.223 - 5.56

Anyone loading the 62gr hornaday cannure hpbt with h335 and if so what kind of results you getting ?
I'm loading them at
23.9 of H335
coal of 2.235
2680 fps
lc brass and cheap norinco brass
1x7 twist
AR-15 Ballistic advantage 16 premium barrel
I might step up to a 77 hpbt sierra match king later but got alot of these right now and looking for some options.
 
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rdsii640X27 MONTHS
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
10/20/2014

Lake city brass full length sized and trimmed to 1.75
26 grains of N133
50 grain vmax
wolf small rifle primer

(this load may be to hot for a semi auto)
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GregLangeliusXFirst Sergeant
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
10/24/2014 Last edited 12/17/2016 by GregLangelius

By Greg Langelius

.223/5.56 Varmint/Target loads for 200yd and under

50 NBT or 52SMK, 2.260" OAL
F/L resized brass, I prefer PPU.
CCI BR-4
26.0gr Varget.

.223/5.56 Target load for beyond 200yd

HDY 75gr HPBT Match, 2.260" OAL
F/L resized brass, I prefer PPU
CCI BR-4
23.7gr Varget
The above loads work well as a generic loads in 4 rifles, CMMG 16 Bull WASP, Mossberg 20" MVP Predator, 24" Savage 11VT, 24" Stag Model 6 Super Varminter. The slowest rifling is the CMMG 16"/1:9".

Mixmaster Load to duplicate performance of FGMM 3006/168

SRA 168SMK, 3.230" OAL
F/L resized brass, I prefer Win.
CCI BR-2
48.1gr IMR-4064

Thus load works well in my M70 Push Feed Sporter (under 2" at 250yd), 22" Savage Axis II XP, and should be fine in my Garand.

My generic deer hunting load substitutes the SRA 165SGKwith no other changes. ETA: as of yesterday's test, the165SGK load shoots ay least as accurately at 200yd in my M70 sporter as the 168SMK load.

It is not my policy to load beyond mag length and my brass is F/L resized to match a standard case gauge, and not any specific chamber.

Greg



Update: the 165gr version of the '06 load placed first in local club (Bath, NY) deer rifle match.

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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
11/05/2014

Seekings SPRO3G Upper (18", 1/8 barrel)

LC brass
CCI 400
Hornady 75gr BTHP
COL=2.225"
24.0gr PP 2000-MR

Have gone all the way up to 26.4gr, but 24.0gr provides better accuracy

Bolt gun w/ 20" 1/7 Brux barrel

LC Brass
CCI 400
Seated ~ 0.005" off lands (not sure this matters much)
Hornady 75gr AMAX
25.5gr PP 2000-MR

LC Brass
CCI 400
Seated ~ 0.005" off lands (not sure this matters much)
Hornady 80gr AMAX
25.3gr PP 2000-MR
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MinnesotaMulisha
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
11/05/2014

LC '12 Brass

Fed 205M Primers

24.9g Varget

69g SMK

2.250" COAL

18" Black Hole Weaponry barrel with 1:8 Twist

Sub 1/2 moa if I play the role of a shooter.

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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
11/17/2014 Last edited 07/04/2015 by Stpilot12

Time to contribute….

Hornady 68gr BT match
25.5 Varget
F205M
Win 1x
2.252 COAL- This bullet is more finicky than SMK's, tried 2.248-2.260 .252 was noticeably better.
Mild load, 2855 Avg from my Tikka Varmint 24"
.5" @100, taken it to 500, easy MOA or better


Hornady 53gr VMAX
26.0 Benchmark
CCI BR-4
Win 1x and LC 1x
2.270 COAL
3350fps Avg from my Tikka 24" (3380 in Virgin Win brass)
My goto Varmint load.. Makes Squirrel soup
Ive seen this as small as .3's, if it goes over .5, its my fault...


