.223 Wylde 77 gr SMK and varget

[Canadian eh!]

Any reason not to load 24 gr of varget under the 77 gr SMK? I know it is over the "max load" for .223 in the book (23.7gr) but many are using 24.5 -25gr or more with this. The .223 Wylde chamber should allow for the higher pressures.

Am I crazy to think this will work?

This is for a 20" service rifle 1-7 twist barrelled AR15.

 

[bigedp51]

The Sierra manual in the .223 AR15 Service Rifle section lists 23.9 of Varget as the max load. Your rifle might produce less or more pressure than the max load listed in the Sierra manual. Below are the various .223/5.56 chambers and if you notice the Wylde chamber has a longer but tighter throat which is said to improve accuracy.

You are not dealing with a bolt action rifle, and most AR15 rifles are over gassed and this can cause the bolt to start rotating and move to the rear "BEFORE" the bullet leaves the barrel.

Each rifle will be different when you work up loads, if you see marks on the rear of your cases where the brass starts to flow into the ejector, the pressure is way too high. You also may see swipes on the rear of the case form the bolt rotating while there is still pressure in the barrel and again this is a sign of high pressure.

I have two AR15 rifles, a A2 HBAR and a carbine along with a .223 bolt action rifle. If you plan to press the limits and see how far you can increase the load then be aware that not all makes of brass are equal. Meaning commercial .223 brass is not made to the same standards as Lake City military brass and not designed for higher military pressures.

I do not load my AR15s "HOT" the extra 100-200 fps is not worth the strain on the cartridge case or the rifle.

The reloader and shooter of the cases below was very lucky the cases held together and did not destroy his AR15.

 

[hometownhero]

I load 24gr of varget behind 77gr bergers with great results in a regular 223 chamber. I had them at 25gr but in the summer they were pretty warm.

Edit just read its for an ar. I load for a bolt gun.

 

[Canadian eh!]

Some great info here, I appreciate the time and the details. I will be reloading IVI and PMC milspec 5.56 cases for this. i am now thinking I should load 5 rounds at 23.2, 23.5, 23.7 and 23.9 and see what is happening with these on the way up to be safe. I suspect the pressure will/should be fine, but it will be safer to feel my way up to this.

 

[beltfed]

It will be hard to overload a .223 case with Varget and the 77 SMK loaded to mag length.
24.5 grains is compressed, 24 can be pretty hot in the summer.
I load down to 23.5 only because that I have found is the most accurate, easy going round that works fantastic in all my autos I use it in.
It also tends to hold better in the cases when subjected to a progressive press.
I also crimp the rounds -both types of 77s -with and without the cannalure.

I would not bother with the .2 grain increments - that will give you inconsequential results, unless of course you like trickling each kernel of powder.

 

[Canadian eh!]

Good info belted thanks. I think I will keep it simple and just load some 23.5 and see how they do.