223 competition loads for an AR

[Claytom Magnet]

I'm starting to load 223 and was wondering where to start for 3 gun and other competitions?

Thanks

 

[sailor38]

If you buy a pound of Benchmark powder you will see a .223 load written on the bottle for a 40gr. Nosler bullet
I have found this load to be extremely accurate in any twist barrel out to 300 yards.
Good luck

 

[m39a2]

IMR list 4895 as their accuracy powder for .223. I use 24.5 grains under a 55 grain bullet for match shooting up to and including 500m. I generally use iron sights with a 20" barrel and get a little less than 1 minute accuracy with this load.
Scott

 

[adamg]

I run a 75gr bthp Hornady with 24.8gr Varget at 2.250". This is a fairly warm load so work up to it. Also a very compressed load so watch your OAL carefully, don't just set it on an empty case and forget it.

 

[Boomhauer440]

I don't have my notebook with me so no exact measures but your gun will have different harmonics than mine anyway. For 3 gun I use 55gr Campro bullets, whatever brass I happen to find, CCI no 400 primers, and as little CFE-223 powder as will shoot more or less accurately, like 23.5gr. I also load these by volume not weight. With the quantity of ammo used in 3 gun, I try to be as quick and economical as possible. Most 3 gun shooting is fast and close range so that's all you usually need. For the odd precise stage see below.
For accuracy I use 68gr Hornady BTHP Match, Winchester brass, CCI BR-4 primers, and like 24 gr of 4895. I load these individually by weight, and have gotten consistent 3-4" groups at 300m with an M&P-15. C.O.L. for both loads is 2.23" because it just seemed right.