69 SMK
25.7 Varget
F205M or BR-4 (doesn't seem to care)
Win 1x
2.258 COAL
Avg 2875fps in my WOA 18" SPR
Always .5" Taken it to 600, easy MOA+


Preliminary Work up…
69 SMK
23.8 Benchmark (this is over max.)
CCI BR-4
Win 1x
2.258COAL
I've only shot 3 Groups (of 5) so far, but looks promising. All three groups under .5"
Velocity is a little slow at 2780 fps (Avg.18" SPR) with ES less than 20 (I love Benchmark)
No real pressure signs yet. I may push it up a bit, but the accuracy is incredible so far.
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
12/05/2014

A good load for under 500 is 40grvmax on top of 24gr N120 and Rem 7 1/2. This is a max or near max load but it does a number on Prairie dogs.
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
12/14/2014

Factory Remington 700 SPS Tactical 1:9 20"

Brass: Lake City

Primer: CCI 400

Powder: Varget 25 grains

Bullet: Hornady 75 HPBT

Bullet just touching the lands.

Velocity: 2814

ES: 9



Shoots .4s in my rifle.



24.7 shot even tighter with .3s, but the ES and SD were not as consistent. I will be testing 24.7 more.

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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
02/14/2015

Recorded this past summer.
18" noveske with 8208, 77cc @2.257" Winchester cases and primers.
23 grains = 2637 for 5 with SD of 18
23.5 grains = 2682 for 5 with SD of 6
23.8 grains = 2700 for 6 with SD of 15

16" sabre defense 75 bthp Hornady 8208 in FC brass and WSR
23 grains 2600 for 4 SD of 10
23.8 grains 2700 for 5 SD of 30

Recorded Feb14th at 14 degrees with one hour of transport from 70 degree house
18" FN chrome lined barrel, rifle gas, with 8208, 77cc @2.257" Wolf Gold cases and Winchester primers.
23 grains = 2621 for 4 with SD of 12
23.5 grains = 2670 for 4 with SD of 11
23.8 grains = 2692 for 4 with SD of 24

Recorded this past summer.
69 grain Nosler CC @ 2.253 with H4895 @ 24.4 = best load that works well in all my AR uppers and Remington Tactical 20" factory barrel

16" Sabre Defense, mid gas = 2768
18" Noveske,= 2829
18" FN = 2851
20" Rem Tac = 2854
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mattc51XSergeant
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
02/15/2015

Hornady tap copy

55 gr hornady v-max flat base bullet
24.7 gr of benchmark
Very tight groups in all my AR's
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colt933XFirst Sergeant
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
03/01/2015 Last edited 06/19/2015 by colt933

Mk262 Mod1 ish clone

LC Brass, headspace 1.460 (like FGMM in the box), trimmed to 1.750"

77SMK W/C

Ramshot TAC 24.8

FGMM primer

2.245"

LFCD



This load is 1/2MOA in three different DD CHF S2W 18" AR15 barrels.



TgtGfx2_zpsfb8a2135.jpg


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bob6118XSergeant
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
03/07/2015

POF 16" barrel 1/8 twist.
LC brass
Wolf small rifle magnum primers
27.0 gr. Varget
62 gr. SS109 bullet.
2950 fps avg. for 10 shot string.
I only shot this @ 50 yd. , I was looking more for velocity than accuracy.
3/4 " @ 50 yd using a vortex pst 1-4
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Rover31XGunny Sergeant
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
03/17/2015

not to rain on anyones parade... I was looking over some of the loads copied over from the old site that are here and I see a problem.

this is listed as mine



By Rover31
Lapua Brass
Rem 7 1/2 Primers
80 SMK (.015" off lands)
24.6 gr V140
2750fps

I don't have Lapua brass (never have owned any)

I don't have any Rem primers

I have never used or had any V140 powder



I'm a bit concerned that some of the data is messed up. I don't want to see anyone using the data with bad or even just poor results. I especially don't want my name tied to something that is wrong.

I suggest that others look through this and see if I am the only one with bad data.



Thanks

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Rover31XGunny Sergeant
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
03/26/2015

Savage bolt, 26in McGowen bull barrel threaded with suppressor

Win brass

CCI SR primer

80g SMK

Varget 25.4g

COAL have to check

Avg Velocity at 1k altitude on a 60f day

2907.1



load #2

everything same as above except

Power Pro 2000mr 25.3g velocity avg. 2699.8

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scorpion168
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
05/18/2015

Starting to load for my .223/.556. Trying to find a powder to start with. Gonna measure the twist tonight(Windham). Stock gun. Thinking of 55-62 grain bullets. Sounds like Benchmark, H4895, and Varget? I'll dig more, just looking for good opinions.

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scorpion168
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
05/19/2015

1:8 twist.

