Need .223 Powder Recommendations
- Thread starter RangerPark
- Start date
Rod B
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Varget is excellent in my Savage model 12 with 1 in 9 twist & 75gr bullets. Not so in my Rem 700 1 in 12 twist & 50 to 55 gr bullets.
RangerPark
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Near Edmonton, AB
Final Results
So the final results are in. I switched to a Redding FL die and Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater Die, I was using Lee dies before. Scaled the load for the 50 grain Z-Max back to 26.0 grains of Varget, the same as the 55 gr V-Max. Federal brass, CCI400 primers.
Speed was 3314 SD 14.0. About 50 fps slower that 26.5, but the SD was much better, about half of what it was with 26.5. That's still 400 fps better than with CFE223.
5 shot groups were .423 and .552 MOA. I did adjust the zero between the groups. Shot with an Atlas bipod and sand bag with a Magnetospeed v3 attached. The .552 group had what looked like a flyer, .220 MOA without it. I know that's wishful thinking but it's still nice to see.
So Varget does work well for 50-55 gr bullets in .223, 1:12" Remington Varmint barrel at 26". Good speeds, good accuracy. I'm sure I could make it better with a .223 specific powder, but at this time I don't feel the need to push the issue.
So the final results are in. I switched to a Redding FL die and Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater Die, I was using Lee dies before. Scaled the load for the 50 grain Z-Max back to 26.0 grains of Varget, the same as the 55 gr V-Max. Federal brass, CCI400 primers.
Speed was 3314 SD 14.0. About 50 fps slower that 26.5, but the SD was much better, about half of what it was with 26.5. That's still 400 fps better than with CFE223.
5 shot groups were .423 and .552 MOA. I did adjust the zero between the groups. Shot with an Atlas bipod and sand bag with a Magnetospeed v3 attached. The .552 group had what looked like a flyer, .220 MOA without it. I know that's wishful thinking but it's still nice to see.
So Varget does work well for 50-55 gr bullets in .223, 1:12" Remington Varmint barrel at 26". Good speeds, good accuracy. I'm sure I could make it better with a .223 specific powder, but at this time I don't feel the need to push the issue.
Attachments
I have essentially the same rifle , Rem 700 VS SF 26' , 1:12 . I've had the best accuracy and velocity using the 52/53 SMK and Hornady with H335 , Benchmark and Winchester 748 . All 3 powders are shooting under 1/2 moa , 5 shot groups at 150 yards ( range limit ) . All are handy to 3300fps and shoot as well as I am able to shoot it .
Last edited:
Henry Nierychlo
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Surrey, B.C.
I agree, my customers that use TAC have nothing but good things to say about it.
I also use 13.5 grains of Blue Dot for my Stevens single shot. Pushing 55gr Hornady SPSX bullets for gophers. Really accurate up to 135 yards.
Regards, Henry
