5.56 reloads?

[Elk whack master]

My speer handbook doesn't have 5.56 in it. How much of a gain over .223 would you get with the higher pressure 5.56? I haven't had much time to shop for another reloading handbook. Also, whats your favorite reloading book?

[Fl0und3rz]

http://www.frfrogspad.com/miscellq.htm#duplicate

These loads may be above book max. As always, work up.

I did not find a book that has 5.56 loads, last time I was looking. I always like to consult multiple sources, but I usually check at least the data for the bullet manufacturer I use (Nosler, Hornady, Speer) - I don't have a Sierra. I also like the all in one books (Loadbooks USA) that combine all the data from powder, bullet, and mold makers.

[Elk whack master]

 So, you can go over the "MAX" a little at a time untill you start to see pressure signs? I am just starting out reloading so I still have alot to learn.

[Jim the Plumber]

Go here and look for the correct load data.
http://www.ramshot.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ramshot_handgun_rifle.pdf

[Huntbear]

So, you can go over the "MAX" a little at a time untill you start to see pressure signs? I am just starting out reloading so I still have alot to learn.

NO!!!!  until you know what you are doing at the reloading bench NEVER go over max....  unless you want pieces of gun embedded in your forehead, and chest, and want a quick trip to a trauma unit!!!!! 

ESPECIALLY with a Semi Automatic rifle... bad bad juju!!!!!

[Fl0und3rz]

In short, yes.  But it's best done after having considerable experience, or under the guidance of someone having considerable experience. Safety is paramount, and you can break stuff, including yourself and others, by even little mistakes.

Official book max may be overly conservative, or there may be very little margin for error, depending on lots of variables.  The load development is for the particular gun or pressure barrel lsited, and the given combination of case, bullet, powder, primer, environmental factors, etc.

From memory, FWIW, .223 load max in my books are less than those 5.56 duplicates (almost universally, if not universally).  So for going over the book max, it is typically suggested to start below book max, by 10% or a grain or so, and work up in increments, checking velocity, pressure signs, case condition, accuracy, function. 

If you look at the velocity for the M193 5.56 loads (55 grain FMJ) in the duplicates, it is around 3,200 fps or so. For what powders I started with (W748, IMR4198 and 4895), I believe those velocities were over max for .223, IIRC.  They recommend TAC and H335.  I found others having success with W748 (over .223 max) and AA2230. I tried out both and get in the ball park for M193 and M855.with AA2230, milsurp brass, and CCI SR primers, but I still have more development to do.

[Heredoggydoggy]

So, you can go over the "MAX" a little at a time untill you start to see pressure signs? I am just starting out reloading so I still have alot to learn.

NO!!!!  until you know what you are doing at the reloading bench NEVER go over max....  unless you want pieces of gun embedded in your forehead, and chest, and want a quick trip to a trauma unit!!!!! 

ESPECIALLY with a Semi Automatic rifle... bad bad juju!!!!!

   I reload 5.56/.223 rounds all the time, and I don't even sort the cases.  When loading a new load I start at the lowest powder listed in the data, load 5, then load 5 more increasing the powder 1/2 grain at a time.  Then when you get to the range, shoot one round from each 5, watching for signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened primers, or pierced primer cups.  Then, when you've determined what loads are safe, start back at the low end with the remaining 4, shooting for accuracy.  I have found that the sweet spot is usually around the middle of the load table.  Never exceed the published maximum load data.  Your gun might not like it, and your accuracy and case life usually suffer.  And by only loading 5 of each, it's easier to pull the bullets on 5 than to load 50 or 100, and find out they are too hot.

[Elk whack master]

I would never go over, cause just like you said I don't know everything I am looking for yet. I always wondered about it.

[Fl0und3rz]

I would never go over, cause just like you said I don't know everything I am looking for yet. I always wondered about it.

Good call. It's definitely safest to stay within published max, even still, working up.

[Jamieb]

Use .223 data.