roughly center of canalure)
Crimp: Very Light using Lee Factory Crimp Die

Firearm: Custom Rock River AR-15
Barrel Length: 16"
Barrel Details: 223 Wylde Chamber, Stainless Steel, 1 in 8 twist
Comp: Lund/SJC .223 Titan

Chrono Dist: 15 ft

Date: 9/18/2007
Time: 1:00 PM
Temp: 82-86
Bar Pres: 29.96
Rel Hum: 58%

Elevation: 1001 ft

Primer: CCI #41 Pdr Wt: 26.2 - 3156 fps - 10 shot average
Primer: Fed Match Pdr Wt: 26.2 - 3114 fps - 10 shot average
Primer: Rem BR Pdr Wt: 26.2 - 3114 fps - 10 shot average

Following shot same day, same conditions for reference.

Factory Win USA 55 gr FMJ - Lot HL42 - 3188 fps - 10 shot average
Factory Fed XM193 55 gr FMJ - Lot 2 - 3241 fps - 10 shot average

Various primers 26.2 gr H335

–

Cartridge: 223 Rem

Powder: Hodgdon H335
Case: Lake City 89 - Once Fired
Case Length: 1.75

Bullet: 55gr Hornady FMJBT - w/canalure
OAL: 2.225 (case mouth roughly center of canalure)
Crimp: Very Light using Lee Factory Crimp Die

Firearm: Colt CAR-15 HBAR
Barrel Length: 16"
Barrel Details: 1 in 9 twist

Chrono Dist: 15 ft

Date: 9/18/2007
Time: 1:00 PM
Temp: 82-86
Bar Pres: 29.96
Rel Hum: 58%

Elevation: 1001 ft

Primer: CCI #41 Pdr Wt: 26.2 - 3107 fps - 10 shot average
Primer: Fed Match Pdr Wt: 26.2 - 3089 fps - 10 shot average
Primer: Rem BR Pdr Wt: 26.2 - 3093 fps - 10 shot average

Following shot same day, same conditions for reference.

Factory Win USA 55 gr FMJ - Lot HL42 - 3177 fps - 10 shot average
Factory Fed XM193 55 gr FMJ - Lot 2 - 3153 fps - 10 shot average

My old Hodgdon #25 load manual shows:

26" Barrel
H335 - 55gr bullet
Case unknown, Primer unknown

Starting Load 25.0 - 3011 fps - 36,600 CUP
Maximum Load 27.0 - 3281 fps - 48,200 CUP

–

Hodgdon #27 load manual shows:

24" 1:12 Barrel
H335 - 55gr bullet
Case Winchester, Primer Winchester

Starting Load 23.0 - 3018 fps - 40,800 CUP
Maximum Load 25.3 - 3203 fps - 49,300 CUP

18

not one suggestion for win 748? 26 grains of it under the same bullet your using worked great out of my norinco and armalite Ar 15s

19

4064 is great… but why would you want to meter that long cut powder just for 55 gr FMJs? :confused:

20

I’ve been playing with a lot of different powders lately.

And since no one mentioned it… I’m going to recommend my current favorite…

H322! 23.3 grains… it’s a short cut extruded powder that meters damned near as good as ball powder.