Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles Introducing a dead horse. 55gr tsx loading question

I've searched the web and the site but not *quite* finding the answers. I am a novice reloader with a new ar in 223. 1:9 twist and 16" bbl. I have some tsx fb 55 grain bullets, mixed commercial brass and some mixed Lc brass. All once fired. I have some benchmark, blc2 and some imr 4895. Help me put this together into a reasonable facsimile of accurate please.

This according to the Hodgdon website:


IMR4895 Start- 21.5 gr. Max. 23.9 gr.

BLC2 Start 23.4 Max 26.0

With the Barnes TSX FB

I'm sure you're aware but the LC brass will load to higher pressures so decrease the powder amount. There are guys here who are experts on using LC brass and I'm sure they will be happy to give you the details of using LC brass.

Thanks guys. I have the load data. I was curious if one typically worked better than the others for the tsx.

I know using Lc brass is different for larger caliber rifles but wasn't sure of the sensitivity with a the 'little' 223 round. Message heard and I will approach load development cautiously.

FWIW the TSXs usually like a bit of a 'jump' seating depth wise.

L.C. brass is not lower capacity than other .223/5.56 brass.
This myth regarding military 5.56 brass is due to some military 7.62 brass having less capacity.

From Sierra Bullets, Loading for Semi-Autos and Service Rifles:
link

"While this is most often the situation with both 308 Winchester and 30-06 cases, it is less true with the 223 brass. We have found that military cases often have significantly more capacity than several brands of commercial brass. Again, take the time to do a side-by-side comparison of the cases you are working with and adjust your load as needed. There may be no need for such a reduction with the 223. Know your components and keep them segregated accordingly."

I have measured the water capacity of most common brands of .223/5.56 brass and IMI, CBC, LC, and Remington had the highest capacity. Winchester was among those with the lowest capacity.

This myth needs to die.

Thanks for sharing that. I am guilty of passing on the myth. I know better now.

Griz. Mixing headstamps is not the best way to develop loads. Pic one and stick with it until you get a load that works. Then experiment to to see if changing brass will change the load.

LC is a good place to start, but as others have said, is usually heavier.