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New GAP 223 Rem Load 69 SMK

BuLLet

I need a new gun!
Full Member
Minuteman
Supporter
Apr 6, 2004
2,155
4,021
USA
Want to spin up a few test rounds for a New GAP 223 Bolt Gun. Tried some Red Label Blackhills 68 HP factory, and the results were disappointing.

I have a little Varget left, new Lapua 223 Rem Brass, and a box of 69 SMK (1380) (brass and bullets are 15+ years old). Lucky to find the stuff in my basement :)

Sierra is listing an accuracy load of 23.6 grains for this combo. Nearly their max loading. Hodgdon is listing 24 grans starting load.

Thinking of starting @ 23 grains, anyone have a pet load for the 223 with these components?



From a indoor range @ 100 yards best grouping was:

20220409_012728.jpg


Pulled out some old stuff to spin up my test. :)

20220413_161445.jpg
 
I’m shooting 77 SMK but I got faster velocity and just as good accuracy from H4895 over Varget and RL15 personally.
 
I shoot 24.3 grains of varget with a 69 grain SMK. That's definitely my pet load for one of my ARs. It's been a long time since I did it, but I shot a 10 shot group that I could cover with a dime and cover all the edges with that load and that rifle.

I was using LC brass but later on switched to Lapua so I dropped down and worked back up with zero issues.
 
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I ended up with 23 grains... new brass so I'll keep it tame to start....

Found some RL-15, I'll give that a try as well.