Duplicating Hornady .223 75g 8026

[Notalentbum]

I have found that this ammo is a perfect match for my Savage bolt rifle. I’d like to duplicate it as it generally runs around $.80-$1 per round.
I’ve shot enough of it to have a supply of cases. The projectiles are easy enough to get but I have no idea what powder or primer Hornady is using. I could pull a few apart and get an approximation of how much powder is being used.
Would Hornady give out this information if I asked nicely or this something they don’t share?
Anyone else know?

Thanks, Matt

 

[Robert Richardson]

That would be like asking KFC for their chicken recipe.

 

[Notalentbum]

That would be like asking KFC for their chicken recipe.

I already have that recipe!

 

[natdscott]

Would Hornady give out this information if I asked nicely or this something they don’t share?
Anyone else know?

Thanks, Matt

No, they will not give that information out, but you don't need it either.

I will get you the numbers for Reloder-15 tonight. I've done that load before, +/- about 5 fps.

In the mean time, go over to Grafs and get a few hundred Lake City casings (new, NO pull-down) on order. While they still have them.

-Nate

 

[Notalentbum]

No, they will not give that information out, but you don't need it either.

I will get you the numbers for Reloder-15 tonight. I've done that load before, +/- about 5 fps.

In the mean time, go over to Grafs and get a few hundred Lake City casings (new, NO pull-down) on order. While they still have them.

-Nate

You must have bought the last of them. New Lake City brass shows out of stock.
I look forward to your numbers. I’ve never used Reloader powders yet but this is worth buying a pound or 8.

Thanks, Matt

 

[natdscott]

Ah shoot.

Sorry...3 day delay.

Yeah, looks like all the LC is gone for now. I am shooting a batch right now that shows pretty good promise..something along the lines of 1/2 Minute without much prep.


So, on review, here's what I did with the 75 BTHP Hornady Ammo:

Factory
20" 7.7" Twist speed average was 2,686 fps;
16" 7.7" Twist speed average was 2,505 fps;

My clone load ended up being:
..

 

[Notalentbum]

My best group was .41moa with the factory 8026 loads. The others weren’t bad but they were all me. I could tell I was shaking more and sight picture was not solid. Got worse as day went on.

Matt

 

[natdscott]

The load, at long last, ended up being

23.6 grains RE15
2.255"
Remington 7.5BR

Easy things you should do are, in order:

At 100 yards:
--test charge from probably 23.5 to 24.0 grains in 0.1 grain increments, then, on the best of those,
--test seating depth from 2.235" to 2.255" in ~0.007" movements, then, on the best of those,

On a calmer day, or over flags, and at 300 yards or further,
--try both the BR4 primer and the Remington 7.5 BR primers to see which one gives you tighter groups and specifically vertical.

I run 77 Sierra almost always at 23.8-23.9, but the Hornady seemed to prefer a little less.

Following the above, you should be able to find a load that will shoot in the 2's or 3's pretty easily.

Have fun and don't blow yourself up!