.223 Rem powder options

[gwesson]

You can check the twist yourself - put a wrap of masking tape around your cleaning rod, hold a tape measure alongside it as you push it down the bore with a snug patch, and see how far the tape goes before it does a full twist.

But I'd hazard a real strong guess you've got a 1-in-12 twist barrel there - that keyholing is dismal! I read that the 1-in-12 barrels would not stabilize heavier than 55-grain bullets; you might try lighter bullets. Good luck with it...

 

[jibjedi]

Certainly seems as though the 1:12 in barrel twist would be the answer. Thanks to everyone for helping me sort that out. Had a chance to test out some cheap commercial loads at 100 yards and things look good. Can't wait to put some of my own together ....using the correct weight bullets

 

[silverfoxdj]

Go with Varget, it's what use for 223 rem.

^^^ I get good results with Varget and 69 gr bullets as well

 

[Dwag]

What laker 415 said. Cant go wrong with that load data.

 

[Mystic Precision]

There are plenty of great bullets in the 52-60gr range. Now that you have addressed it is a twist issue, use bullets that thrive with a 12 twist.

Also, consider a faster powder then varget and these lighter bullets. If you just want to make plinking ammo, the Cdn Ammo D4198 could make some dandy mid pressure loads using a 50/52gr match bullets... never used the powder but if it is a quality IMR bulk, consistent burning should be the norm.

IMR8208, Benchmark, H4895, CFE223 and similar could be used too.

You have a very accurate barrel... keep the powder charges to the same 0.1gr if possible.

Enjoy smacking pop cans way out there.

Jerry

 

[TheReal_Vader]

One very important thing to consider when loading .223 is barrel length vs. powder burn rate. You want to choose a powder that is going to consistently burn as completely as possible in your barrel, this will reduce SD's and increase accuracy. Of course bullet weight and twist rate is also a factor in determining this as well. I prefer to use extruded powders for my match loads, if you're buying the best bullets why not back them up with the best powder. If you're lucky enough to have a powder dispenser it will help you maintain your sanity when using extruded powders, otherwise just measure every throw and be patient.

I've shot 75's through 1:9's without issue, so i'm guessing you have a 1:12" as others have said. In this case I would recommend a 52gr Hornady BTHP or AMAX, or even the 53gr V-Max, I've had great luck with all those. Your 22" barrel gives you a wide range of acceptable powders. I'd suggest benchmark, it's the most accurate powder I've found with that weight range. I think you'll find Varget to be just a little too slow for this combination. Stick with faster powders, they'll give you more consistent burns, you could also try H322 or as mystic mentioned 4198.

Good luck!

 

[Pr589]

One very important thing to consider when loading .223 is barrel length vs. powder burn rate. You want to choose a powder that is going to consistently burn as completely as possible in your barrel, this will reduce SD's and increase accuracy.

I think many would be surprised at how quickly most powders burn. Most measures I have seen indicate that for all practical purposes in a 223, all of the powder is burnt in the first 10" of barrel. I think a sufficiently fast burn rate is important to achieve optimum chamber pressure which promotes a clean burn and as indicated, reduced SD and acceptable velocities.