.223 - 5.56

Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Looking for a good ball powder load for my 223 out of a AR white oak 20" 1-7 twist.
Been shooting 77g SMK, 24g varget or same in RL15
wanting to try a ball powder instead of cylinder.
going to try it with 77g Nozler CC.
Need a powder that will laod about the same as Varget, RL15???
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

20" 1/9 XCR TACTICAL remington
LC 07
75BTHP
26.5 RE15
205/450mag/CCI41 all did the same
seated to mag lenght.
2850FPS


WOA 18" Rifle gas system
1/7 twist
LC 07
24.5 RE15
75BTHP
450 MAG
MAG LENGHT
2750 FPS SUMMER
2650 FPS WINTER
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Two that have shot fairly well out of my SPS Tactical are:

69gr SMK
25.5gr Reloader 15
LC '08 once fired brass (range pick-up)
CCI SR primer
2.280 COL

The above load averaged .543MOA at 100yds for (4) 5-shot groups off of a bench. I will be taking this load out to further ranges as time permits.

Hornady 68gr HPBT
25.5gr Varget
Winchester 1F brass (range pick-up)
CCI SR Primer
2.280 COL

This load averaged .658MOA for (4) 5-shot groups at 100yds.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

I use:
24gr RL-15
77gr SMK
LC Brass
Federal Match Primers
OAL: 2.260
Trim-to: 1.750
with a 20" barrel and 1x8 twist.
Shoots real good.

I forgot what it's speeds were. I'm going back out this Saturday, and I will post the results of the crony.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GBMaryland</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have a 1:8 twist 77 grain load using RL-15?

GB </div></div>
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Here is what I got this morning through the chrony with temps at 68 degrees:
2712
2753
2723
2711
2732
2723
2722
2714
2728
2715
2746
2700
2710 ......
They continue to be about the same for about 50 rounds...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SymteX</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use:
24gr RL-15
77gr SMK
LC Brass
Federal Match Primers
OAL: 2.260
Trim-to: 1.750
with a 20" barrel and 1x8 twist.
Shoots real good.

I forgot what it's speeds were. I'm going back out this Saturday, and I will post the results of the crony.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GBMaryland</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have a 1:8 twist 77 grain load using RL-15?

GB </div></div></div></div>
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Out of a 16' RECCE (Noveske polygonal rifled barrel) Chronographed 10' from muzzle with a CED M2.

Avg FPS per 5 shots:
MK262 mod1 (in box).......2732 fps
MK262 (on stripper clips)...2665 fps
24.4gr TAC, LC case, Wolf SR mag primer, 77gr SMK...2698 fps (no pressure signs) accuracy on par with factory MK262

That's my limited experience trying to duplicate the MK 262 load with TAC.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

RRA A4 Varmint
20" Wilson 1/8 Wylde chamber
Winchester brass
Fed 205 pr
77 gr. SMK w/ cannetulure
COAL 2.250
23.7 gr. RE-15 or Ramshot TAC
1/2" @ 100yd. 25 degrees F
no chrono data yet, will update
Bob
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scottieb042674</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How accurate were these loads? have a 700 with a 1:9 and a whole bunch of amaxs. I have got "good" groups, but not "great" loads. </div></div>

The 75 amax is hit and miss in the those rifles. You'll be better off selling those and getting into the 69 smk or the 70 vld. Or make it a 223AI and crank up the speed and the 75s will perform.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Two loads that I've found that shoots well in both my 26" Savage 12BVSS and 20" Heavy Barrel AR. Both 1:9 twist.

55gr Hornady FMJBT, LC brass and Wolf small rifle primer (non-mag).

WC844 (H332) 26gr
WC846 (BL-C2) 25.5gr

The 844 is more accurate than the 846. Can get less than 0.3 moa from the Savage.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

77 gr Sierra MBHP 24.5 RL15 in 20in 1-7 KAC SR-15 Match...no choro data but it is shooting very well at 100 -300 yds. Worked up from 23.5 up to 25 and this shot this best, but all where under 1 MOA (10 shot groups)...best was just over .5.

 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

55-grain Hornady FMJBT bought in bulk (best-looking M193 types I've EVER seen), WCC M193 and NATO brass, WSR primers, and 27.1 or 27.7 grains WCC 844.

