223 reloading
- Thread starter Saskabush25
- Start date
Bustercluck
CGN Regular
- Location
- Fort McMurray
You’re a bit handicapped with the short barrel but I’ve had good success with the Berger 80.5 and varget in 1-8” twist.
Bergers work but so do the Hornady bullets from 69 to 75 grains.
If you are using it for steel out to 600 danged near anything will work.
I shoot more .223 out to 1K than anything else these days and really enjoy the lack of recoil and low loading cost .
Cat
If you are using it for steel out to 600 danged near anything will work.
I shoot more .223 out to 1K than anything else these days and really enjoy the lack of recoil and low loading cost .
Cat
You might find bulk Hornady FMJ cheaper, 55gr or 62gr. W748 is a ball powder that will meter easier vs Varget. I've had good success with those loads, albeit in a Ruger Ranch with a 16" barrel. I'm also considering CFE223 these days...
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I use W748 with 50 grain TNT's... huge splat with gophers but probably not the best choice for your 8 twist and long rage.
Yeah i wish the barrel was a bit longer
Yup i scooped that up yesterday, too good of a deal to pass up. I just wish it had a longer barrel
Bustercluck
CGN Regular
- Location
- Fort McMurray
Depends on the goal. I don’t think I could get mine to register on electronic targets at 900m if it was going any slower than it is now with a 24”. I tried a couple of other lighter bullets and they were hit and miss if they’d register or not. Shooting plates at 600 not so big a deal.
Talltimber1
CGN Regular
- Location
- BC Bring Cash
77 SMK 24.3gr Varget
Shoots amazing in my 20" 1:8
Shoots amazing in my 20" 1:8
ATRS Shaun
Business Member Rep.
- Location
- Calgary, AB
I'm using 77 SMK, and 25.1gr Varget in my 26" Cadex 7 stars. such an easy recipe for success with 223.
I use 77 SMK Tipped with 23.5gr of Varget at "1.89 OTCB with Starline brass (you will need to use the Hornady modified case to figure out the max length you can seat your bullet). I don't know how these guys can use more powder because it starts to compress/crunch when seating the bullet. I also use the APW mandrel set (.223) before seating. This recipe is shot with a Tikka T3X Tac A1. I managed to shoot through the same hole at around 19 Celsius but around summer it shot poorly... More testing with cold/cooler weather with this load.
I have a long 7-twist barrel that throws 55s all over the place but does fairly well with 77SMK. Been meaning to test with heavier bullets and longer seating, loading over the top rather than from the (STANAG) magazine.
In my case I’m seating the bullets to 2.465” OAL with the 80 grain Berger. Lapua brass. Lots of room to go higher than the 24 grains of Varget I’m shoving in there, but primers started cratering after that due to the all to common Rem sloppy firing pin fit.
