.223 tracer reloading

**Fishbone33** · March 20th, 2018, 09:41 AM

Im in the process of reloading some .223 and want to load some tracers i have. However, im having a hell of a time finding the proper powder and load in any of my books. Anyone provide some help? TIA
Scott

**Daycrawler** · March 20th, 2018, 02:26 PM

Without looking at my powder, recalling from memory, I use CF223. 25 grains pushing a 55 grain bullet. What grain bullet are you pushing? AFAIK the powder grain should be the same. A tracer is just a coated bullet. Someone will probably know better so don't take my word 100%.

**bogey1** · March 20th, 2018, 02:32 PM

You will need special powder to ignite the tracer, standard powder wont light it,
thats what I read anyway and the same goes for 50bmg. Try patsreloading.com
He sells all types of military powder and bullets (pulled). Also, if the tracer element
is covered with copper or plastic, poke a hole in it to ensure ignition.

**Fishbone33** · March 20th, 2018, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by Daycrawler

Without looking at my powder, recalling from memory, I use CF223. 25 grains pushing a 55 grain bullet. What grain bullet are you pushing? AFAIK the powder grain should be the same. A tracer is just a coated bullet. Someone will probably know better so don't take my word 100%.

Theyre 62 gr tracers.

**Fishbone33** · March 20th, 2018, 05:43 PM

Yeah thats what im looking for, someone with experience to share their brand/load recipe with me. Ive reloaded thousands of rounds of all calibers but never tracers.

Poking a hole in it would ensure immediate lighting of the phosphorus, in the barrel, no? Id like these to light at 50-75 yards preferably.

**abner13** · March 20th, 2018, 06:11 PM

According to Barnes COTW , USGI tracer ammo used IMR-8202M , a non-canister grade propellant

**DucatiRon** · March 20th, 2018, 07:24 PM

I've loaded thousands of tracers new and pulled. Have always loaded them over BLC-(2) which was a spec military ball powder for 5.56 and 7.62. Never had any ignition issues in barrels 16" or longer. If memory serves me correctly it was 24.5 ish grains of powder.

**Fishbone33** · March 20th, 2018, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by abner13

According to Barnes COTW , USGI tracer ammo used IMR-8202M , a non-canister grade propellant

Thank you

Originally Posted by DucatiRon

I've loaded thousands of tracers new and pulled. Have always loaded them over BLC-(2) which was a spec military ball powder for 5.56 and 7.62. Never had any ignition issues in barrels 16" or longer. If memory serves me correctly it was 24.5 ish grains of powder.

And thank you!

**bogey1** · March 20th, 2018, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by Fishbone33

Yeah thats what im looking for, someone with experience to share their brand/load recipe with me. Ive reloaded thousands of rounds of all calibers but never tracers.

Poking a hole in it would ensure immediate lighting of the phosphorus, in the barrel, no? Id like these to light at 50-75 yards preferably.

Im not familiar with that, just poking holes makes them lite. I think the phosphorous
thing in the barrel is a myth, so I hear. Ive done quite a few out of my M3HB and barrel
still looks new.