Velocity on the 27.1 load is 3114 fps at 46°F, which QuickLoad says will still be a bit short when the temps go up to 80 or so. Last 5-round group from a shot-out (??maybe not??) Colt HBAR 20-inch 1:7 was exactly 1.5 inches at 100 yards.

27.7 showed similar accuracy (2 inches) and was tighter than the 28.1 grains that worked with an earlier lot of 844. That should be within 40 fps of the spec 3250 at 15 feet when the temps get back up.

Edited to replace my .308 charges with the REAL .223 charges. Was too tired to be doing this sort of thing...
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Savage LPRV 223 with 1:7 factory barrel, 26 inch length.
LC brass, waaaay over-resized from Scharch.
WSR primer
77MSK
25.8 varget, full to top of case neck,single load at 2.390 oal 0.02" off lands
3009fps at 1050 asl, 28.70 Hg, 97% rH, 46 degrees F
[velocity not from my Oehler, but a borrowed Beta Chrony set 15 feet from muzzle. Can't swear to accuracy of the unit]

Series of 5 shot groups in the rain each a single hole at 100 yards with two different shooters. ( concrete bench, heavy rest, rear bag ) Going to use this in a 300-600 match next weekend and see what 50 record shots look like.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Crush Daddy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">anyone ever tried 75s with 4895? </div></div>

22.0gr. H-4895
Hornady 75gr. A-MAX
Win. Brass
Fed. 205M Primer
OAL 2.390"

Single shooting out of AR w/ 1:7 Twist
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

<span style="text-decoration: underline">75gr. Hornady A-MAX:</span>
23.0gr. Varget
24.0gr. BL-C(2)
23.0gr. Win748
22.0gr. H-4895

<span style="text-decoration: underline">75gr. Hornady BTHP:</span>
22.5gr. Varget
22.0gr. H-4895

<span style="text-decoration: underline">69gr. Sierra Match King:</span>
24.5gr. Varget
22.3gr. Benchmark
25.0gr. H-4895
25.5gr. BL-C(2)
25.2gr. Win748

<span style="text-decoration: underline">77gr. Sierra Match King:</span>
23.5gr. Varget
23.4gr. RL-15
24.0gr. BL-C(2)

<span style="text-decoration: underline">60gr. Sierra HP </span>
26.0gr. Varget
24.5gr. Benchmark

<span style="text-decoration: underline">52gr. Hornady A-MAX:</span>
26.0gr. BL-C(2)
27.0gr. Win 748

<span style="text-decoration: underline">55gr. Hornady V-MAX:</span>
23.5gr. Benchmark
26.0gr. BL-C(2)

<span style="text-decoration: underline">68gr. Hornady BTHP Match:</span>
24.0gr. Varget
23.0gr. H-335

<span style="text-decoration: underline">77gr. Nosler Custom Competition:</span>
23.0gr. H-4895
22.3gr. H-335

<span style="text-decoration: underline">62gr. Remington HP Match:</span>
24.3gr. Benchmark
26.0gr. Varget
25.0gr. BL-C(2)

<span style="text-decoration: underline">62gr. Speer FMJ BT:</span>
23.5gr. RL-15
24.2gr. H-335

<span style="text-decoration: underline">62gr. Barnes TAC-X M/LE BT:</span>
23.5gr. RL-15
25.0gr. H-335

<span style="text-decoration: underline">52gr. Sierra Matchking HPBT:</span>
22.5gr. H-322

<span style="text-decoration: underline">53gr. Sierra Matchking HPBT:</span>
25.0gr. Varget


<span style="font-style: italic">All loads used mainly with Federal 205M Primers and Winchester Brass, most seated out to mag length (2.260")</span>
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gmac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking for a good ball powder load for my 223 out of a AR white oak 20" 1-7 twist.
Been shooting 77g SMK, 24g varget or same in RL15
wanting to try a ball powder instead of cylinder.
going to try it with 77g Nozler CC.
Need a powder that will laod about the same as Varget, RL15??? </div></div>

TAC
23-24 gn
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

ive been searching for a while with not much luck, but does anyone have any load data or accuracy loads for the howa varminter in .223??? 1-12 twist....

id very much love that data to include varget as i have plenty on hand from my .308, but im not holding my breath, im more interested in projectile choice for the 1 in 12 twist, the more explosive terminal results, the better...

my initial thoughts are 55gr Vmax?....

what have you sent through your howa??