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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
05/19/2015

Sounds like I may be loading 69 SMK's or 77 SMK's, using Varget or H4895.

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scorpion168
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Re: .223 - 5.56 Loads
05/19/2015

Correction. 1:9 twist. Looking like 55-62 grain bullets.

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Where did you get that target at?
 
Hey Padom,
I am liking the 8208 XBR. What is best way to get that much powder in the 223 case? This powder along with Varget, AR Comp is hard to get it into case at a max load. I use a Forster Micro Seater and have to reseat many that don't seat deep enough. It is a pain. Thanks.
 
Just worked up a predator hunting load for the Noveske 14.5 inch trying to be fur friendly on foxes and coyotes.
28.2 gr TAC (Ramshot max is 28 gr in their 223 data)
40 gr Nosler ballistic tip
lc case
rem 7.5 primer

3190 fps and seems to shoot tighter than I can hold with a 1-8 optic.
I always forget how loud this rifle is...
 
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Rifle is a trued Remington 700 with a 24 inch Kreiger barrel chambered by Andy at the Firm.

70
Lapua Brass
Federal 205M Primer
Berger 70 VLD
Varget 24 grains
Seated .020 of Lands
Velocity 2912
SD 8


77
Lapua Brass
Federal 205M Primer
Berger 77 OTM Tactical
Varget 24 grains
Coal 2.260
Velocity 2738
SD 15
 
Hornady 75 grain ELD-M, 25.5 grains of Varget, virgin Lapua brass, Federal 205M, 1.975 measure to ogive with Hornady comparator. This comes out to be 0.020 jump. Velocity average 3045. TL3 with 26" 1-8 twist Criterion barrel with suppressor. No significant pressure signs. DA -300 puts it at 5.9 mils to 840 yards (longest on my range) with 0.14 mil drift per 1 mph full value.

Lapua brass (Virgin)
75 ELD-M
25.5 Varget
Fed 205M
3045 FPS average
 
Pretty well known node for 75/77gr pills between 23.2 - 23.8. Most people find their node at 23.6. Load charges from 23.2g in 0.2g increments up to 24.

What velocities are you getting?

This is all I’m seeing with 23.4 out of an 18” barrel.
 

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I had a couple of 1 pound containers of the 8208 that were slower like that. My 18" barrel with 23.5gr will run about 2650 or so with an SD of 10. I changed to an 8 pound that was back to normal speed.

The first pound I purchased and tested was a little hotter. 23.5 gave me 2730 with the same 10 SD. Needless to say I was a little disappointed I didn't buy more at the time. I could not find the same lot number.
 
My best .223 bolt gun load:
80 SMK
25.0 Varget
CCI 400
Lapua Brass - Redding full length bushing die. Shoulders bumped .002. Annealed after each firing.
1.978 CBTO - .020 off the lands
2900 fps

I had to alter my AICS mags to fit them. I get no pressure signs and the groups are ridiculous.

(I'd never load this to A/R mag length...too hot.)
 
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Gonna do some load development for my Tikka this weekend. I'm looking to get around 2800 with 80gr ELD-Ms. Ideas on where to start powder wise? I was think 8208 XBR or maybe even 2000-MR to start. Expecting the Tikka to run a little slow.
 
I'll have to give it a try. I got awesome results with benchmark and 77gr smk the other day running around 2900fps. I couldn't get the 75gr eldm to group at all even at 100 yards but I think it was due to seating depth. I was running. 020" off lands. Going to try seating as close to the lands as the magazine will allow before I sell them all of. Regardless, no pressure signs on the 77gr smk so I know 3000fps is more than likely possible, I'd just like to use the eldm for the bc
May want to try .30-50 off lands as well. 75 eldm tend to shoot well in most barres if you can find the right depth
 
I'll have to give it a try. I got awesome results with benchmark and 77gr smk the other day running around 2900fps. I couldn't get the 75gr eldm to group at all even at 100 yards but I think it was due to seating depth. I was running. 020" off lands. Going to try seating as close to the lands as the magazine will allow before I sell them all of. Regardless, no pressure signs on the 77gr smk so I know 3000fps is more than likely possible, I'd just like to use the eldm for the bc
@Eticsl2 what barrel twist rate are you using?
 
