223 Wylde chamber 1:6.5" twist, 26" barrel (Kreiger) loading for 800 yards

[Jeff Conti]

I recently placed an order for a new barrel/bolt carrier group for my AR. I plan to shoot Coyotes, gophers and more varmints here near Judith Gap Montana. I don't like toting my RPR in 6.5 CM and it is a bit overkill not to mention expense. I talked to the technician at Kreiger and he recommended the above 223 chamber in a 26" barrel with 1:6.5" twist rate for bullets 80 grains and over to keep my bullet supersonic at 800. He also said to be sure to use slow burning powder.

I'm not new to reloading pistol, shotgun and rifle (.243, 6.5 CM, 257 Roberts AI and 7mm Rem Mag) but this is the first time I have reloaded 223 and certainly the first time I have become concerned about slow burning powder. I didn't ask him what he recommended so I am asking you guys now. Also, if you have any places to start with powder charges that would be appreciated. Lastly bullets. I read the Berger website for this topic e.g. jumping their VLD bullet at different starting points (.010, .050, .090 and .130) to get better performance from this bullet. I currently use the Hornady ELD Match bullets in the aforementioned calibers. I'm fine with which ever combination I wind up with e.g. powder, bullet, COL etc. I saw one thread about using a magnum primer to prevent cratering problems and a better burn.

This is a new leg on my journey in reloading and hunting so I am hoping some of you more experienced shooters/reloaders can help move me down the path a little bit. I'm not afraid of reading so if there are 38 other threads of information, please feel free to post and I'll go search them out and read up.

In advance, thank you for your assistance.

 

[Trappnp]

223 AI recipe 24.4gr of xbr8208 puts 80eld-m out at 2900ish, I know it's for and Ackley but knock it down by 10-15% for a starting load.

 

[MTRecon]

Hey Jeff...

I'm using Varget, 8208XBR, RL15 and Ramshot Tac in my WOA Heavy Varmint 26" 1/8 twist AR.

Using Nato load data from Western Powders and Hornady 80gr ELDM I worked up to 24.9 grs of Tac (max is 25.8) seated at 2.450" or about .015 off the lands. This load must be hand fed.

I doubt you will have any trouble working up a great load.

 

[skyrep]

Jeff,
I have a 26” Savage Model 12 VLP (1-7 Twist) and I am shooting both the Berger 80.5 Full-bore Target round and the Hornady 88gr ELD Match. Remember, each rifle is different and need to work up your loads. With that said I found for the Hornady 88 ELD’s using 24gr of TAC @ 2.310 COAL has gotten me 2744MV with SD of 6.8 and MOA of .5”. I’ve also tried Varget and 8208 XBR with success. However, I keep coming back to Ramshot TAC.
The Berger 80.5 are a bit harder and picky on seating depths. Definitely start of .010 off the lands (might have to hand load them). Varget and 8208 XBR have done well. I use Lake City Brass and CCI 450 Primers in both loads. I will be switching over to Lapua Brass soon, so I’ll have to start over.
Good luck and be save.

 

[Jeff Conti]

Thank you guys. This is good starting for me. I also found out about Johnnys reloading bench on Youtube so will be checking him out as well