cheers lads

jimi
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

AR-15 Platform
White Oak Armament 18" SPR bbl 1-7 Twist
Mid -Gas

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Mk262 Mod 0 Clone load</span>
<span style="font-weight: bold">Bullet</span>- 77gr. Sierra MatchKing HPBT (w/o cannalure)
<span style="font-weight: bold">Powder</span>- Ramshot TAC
<span style="font-weight: bold">Powder Charge</span>- 24.0gr. (Hot Load/Max)
<span style="font-weight: bold">Load Reference</span>- Sierra Manual (Newest Edition)
<span style="font-weight: bold">Case</span>- R-P (Remington)
<span style="font-weight: bold">Trimmed Case</span>- 1.752"
<span style="font-weight: bold">Primer</span>- Remington 7.5 BR
<span style="font-weight: bold">OAL</span>- 2.260"
<span style="font-weight: bold">Velocity</span>- 2,788fps
<span style="font-weight: bold">Best 5-shot Group</span> @100yrds.- .24"
<span style="font-weight: bold">Dies Used</span>- Redding A-Series

This load shoots <span style="text-decoration: underline">VERY</span> well for me. Better than any Varget load I ever tried.

<span style="font-style: italic">Also could sub. w/ 77gr. Nosler custom Competition Bullet</span>

Vihta Vuori N-140 Powder Shoots well for me with the 69gr. SMK also.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Got the load chrony'd with Alpha Master in my wife's Savage 12 LRPV w/factory 26" barrel w/ 1:9 twist in a McMillan A2 stock off the bipod and rear sand bag.
23.8 g XBR over BR4 primer
New Nosler brass with nothing done to prep it.
75g A-MAX

2901 average. 32 ES. 8 SD. over 25 shots.

No pressure signs. I haven't chronied my a-max 25.6 varget load but iirc, backwards from my mil to 600 put me at 2715fps.

Pretty promising stuff. Still pretty windy out but 5 shot groups were in the .2s to .4s. Could have been mostly two's and teens if I had a sled or front rest instead of the bi-pod.

Good stuff.
Justin
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

I have a question regarding starting a load:

I'm shooting Hornady 68 Grain HPBT, CCI primers, winchester brass.

I'm using AA2520 powder. Can someone give me some starting loads?? I'm currently using 24 grains (I just started reloading have only put about ~125 through my rifle), but that load data is from a 69 grain bullet... and I haven't been able to find any books with 68 grain bullets and AA2520. Any suggestions on literature and some loads??

Thanks!
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OK260AI</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can use the same data for the 69smk safely at a low and high point. Good luck with the 2520. I picked up some and some VVN140 and have never cracked them open.
Justin </div></div>


Try that VV N-140 w/ the 77gr. SMK.

22.5gr. Starting load - 25.0gr. Max load.

(Lapua data has 25.0gr. for a max load but Sierra data has 24.5gr. for a max load.)

Shoots well for me with 24.3gr.
rem 7.5 Primer
R-P Brass
77gr. SMK
OAL- 2.255"
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: longrange30</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Varget
TAC
VV N-140
Benchmark
AA 2520
H-4895
BL-C(2)
H-335
WIN 748

Are the best powders that work for me with the .223 (AR-platform) </div></div>

You basically just listed every popular powder for .223s
wink.gif
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OK260AI</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can use the same data for the 69smk safely at a low and high point. Good luck with the 2520. I picked up some and some VVN140 and have never cracked them open.
Justin</div></div>

I feel stupid... but what do you mean by "low and high point"?? You mean start at the min powder for 69gr and work up from there??
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

He had a lot of time, energy, research, and dollars into load development. I have been lucky to have a collection of friends that helped me like lr30. You would be amazed how many hours of searching he saved a few people looking to macth up what they have in their cupboard lol. I have been one of them. Luckily with the .223 I started with Varget first and it shot so well I didn't have a need with anything except for the Amax which was just at the end of my barrel twist/velocity combo until I got my hands on 8208XBR. I think it is very similar to Varget in that for this caliber it is a one size fits almost all needs. I won't change my 69 or 55g loads to 8208 because they are dialed into to Varget so no need.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

1:9t 20" chrome lined Armalite upper

55 FMJ
Mixed Brass
Wolf SR mag primer

25.5gr IMR 4320
~3150 fps, good accuracy (1" @ 100y)
=====================================
55 FMJ Mixed brass
wolf SR mag
~3300 fps