So uh i found some solid nodes today velocity wise but the accuracy was absolute shit. If you glanced at the paper you'd thought i was patterning a shotgun. New wolf primed brass i didn't do any prep other than chamfer them. I'm assuming inconsistent neck tension was the issue? Or maybe i need to play with seating depth? Vice versa got some of my AR loads that had been prepped, (resized, trimmed, the works) shoots fine.

23.8-24.0gr of 8208 was the sweet spot 2830-2840. With 23.8 having a 5 shot SD of 4.5 and 24.0gr having a 5 shot SD of 2.2. They were 15 thou off the lands.

Tikka T3x Varmint
Wolf primed brass
8208
80gr ELD-M
 
I've had much better luck with heavier bullets since I started using Sinclair carbide expanding mandrel die, and using a pistol decapper in my Hornady sizing die in place of the expanding ball.
 
I just finished load dev on my new trainer barrel (26" Bartlein 7 twist) with Hornady 75gr BTHPs. 25.0 gr Varget in Remington cases with CCI 400s, bullets loaded to 1.955" bto (20 thou off the lands) gives me 2880 fps and 5 rd groups print 0.3-0.5moa. No pressure signs. Is that a normal speed? It seems I could go higher but I'm not looking for a hot load as it's just for training and maybe club matches 600 yards and in. No prob smacking the 4" gong at 470 yards yesterday once I figured out the switchy headwind, haha.
 
I’d say that’s on the low side of 75gr BTHP with a 26” tube especially custom. I’m running 80gr ELD M 2840 with a factory 23”. My buddies tikka the same. And the other friend was running 2975 with his 75gr eld m out of his tikka last year. With his custom i think he’s at 3075 But i mean if that’s a good node and hammering I’d leave it. I just went with the 80gr eld m for the added BC and wind deflection. If i could run the 88 at 2800 i would so do so.
 
I’d say that’s on the low side of 75gr BTHP with a 26” tube especially custom. I’m running 80gr ELD M 2840 with a factory 23”. My buddies tikka the same. And the other friend was running 2975 with his 75gr eld m out of his tikka last year. With his custom i think he’s at 3075 But i mean if that’s a good node and hammering I’d leave it. I just went with the 80gr eld m for the added BC and wind deflection. If i could run the 88 at 2800 i would so do so.

Thanks, That's kinda what I figured. I might try and work it up a bit after my next match. For now it hammers and it's just for training/practice anyways. I do think it's a slow lot of Varget as well, based on having to bump up my loads for my .308s. I'll probably do another workup when I get a new jug of Varget.
 
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Thanks, That's kinda what I figured. I might try and work it up a bit after my next match. For now it hammers and it's just for training/practice anyways. I do think it's a slow lot of Varget as well, based on having to bump up my loads for my .308s. I'll probably do another workup when I get a new jug of Varget.

Yeah man i'd run with it for now. I loaded up wolf brass again today remeasuring the lands and making sure i was correct. Original testing i didn't measure properly and was jumping like 1/2 a thou. Loaded 5 shots of 10 thou off, 15 thou off, and 20 thou off. 10 shot very well all things considering. I pulled the last shot which is low, typical flinch before letting the shot break. 2840-2850avg i'm pretty pleased with it. Got an expander mandrel on the way to help with neck tension.

Just gotta figure out how impatient i'm going to be now. Whether i wanna wait for Grayboe or get a bravo.

7065407
 
Running Varget 23.0 with Berger 70 gr. .040 off the lands. Not bad for the first 150 rounds. and this wa the Winchester match ammo as well. The barrel is a 1-7 twist 23" long from Short Action Custom for my Desert Tech SRS
 

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23.82 grains of IMR 8208 80 ELDm in Lapua brass. Happy with velocity and SDs but accuracy is only about 3/4 moa. 24” Nucleus custom with wylde chamber. Jump was about .020”

Any recommendations on how much to jump the 80 ELDm? I haven’t found a load that can get me below 1/2 moa. I may try a light jam next.
 

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23.82 grains of IMR 8208 80 ELDm in Lapua brass. Happy with velocity and SDs but accuracy is only about 3/4 moa. 24” Nucleus custom with wylde chamber. Jump was about .020”

Any recommendations on how much to jump the 80 ELDm? I haven’t found a load that can get me below 1/2 moa. I may try a light jam next.

