.223 62grn Tracers

[gene10pntr]

What's a good powder to use with this bullet? I know you need a faster burning powder to make the work..just wondered what others had used? Was thinking about H 335,Varget or Benchmark???
Thanks!
Gene

 

[JLT]

Military tracer rounds were/are loaded with WC844, which is mil contract H335. I'd use that. They light just fine.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

Close, but no cigar...

Bartletts shows a special powder for tracer rounds for both 223 and 308

 

[JLT]

Close, but no cigar...

Bartletts shows a special powder for tracer rounds for both 223 and 308

WC844 was and is indeed used for tracer ammunition. M196 tracers are loaded with WC844 and several lots of M856 tracers were loaded with WC844.

WC844T is being used currently for the M856 tracer round. The only difference between the two is the coating treatment; WC844T's coating treatment is designed to produce a slightly higher flame temp. I've seen data that ignition failure rates are not statistically different between the formulations.

 

[Jammer Six]

I wish one of my ranges allowed tracer ammunition...

 

[fredhorace77]

H4895

 

[gene10pntr]

This is probably a dumb question,but here goes...what makes a tracer bullet burn to make it visible when fired??? It's not the color on the tip of the bullet...right??? I bought some 62grn tracers from Sages and loaded them with 23.5grns of H335 with COAL 2.250 and a light crimp then. Shot them and was no signs of pressure,but they didn't ignite or was able to see them. Any suggestions on what might be wrong? The rifle has an 18in barrel with 1:9 twist if that makes any difference

 

[waldo1979]

62gr is right in between H335/Benchmark and Varget. Either should work fine.

Also, I've heard tracer rounds will degrade a barrel fairly quickly but have never tried.

 

[gene10pntr]

Interesting...never heard that about "burning" up a barrel? Further investigation required I guess. I have heard and read that it's a hard bullet to make accurate though.

Shot a couple after dark and the one's with 23.5grns did ignite so that part of the problem solved.

Any other input on ruining a barrel is welcome too!

Thanks!
Gene

 

[r1200mike]

The old red tip tracers did not have anything covering the trace compound located in the rear portion of the projectile. They light usually upon firing, Gene10pntr if you had the red tip type they compound may have been compromised some how?? The newer style have a thin copper cover and will start to burn about 100 yards in front of the shooter. .30 cal burn about 800 yards. I have made subsonic tracers with GI projectiles, lots of fun. Mike

 

[lpreddick]

62gr is right in between H335/Benchmark and Varget. Either should work fine.

Also, I've heard tracer rounds will degrade a barrel fairly quickly but have never tried.

The rifle tracers i'v shot light 100+ yds down range, so I doubt any barrel problemon. Many years ago Hornady sold 9 mm tracers (vector) and they were on fire at the muzzel, so in my carbine I suspect the bore was getting torched. I cleaned it after each firing. Tracers will set leaves on fire...don'the ask how I know this.

 

[nicholst55]

Orange tip tracers are delayed ignition, so that they clear the muzzle before igniting. Red tracers ignite within the bore. The painted tip is merely for identification. The tracing compound is in the base of the bullet. The tracing compound degrades over time. The Army routinely tests tracer ammunition by lot number to verify performance. Once that lot reaches a certain level of 'duds,' that ammo is pulled from service and demilitarized (pulled down). The surplus tracer bullets that you buy are generally demils, which is normally why so many of them do not ignite.

 

[gene10pntr]

Well then maybe I got "BAD" tracers? I got hem from Sage's and American Re-loading I think was the other company and yes..they were pulled bullets. Both lots have the red tip.

I shot them when it was daylight might be another reason I couldn't see them? I haven't tried them at dark yet. I mainly wanted to see if I'd loaded them tooo hot and had any pressure signs...which I didn't with the 23.5grns of H355. Think I will go to 24grns and see what happens or try a different powder even.

Those of you that have shot them...can you see them during the day too? What powder have you tried and liked for them? Where would I buy some then that would be good? Any other info is welcome about loading and shooting tracers. One more thing I have read that the 62grn tracer or any tracer for that matter is not known for being accurate,how true is that?

Thanks for replies!
Gene

 

[dickn52]

"A tracer projectile is constructed with a hollow base filled with a pyrotechnic flare material, often made of phosphorus or magnesium or other bright burning chemicals."