Loading for a .223

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husqvarna

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Hi all. Everyone was such a great help with info on loading for my 40 S&W, that I figured I would ask for help with my new 223. I just bought a Savage mod 10, heavy barrel target rifle. I have never loaded for a 223 before, but understand they are quite easy. A fellow that I met at the range last week recommended using Reloader 15 or Vargat powder with a 69 grain bullet. Anybody out there have experience with this combination. I have not been able to find data on the R15 powder. I tried on the Hodgson site and it was not there. Any help would be appreciated.
Chris
 
RE15 and Varget have virtually the same burn rate.
Varget is temp insensitive though, making it my #1 choice.

With a 69 SMK, I'd start at 24.5 grains and work up in 1/2 grain increments.
I'd recommend Chrono'ing your loads, as you can certainly stuff more powder in (I'm sure a few guys would recommend), but it gets to a point where the extra powder is doing almost nothing for velocity and just burning the throat hotter.
The load I use is 25 grains of Varget (OAL is 2.250") out of an AR with a 20" 1:8 tube.
 
For RL 15
try these siteshttp://www.reloadersnest.com/query_pw.asp?CaliberID=18&Powder=Alliant%20Reloader%2015

RL 15 is made by Alliant powders
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/index.aspx

I have used many powders like Varget H 4895 but I am starting to get success with H Benchmark the thing I don't like about RL 15 its very dirty powder lots of black residue in barrel
 
I have a Tikka T3 with a 1 in 8 twist. Using 27gr of Varget with Sierra 69gr MatchKings it shoots clover leafs. For hunting I use Sierra 65gr GameKings with the same load it also shoots very tight groups.
 
Varget = Good
Sierra or Hornady HPBT Match Bullets = Good
Winchester Brass = Good (Lapua = Best but mighty pricey in comparison)
CCI 450 or BR4 = Good (Have had good results with both)

Check reloadersnest for Varget loads, lots to browse but start low and work up. 23gr is a good starting point, I know my Savage LRPV is preferring a 24grn load so don't start too high, you may miss a load your rifle likes. JMO anyway.

Find a load that performs then try different seating depths 0.015 from lands, kissing lands, 0.015 into lands to see what opens or tightens the groups.
 
I've only used BenchMark so far with lighter grain bullets, but have had good results.
 
Stevens 200, .223

Brass - Win
Primer - Win SR
Bullet - PMC 55gr BTFMJ
Powder - 26.2gr Win 748
Velocity - 3172 +- 30 fps

I was getting 3/4"-1" groupings at 100yds from BR.

Which considering it is my first .223 foray into loading I was happy (Tried 24.4 up to 26.2gr powder and 26.2 was the best.)

Chrony'd some Norinco .223 FMJ at 3550+-25 fps the same day.
 
Look at these from Sierra's manual.

223 Remington (Bolt-Action Rifle)
Primer: Remington 7 1/2 Test Firearm: Remington 600
Case: Federal BBL Length: 24"
Twist: 1x14" Trim-to Length: 1.750"
Bullets:
#1380 .22 Caliber (.224) High Velocity 69 gr. HPBT Match OAL 2.260

Powder/Velocity 2600 2700 2800 2900 3000 3100
Viht N130 18.7
19.6
20.5




Viht N133 19.8
20.8
21.8
22.8



IMR-4198 18.2
19.1
20.0




XMR-2015 20.0
20.8
21.6
22.4
23.2


RE-7
19.0
20.1
21.2



H322 20.0
20.9
21.8
22.7
23.6


AA-2230
22.2
23.0
23.8
24.6


748
24.0
24.7
25.4
26.1


BL-C(2)
25.0
25.8
26.6
27.4


H335
23.0
23.9
24.8
25.7


H4895 21.5
22.3
23.1
23.9
24.7
25.5

VARGET 19.9
21.2
22.5
23.8
25.1
26.4

IMR-4064 21.9
22.7
23.5
24.3
25.1
25.9

AA-2520 22.0
23.0
24.0
25.0
26.0


Viht N140 21.4
22.4
23.4
24.4
25.4
26.4

Viht N540 22.5
23.3
24.1
24.9
25.7
26.5

Energy/ft.lbs. 1036 1117 1202 1289 1379 1473
Accuracy Load: Viht N540/ 26.5grs. 3100fps/ 1473ft. lbs.
Data for the 69 grain bullet was shot in a Winchester M70 with Remington 7 1/2 primers, Federal cases. The twist rate was 1 x 8" in a 28" barrel.
 
.223's

For the The AR 15 and HK SL-8 I used H335 and 2230 for the Bolt gun was using Varget. A buddy of mine is shooting an XR 100 in .223 , uses Benchmark powder, it shoots 1 hole groups from 100 yds.
 
I have a load of 55gn rounds that I have been using in my Savage 12BVSS, with ok results, 1" groups at 100 yrds. (24gn H335). I have found that factory crimping helps.

But I still find boxed ammo (even the cheap American Eagle 223; 50gn JHP) shoots a touch better.... any thoughts?
 
Last edited:
Try some different powders. Vary the load .5 grain up or down (while staying under the max). Lots of people like Varget. I've only used Benchmark and have had excellent results.
 
Varget only really shines with heavier bullets, as it is fairly slow burning. Judging a long range match bullet's &/or the powder's performance at only 100m isn't telling the whole story, and really isn't an accurate (pardon the pun) evaluation of it's true potential. If you want to shoot a lighter (50 - 60 grain) bullet and get good results at 100m, go with a flat based varmit or match type bullet, and (I'd recommend) a ball powder (H322, H335, BL-C (2)).
Once you get a decent bullet / powder combo for the range you are shooting at, then you can tune it by adjusting seating depth, neck turning, runout, etc.
 
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