Varget load for Barnes 62gr TSX in NATO 5.56 Brass?

W

W.Hopmann

New member
Couldn't find any load data online for this combination. Has anyone experimented with the NATO 5.56 brass under a Barnes 62gr TSX and if so how much powder did you find to be successful for you. Just looking for a baseline with this powder/brass/bullet trio. Thanks!
 
Anybody?... Reason behind the question: I'm a born again reloader after about an eight year hiatus, and new to loading the .223. Have been buying ammo for my RRA from a ammo manufacturing company, and didn't realize most of the brass they use is 5.56 NATO stuff. My bad - wasn't paying attention to the head stamps. Anyway, loaded some rounds to .223 brass specs. Noticed that I was getting slight compression when seating the rounds in most instances. That's when it hit that this might be 5.56 brass, not .223. Is it common or more importantly dangerous to have a compressed load using Varget. I didn't surpass any recommended loading in reloading manuals (Hornady and Barnes), but was looking at .223 data.
 
If your talking about lake city brass, it is the same weight and capcity as most .223 brass. You can easily check this with your scale. Compressed loads are fine, but I never had much luck with Varget, H4895 or Benchmark will give you more speed.
 
Thank you. Hadn't thought about weighing the brass for comparison. Was more concerned about hearing/feeling that crunch at the bottom of the seating step.
 
Only shoot LC brass in my bolt gun with 24.1 Varget and 69 gr. Serria HPBT match. Just happens to be the load it likes. My AR likes more Varget and you can hear the crunch when seating the bullet. Never had any problems. I interchange the load data for LC or Win or Rem. Makes no difference for safety. Old wives tales.

Tom
 
I loaded 25 rnds at 24, and 25 at the recommended max of 25.5 grns with the 62 gr bullet. You could feel/hear 3 or 4 crunches with the 25.5 grs toward the bottom of the seating stroke. I had just not experienced that in my previous hand-loading experience. Thanks for the input. I'll be in south Texas this weekend and will be trying both loadings for accuracy and signs of too much pressure. Will tweak from there.
 
Tom: What length/twist is your AR barrel. I'm currently shooting a 16" 1:9, but have a 18" 1:8 (ATH) on order. So I'll have to repeat the process in a couple of months. Tuff job, but someone has to do it, right? BRD is a terrible thing to waste.
 
You might try using a funnel with a drop tube, also pour slowly while tapping the case or funnel will settle the powder some and let you get more in if you need to.

I've always had good luck with IMR-4895 and H4895 with 55 grain Noslers. It usually shoots best with a close to maximum charge, which fills the case almost to the rim. This load has been accurate in four different .223/5.56 rifles. Three model 700's and a 1-9 twist 16" AR. It runs about the same velocity as most 55 grain ball.
 
Correction...SEVEN different .223/5.56 rifles. My oldest son also uses my loads in his 700VS and AR. His brother's 700BDL loves this load.

It's nice to have one load that works in whatever you want to shoot that day. It also make it nice when you buy reloading components.
 
I shot more then my share of .223 with Varget and the Sierra 69 gr bullet. My rifle liked 26.0 gr (Max load) in Federal brass with Fed bench rest primers.

Don't remember the speed but it was accurate leaving just a ragged hole at 100 yards.

I see no reason why Varget would not work with the 62 gr bullet, though I do not have a load for it.
 


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