Starline .223 vs 5.56

[762willdo]

Has ny body measured the H2O capacity between these to cases? I called them and they said they are identical except for hardness……. But I have a hard time believing that……

 

[Walt Krafft]

Why?

 

[762willdo]

I’ve been shooting 26 grains of H4895 in starline .223 and when I loaded the same in 5.56 I popped 3 primers and stopped…… BR4’s 69 smk’s

 

[karrarararararar]

I'm not sure if they've changed the 223, but I bought some in 2018 and it has less capacity than my 5.56.

 

[Conaso]

I’ve been shooting 26 grains of H4895 in starline .223 and when I loaded the same in 5.56 I popped 3 primers and stopped…… BR2’s 69TMKS

Your response caught my attention. When did Starline sell LRP brass (BR2) in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO?
Also, I've read that several manufacturers made both these cases to the same spec (5.56 NATO) and just change the stamp in order it to be more cost effective. Also, 26 grains of H4895 seems like a hot load, is it compressed? What's you COAL?

 

[762willdo]

Your response caught my attention. When did Starline sell LRP brass (BR2) in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO?
Also, I've read that several manufacturers made both these cases to the same spec (5.56 NATO) and just change the stamp in order it to be more cost effective. Also, 26 grains of H4895 seems like a hot load, is it compressed? What's you COAL?

Sorry BR4’s my mistake
hodgdon max listed is 26.0 grains

 

[RegionRat]

+1 with Ned Ludd, that is a spicey load.
If I gave any advice to anyone loading near the top, it would be to double check any time you have a lot change of anything, bullets, brass, primers, or powder.

 

[tommeboy]

I have both the 556 and 223 starline. The only difference is the head is harder on the 556

 

[762willdo]

From hodgdon own web site…….

 

[Jackal2016]

That Hodgdon data is for SMK's, not TMK's. those two bullets are entirely different.

 

[762willdo]

Im Shooting smk’s (my mistake I shoot TMK in my 22-250ai)

 

[ebb]

I can't imagine why they would go to the trouble of making and keeping track of the 2 products.

 

[SSchnd]

I go max of 24.0 with a a 52-69 grain 223/556 load in service rifle and have been a long time H4895 and 8208 user for XTC service rifle. Not sure if that load data is a misprint but no way (Like Ned said) would I charge a case with 26 gr. YMMV but thats a lot of juice.

We have been using Starline 223/556 for a bit now in course matches. There is a thread in US National Matches with a bit of discussion on the two cases.
Case capacity was slightly different and IIRC the 556 head may be harder but my memory slips.

 

[Conaso]

From hodgdon own web site…….
View attachment 1537778

Different primer (W-SRP vs CCI BR4), different case (Winchester vs Starline), and bullets (SMK vs TMK). Reloading manuals, Quickload, etc., are guidelines; 10% below max and work your way up. The reloading gods were smiling on you that day.

 

[RegionRat]

I can't imagine why they would go to the trouble of making and keeping track of the 2 products.

Often as not, XTC Service rifle loads are pretty hot and typical commercial brass doesn't take the abuse very well so you end up with bent rims. The strongest reason I can imagine, is for AR and Semi to have rims and heads that take the abuse of the extraction and the pressure.

Their 556 version has a hardness gradient that is essentially similar to the MIL Specs while their 223 is typical of commercial heat treat. It takes more effort to get the 556 heat treat right. One could guess they could just run it all 556 but at the end of the day I don't blame them for running both. You pay just a fraction more for the 556 version and there is a market for it cause Service Rifle brass typically only goes about 4 cycles. YMMV

 

[ebb]

What could be bad about have a stronger case for 223 shooters? Is there a downside for 223 shooters from what they do to make a 556 case head stronger?

 

[RegionRat]

What could be bad about have a stronger case for 223 shooters? Is there a downside for 223 shooters from what they do to make a 556 case head stronger?

No. Just the fraction more expense for the 556 brass.

Their 556 version does just fine in the bolt guns, and if you are running only bolt guns you can save a few dollars per thousand buying the 223 version.

I run several different kinds of rigs in the household, so all I buy is their 556 version to have fewer excuses for running out of brass for different projects.

I really miss being able to buy virgin Lake City brass by the thousand, and I am very grateful that Starline is a good value.

 

[Rsadams]

According to starline the brass is the same but the 5.56 is harder at the case head for more pressure...

 

[JB10]

Several years back i had worked up a load for a rifle using Hornady brass. My load was under published max. My brother in law gave me some Nosler brass that he did not want, so i loaded them up the same as the Hornady. My theory was i was almost 1 grain under book max so all is good. Went to the range and had fired a few off, then i grabbed one loaded with Nosler brass. The smoke that came out of the action scared the crap out of me and the whole shot felt off. Opened the action and it blew the primer out and had a bad ejector mark on the case head. I came home and pulled all the rest of the Nosler loades apart. Aint doing that again. Was just happy no damage to action or me.

 

[243Lapua]

Your response caught my attention. When did Starline sell LRP brass (BR2) in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO?
Also, I've read that several manufacturers made both these cases to the same spec (5.56 NATO) and just change the stamp in order it to be more cost effective. Also, 26 grains of H4895 seems like a hot load, is it compressed? What's you COAL?

That seems like a hot load,