So far my observations are the same as yours. I can't get them under 1/2 but funny enough I never get worst than 0.7 to 0.8"..

Ive just started with them yesterday tho..

My best results are at 0.005 or 0.001 and I push 2951 fps( H4895) in my 26 inch 223 wylde w/longer troat(2.540 oal).

I've got way better groups with the 75gr eld-m and 80gr vld.
 
Gonna do some load development for my Tikka this weekend. I'm looking to get around 2800 with 80gr ELD-Ms. Ideas on where to start powder wise? I was think 8208 XBR or maybe even 2000-MR to start. Expecting the Tikka to run a little slow.

I get 3025 with the 75 ELDM out of my Tikka varmint with 24.9 of H4895. I am using virgin Nammo brass and CCI450s. Loading them .020" off the lands. I have run it out to 1050 yards with good results.
 
I’d say that’s on the low side of 75gr BTHP with a 26” tube especially custom. I’m running 80gr ELD M 2840 with a factory 23”. My buddies tikka the same. And the other friend was running 2975 with his 75gr eld m out of his tikka last year. With his custom i think he’s at 3075 But i mean if that’s a good node and hammering I’d leave it. I just went with the 80gr eld m for the added BC and wind deflection. If i could run the 88 at 2800 i would so do so.

I might go 1-7 on my next barrel for my Tikka so I can play with the 80s and 88 ELDMs. The 88 runs great in my 1-7 22BR.
 
223 load in Tikka T3,needed quick load , in a hurry to go to range, so instead of my Lapua brass Sierra TMKT loads I picked a middling load , some sized IVI brass, tarnished Sierra 69 match bullets CCI small rifle primer, 24.7 gr Varget. 5 rounds , 100yds.<a href=""><img src="" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
 
My contribution:

Brass: once fired Speer 223 Nickel Plated (it's pretty)
Primer: CCI 200 Small Rifle
Powder: BL-C(2), 26.5 grains
OAL: seated bullet to cannelure ring just below case mouth. Lee FCD crimp (bullet setback is for suckers!) Fits in my Okay Industries magazines just fine and chambers reliably.
This Bullet: Hornady 62g BTHP
Screenshot_20190530-050952.png


37 Shot string over my MagSpeed Sporter
Velocity: 2830
SD: 20
ES: 90

Rifffle: Aero Precision M4E1 16"
Barrel: 5.56 NATO chambered Faxon Pencil Profile MID-LENGTH GAS 1:8 twist.
Optic: Leopold Mark AR Mod 1, SPR Reticle, green FireDot. (Love it)

Group at 50y for zeroing:

Up and right were first 3, adjustments made, hit center. Square size is 1/2".
IMG_20190530_0421090.jpg


Walked back, confirmed zero with a couple more shots:

IMG_20190530_0423405.jpg


The really good thing about this load is the P5 BDC dial on my scope is "calibrated" for a 55g traveling 3100 fps. Running numbers in Streak Pro, this load is within .1 mil of all the BDC steps on the dial. I can't wait to test it out at distance!!

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Took this load with the P5 Dial from 100, 200, 300,400, and 500. Reliably hit 3-4 MOA sized steel at all those distances using the indicated elevation adjustments on the LEUPOLD P5 dial "calibrated" for a 55g traveling 3100 FPS

ALSO:

I zero'd a Trijicon TA31RCO at 100, and the BDC reticle holdovers were on as well out to 500 yards.

Great day at the range today!!!
 
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23.3-23.8 of 8208 is known for being pretty flat. My load is 23.5 with 8208 with an SD of 3.0 and an ES of 10.0 out of my 18" AR. Velocity is a little slow compared to others I see. 2650 is what I get at this charge with LC brass and Fed GMM primers. It's faster with other primers but accuracy goes away and the SD went up.
 
200 yards 24.4 Varget 80.5 Berger 2826
 

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I would like to have data on barrel length and twist to assimilate along with load data and 100yd group size.

Apples and Apples, then Oranges and Oranges.

Has nobody ever suggested this before?

Greg
 
Desert Tech SAC 223 conversion 23" barrel with 1/7 twist Thunder beast break and Ultra 9 suppressor. 89 deg 29.98 58% 782'. Wind from 6:30 3-6 gusts to 9 mph. Light from 12:00 over head.