.223 load development

[Parts]

Hello all,

So, I picked up some Lapua 69 gr HPBT from an awesome gun nut.
Powder on hand is CFE223. My Lee manual has starting load of 23.5 max of 25.8.
1/9 twist in my Mossberg MVP. Distance of 100 yards.

Question is, should I start at 23,and go up in .5 gr increments?
5 of each load? 10 of each? Other tips?

Thanks in advance.

 

[GunsNotPuns]

For .223 I tend to go in .2 grain steps with ten of each (though I think 20 is probably far better)..

 

[snooker]

For initial starters I go 1/2 grain increments and ten each----5 for target and 5 for the chrony. When I find an accurate load --- then I switch to 0.2 gr increments--- and maybe 15 to 20 of each, split between target & chrony. There's no right or wrong-----just take your time, & don't get in a hurry. Hot barrels sometimes will string your group.

 

[todbartell]

Id suggest working in 1% increments. So 0.2 or 0.3 at the biggest for a 223

 

[Parts]

Thanks for the input.

 

[IvoB]

.2g 15 each for three five shot groups - take into account weather conditions and your shooting abilities - once you find the most accurate duplicate the load and try to get the same group or better next time. Keep in mind it isn't the powder charge that determines accuracy Brass preparation plays a vital roll too - keep everything as consistent as possible.

Welcome to the addiction
Ivo

 

[stubblejumper]

I would be starting out with five round groups in 1/2 grain increments. If you see promise at a certain powder charge, you can test in smaller increments around that charge weight.

 

[fiddler]

.223 has been loaded and tested to death.

Put it out there what you shoot, barrel length, twist, and what you want to load. Somebody has the exact honey load for you. Go up and down .1 gr increments from there.

 

[hometownhero]

.2gr and load one of each. Do ladder test then continue with development.

 

[Parts]

Thanks guys.