H-322 and 50 gr Speer TnT .223

Sgt_Mike

Well-known member
Rifle Barrel (AR) 1-12" Twist, 24".

H335 (27.2gr) and the Speer TnT in the past was my Varmint load for the Gophers and PD in That AR. I mentioned in the thread "It's about That time.." under the varmint section that I ran into to some H322 that I wanted to try.
At this point, I'm ready to just go back to H335, unless someone has a pet load with H322 that might work.
Any thoughts welcomed. Thank you in advance

Regards
Mike
 
I can't suggest one specifically for 1-12 twist but for my 1-9 twist 223 my two favorite loads using H322 are:

25gr H322, 50gr Nosler BT
23.8gr H322, 60gr Hornady Vmax
 
25gr H322, 50gr Nosler BT
@ 25.5gr with the Speer TnT 50grs gave the best 5 shot groups in the testing I did so far with the Speer's Velocity was running 3350fps average IIRC, without looking at my notes.
Just wasn't performing like the H335 with that same bullet (Speer TnT).

That said, I do have some Nosler 55gr FBHP. As well as some Sierra 52 SMK, (BT) which maybe a closer match?

I'm using 25.0 grains (223) pushing 40 grain VMAX @3550 FPS. Super accurate out of my AR.
Hornady V-max, don't have any of those 40gr bullets on my shelf but do have the Sierra Varminter #1384.
According to the online Bass Pro web site, they show those V-max's on hand. Might have to slip out there and try those V-Max's.



Don't blame the powder, blame the bullet......
Yeah Not blaming the powder, I know many like it and have good success with it. Which is why the question, just what I was trying (bullet/powder) wasn't coming together for me. The working bullet combo's does help.

Thanks to all whom have posted so far.
I'll just set the Speer TnT 50 grs. with the H335.
Then just see which other bullets does well with H322.
 
I was bored and had the 40 VMAX on hand. I didn't figure they would do well in my 1/8 twist 20" AR but they are a hole in a hole @100. Pretty fast too, that's pushing 22-250 speed. There is room to go faster but I'm sticking with what I got. I'm cheap and components are high. My load development has gotten really quick since everything got so expensive. Good luck to you.
 
I'm cheap and components are high.
I'm the same way on the Varmint/Gopher loads. I really prefer to be at as low a cost as possible.
And like you mentioned, your results with the 1-8" twist surprises me as well. As well as @RSG223 's results with the 50gr Nosler with his twist.

The H322 (2lbs ) was given to me, so yes my thoughts was to use it this year. The burn rate is a bit faster than H335, and according to Hodgdon data the velocity matches up very closely in the 50grs. My objective is in the loads is to be slightly under 1MOA or tighter (which I'll use the old 5-shot standard).

Years ago when I seen the Speer's (at that time $0.13 a bullet) shoot as well as they did with H335, under .5 MOA (10 shot groups) with the H335 loaded at 27.2grs . I settled on them.

The V-Max's and Nosler listed maybe the ticket with the H322 powder, and may do well with H335.
None of my comments are slamming any components, just trying to see what most are using combination wise successfully as a guide.

And again thanks for the recommendations and comments to all
Regards
Mike
 
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I did pick up some of the Hornady V-Max's have yet to try them yet. Will soon just didn't have enough time to load them up yet for the trip today.

------H322 powder -----------------------------
I did try some Sierra 40 gr FB Varminters ....
Looks Like two nodes for those 24.8grs - (3380fps), and 26.0grs (3550 fps). Need to reshoot those to confirm.

The 52grs SMK's
24.3grs (3150 fps). Again needs a re-shoot to confirm.
 
After I replied to your post the other day I loaded up some 40 grain VMAX'S and used the last of my H322! I now have "powder envy". I have a grand total of 50 loaded rounds.
I have 150 40 grainer's left so I guess the hunt begins for some more powder.
 
Yeah H322 is in production, and I get @Kwarw1 post. sucks running out then trying to find it on the shelfs. I find myself in that situation more often than I care for.

Don't blame the powder, blame the bullet......
Yeah the original combination that I wanted to try just didn't pan out for me.
Switching bullets seemed to help a lot. The 40gr Sierra Varminteer's and the 52 gr SMk showed a lot of promise.
Last night sat down and loaded up some of @Kwarw1 recommended Hornady 40gr V-max's. They maybe magic in my chamber.

@RSG223 recommend the Nosler 50gr BT, which I would really like to try. But couldn't find locally, and is probably a great option.

Again thanks for the replies and your attention. I'm hopefully planning on testing them this Sunday the winds should be dying down (2-3 mph vs the usual 12 Plus for this time of year) allowing a better evaluation conditions.
 
AA-2230 is a great match for most any mid range 223 loads.

Pick up some Berger 52 grain match bullets while you're at it.
 
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