It’s been years since I had a G-36’d SL-8 and the only thing that bothered me about that particular rifle was it’s finicky nature with accuracy with certain ammo. Some of the newer ball powders like CFE223 and TAC were not around, and as I recall I shot mostly BL-C2 and H-335 with different bullets, but lots of Varget with the heavier stuff (=/> 68 gr). If memory serves it really liked Hornady 60 gr. V/A-max, 68gr Hornady BTHP, 69SmK, and Berger 73gr LTBs.
At the top end of loadings, ball powders can go from mild to wild with respect to pressures, and while the gun can digest it ok, you are going to still see stringing on target.
If you are finding it has a really narrow accuracy node with a particular load, consider backing that load off quite a bit - like 0.5 to 2.0 grain off and see how it responds.
I know some guys like to stuff as much varget in cases as much as possible (I’m guilty of compressing loads ‘til rings form on the round), but the best, most consistant load I’ve used with .223 and varget is 23.5 gr with the 77gr. SMK
At the top end of loadings, ball powders can go from mild to wild with respect to pressures, and while the gun can digest it ok, you are going to still see stringing on target.
If you are finding it has a really narrow accuracy node with a particular load, consider backing that load off quite a bit - like 0.5 to 2.0 grain off and see how it responds.
I know some guys like to stuff as much varget in cases as much as possible (I’m guilty of compressing loads ‘til rings form on the round), but the best, most consistant load I’ve used with .223 and varget is 23.5 gr with the 77gr. SMK
