New GAP 223 Rem Load 69 SMK

[BuLLet]

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:

Pulled out some old stuff to spin up my test.

 

[db2000]

I’m shooting 77 SMK but I got faster velocity and just as good accuracy from H4895 over Varget and RL15 personally.

 

[alamo5000]

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.

 

[huntnh]

24 grains .varget 50 jump

 

[trickpony]

I was at 24.4 grains of Varget with a 69SMK.

 

[BuLLet]

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.

 

[BuLLet]

Shot the load today @ an indoor 100 yard range... Much improved, these were not worked up. I'll do some more loads to dial it in. Looks to be 1/4 minute as is.

 

[Lunchbox27]

I need to build a range like that in my basement.

Sweet stick!

 

[Yotekiller67]

Shot the load today @ an indoor 100 yard range... Much improved, these were not worked up. I'll do some more loads to dial it in. Looks to be 1/4 minute as is.

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Excellent groups! I'd take that all day long!