25.5gr H335
Very good accuracy from AR and 22" Savage OEM barrel. MOA past 200 is expected from both platform
====================================================
75 BTHP match
26.0 gr BLC-2
mixed brass
wolf SR mag primer
~ 2800-2850 from AR upper, 2900 from 22" Savage

0.6 MOA from bolt action
0.8 MOA from armalite upper

Easy MOA hits to 600y.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
75 Amax 0.010" jump to lands
23.8gr IMR4064
0.4" @ 100y from Savage
No Chrono data

 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Haven't had a chance to tune the load yet but 25.0 gr Varget with the COAL set to 2.390" (Contact with my lands on these is 2.400" so 0.010" off lands) No compression problems. Fits fine in my new Savage VLP DBM mags and feeds great. At least .5moa round as is. Probably better when I learn how to shoot better and not get excited about groups while still shooting the string. Got a chance to shoot 480 yards and 570 yards today. Smashing the steel and usually through the 2.75x6" trapdoor in the middle of a 8x13" plate at the 570.

Also from calculation a G7 BC of .169 was within 1 click (.285 MOA) on my scope "cold bore"(nil zero change experienced). Bullet Flight had it 42 up from 100 yard zero and it was 43 (about 1.7" for my scope at 570 yards). Out of 35 rounds fired I did have 7 misses but those were wind read/hold errors and no 2 misses in a row.

Just and awesome fun day. First time with the new gun that far.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">anyone got anything for a M700 sps tac (223) looking to through a 69gr SMK </div></div>

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Here are some loads I tried with the 69gr. SMK <span style="font-style: italic">(powder testing</span>)</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">69gr. SIERRA MATCHKING HPBT</span>

VARGET 24.5gr.
BENCHMARK 22.3gr.
H-4895 25.0gr.
BL-C(2) 25.5gr.
WIN748 25.2gr.
RL-15 25.0gr.
RL-15 25.4gr.
RL-15 25.8gr.
VARGET 24.5gr.
VARGET 25.0gr.
VARGET 25.4gr.
VARGET 25.8gr.
VARGET 26.1gr.
H-335 22.0gr.
H-335 22.5gr.
H-335 23.8gr


Im loading up some loads with TAC, AA 2520 and N-140 this weekend to test.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Here is what I've gotten so far for my sps 20" 223 with my cyclone k. winchester brass, cci 400 primers, varget powder,69smk. I'm going to run some more loads in 2grain increments between 25.0-25.6.
HPIM1879.jpg

HPIM1880.jpg
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Any pressure signs with the 25+ varget loads? My rifle craters primers and ruins hornady brass with anything over 24 grains of varget, and I start crunching powder at 2.320. I don't know what I'm doing wrong...
BTW, it's a savage fcp-k, 24" barrel.
Loaded some into lapua brass to 24, 24.5, and 25 grains that I will try out again in the next couple day. I already know this gun likes to launch those 69smk's at around 3,000-3050. The load books say varget will do it but I'm having my doubts...
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

I haven't had any signs show up of too much pressure. I've not been at reloading long enough to trouble shoot those things. I've been lucky enough to find my loads for a particular rifle before too much pressure.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

Anybody got some data on 69gr Nosler Custom Comp out of Rem 700 Tactical 20" 1:9? I see some 69 SMK data and was wonder if one was flyin better than the other. I have a fresh box (250) of the Nosler's I would like to use up.
 
Re: Loads for .223- 5.56

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: longrange30</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">anyone got anything for a M700 sps tac (223) looking to through a 69gr SMK </div></div>

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Here are some loads I tried with the 69gr. SMK <span style="font-style: italic">(powder testing</span>)</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">69gr. SIERRA MATCHKING HPBT</span>

VARGET 24.5gr.
BENCHMARK 22.3gr.
H-4895 25.0gr.
BL-C(2) 25.5gr.
WIN748 25.2gr.
RL-15 25.0gr.
RL-15 25.4gr.
RL-15 25.8gr.
VARGET 24.5gr.
VARGET 25.0gr.
VARGET 25.4gr.
VARGET 25.8gr.
VARGET 26.1gr.
H-335 22.0gr.
H-335 22.5gr.
H-335 23.8gr


Im loading up some loads with TAC, AA 2520 and N-140 this weekend to test. </div></div>

How should I go about choosing a powder to start with. I was going to start with H335 just because its very easy to get. is that as good of place as any to start?