Powder burn rate relation to barrel length

[chevytruck_83]

Im in the phase of reloading which i pick anyones brain that will offer their knowlege. While doing this at a local range a gentleman said one of the most overlooked benefits of reloading is the ability to run a slower burning powder to lessen the sharp recoil. As i'm getting more comfortable reloading I find myself wanting to work up loads that fit more what my desires are specificaly, aside from just accuracy. Thus my current question. I just started loading for my sps tactical 223. Now you all laugh and say lessen the recoil for a 223.. Yes. I'm trying to find out if there are any charts that will guide me as to which burn rate powders will perform better with what length barrels. I don't want to run too slow a powder and have it not completely burn in such a short barrel but would like the benefits of a slower burning powder for a more progressive recoil. Now i also realise that there may never be any real felt difference but its a stage of reloading im looking forward to experimenting with. The two powders that stand aout right now are the h322 and h335. Barrel is 1-9 bullets i will start with are the v-max 50 and sierra mk 69. Thanks, nick.

 

[Tozguy]

My favorite 223 load is 69 SMK in a 1:8.5 twist, 28'' barrel, with 24 gr. of Varget. The gun weighs 13.5 lbs, shoots free recoil like a dream. As was mentionned, I try to use the slowest powder that works.

 

[chevytruck_83]

Twist rate, lentgh and weight.. i sense something a little more ellaborate then im running. jealous =) I didn't have great luck with the lighter 50 v-max using varget. Since i'm new and cost is somewhat of an issue I really like the deal cabelas has on the 50 g v-max. Can get them on sale 250 for 30 bucks. So i'd like a little more flexable. Thanks, Though.

 

[jonbearman]

H335 is the old stand by for me and many others and meters like sand. I have used it for many weights with excellent results. If you want loads I would purchase a couple loading manuals because it is the safest way to figure out what to try do to what works in mine may be way too hot a load for your rifle ending in tragedy. Get the hornady and sierra manual and read them if you already havent. I also have used benchmark and blc-2 and h322 with good results.

 

[dmickey]

It seems to me that a copy of what Hodgdon has for a reloading manual would also be a good idea!

 

[bheadboy]

if i am not wrong the sps has a 20" bbl, thus powders that are slower than what you are using are unlikely to burn clean.

The 69 gr, may alow somewhat slower powder but most likely from the burn rate chart you will be better of with powders no slower than 335

i personally would stay between H322 and H335 whichincludes some good choices.

Bob

 

[chevytruck_83]

I was shooting a 700 in 308 at the time he mentioned this to me. Yes the sps 223 is a 20'' barrel. Sorry forgot to mention that. just measured the bullet length to lands at 2.895 for my particular gun using a hornady 68 g bthp. I'm going to try loads with .001 under this and then the 335. Im not looking for anything flashy. I would naturally like a complete burn.

 

[K22]

I have a whole rack full of 223 bolt action rifles - I'm addicted to the caliber.

Tried most everything in terms of powder. H335 gave excellent accuracy with 50 and 55 grain bullets however I found it to change impact with 20 to 30 degree changes in temperature. I've shot some of my smallest groups ever with this powder and 55 grain Noslers.

I never had success with H322 but I know some shooter's who have done very well with it.

Benchmark works very well especially in my short barrel 223's, model 7's, 20" barrel but pressure seems to rise very quickly.

The powder I use now is Varget for all barrel lengths. It's not the most accurate but seems to be the most consistant with all my rifles. When I say not the most accurate, it still groups 1/2 moa or under which meets my needs for varmint hunting. What I like about it is it's temperature tolerance and consistency. I eliminate lot to lot variation by purchasing 8 lb keg increments and verify sight in with each new lot. It also clean burning and I get a lot less fouling than with H335.

 

[MrMajestic]

Remember that the powder charge weight figures in the recoil so if you are increasing the charge because of the slower burn rate to maintain velocity your theory may be counterproductive.

 

[mikecr]

You'll increase velocity ES as well, and likely reduce accuracy potential, both due to higher muzzle pressures/fireball.
It's not a very good idea really

 

[chevytruck_83]

I was looking in the range of 22 grains of h322 so the amount of powder is relatively low. Would like to get out tomorrow to shoot some of the 40 rounds i loaded at 2 different lengths one .001 off land and another .004 off lands. I know the results are impossible to measure as sharp intitial recoil versus slow progressive burn is not measurable. Closest way to compare would be solely based from burn rate as far as i understand. Either way. Still like the idea of best accuracy with slowest burn. Interesting info that some loads actually shoot well with powder burning beyond the barrel. I never would have thought. Shows why sites like these are so great.