77 grain .224 moly coated HPBT

[lsystems]

I have a .223 with a 1:7 twist barrel and want to load some 77 Grain Sierra moly coated HPBT bullets with W 748 powder. First, the Lee manual doesn't have a 77 grain bullet (they have a 75 grain) but does a Moly coated bullet classify as a FMJ? Secondly, I read somewhere that Win 748 was fairly close in characteristics to BLC2 powder. Does anyone know if that is true. Thirdly, if anyone could share a suggested load for the subject bullets with Win 748 (I have lots of it) I would most appreciate it. Thanks in advance! LL

[Dan Sierpina]

Moly coating doesn't not classify it as a FMJ. Hodgdon, who now owns Winchester powders does not list 748 with 77 grain bullets. You can contact Sierra, they will give you information on loads.

[SharonAnne9x23]

Hodgdon now markets Hodgdon, IMR and Winchester powders. By the Hodgdon Reloading Center Data, the heaviest bullet that there is a Winchester powder load for is 69gr. I know other companies may have data for heavier bullets with Winchester powder in .223 but I give the manufacturers data more credibility.

[uscbigdawg]

Check the Sierra manual. Also, while I love 748, I would suggest a different powder with that bullet.

Rich

[Franklin D Wolverton]

I'd look into Varget for this particular bullet (tis what I use at 600 yds).

21.3 to 23.7 (compacted) by the manual.

My load (at 600) is 23.1gr... but that is through a 1:8 twist, and not moly'ed.

Frank