223 pet loads Lets see'em

[wbm]

Works good in mine. This thread definitely needs to continue. Lot's of loads specific to 1-9 Twist Savage rifles in different configurations. Several loads listed that I have tried worked well in my Savage 223's also.

[Want2BS8ed]

Interesting conversation at the range several months ago discussing OCW, OBT and universal loadings that seemed to work in any gun. Was provided with the following recipe:

LC brass
25.0g of IMR 8208 XBR
Sierra 55g HPBT (#1390)
COAL to AR mag length 2.26"

I have fired it through both AR's and bolt actions with 16" to 24" barrels and 1:8 to 1:9 twist rates. All with outstanding accuracy at 100 yards - including a new factory second SS Axis that was shooting sub 1/2-MOA groups out of the box.

M

[PaddyD]

I've found the XBR to shoot well in most everything I have tried. However this powder leaves a guy with a very tight window for charge weights. I recommend if using it to use a very accurate scale because as already mentioned 1/10th gn can make a big difference and most all scales, especially the cheaper electronic ones are struggling to even weigh within 1-2 tenths on a consistent basis. This makes this powder in small capacity cases like the .223 a hard powder to get that near perfect load repeatable if your node is right at that specific tenth of a grain. You also must watch the pressure signs with it for the same reason prev. mentioned, especially if you're seating close to or on the lands and/or using military cases. That said, my .204 Ruger LRPV likes it a lot with 32 gn bullets.

[Rich]

My Savage 12 Low Profile with McGowen 1 x 9 loves the 53 HPFB Sierra at 2.255 over 24.7 gr of 8208. Only ever get to shoot at 100 yds any more but it bug holes.

[wbm]

Interesting conversation at the range several months ago discussing OCW, OBT and universal loadings that seemed to work in any gun. Was provided with the following recipe:

LC brass
25.0g of IMR 8208 XBR
Sierra 55g HPBT (#1390)
COAL to AR mag length 2.26"

Since I had all the listed ingredients on hand, I gave this formula a go yesterday. Add an Axis with sporter barrel to the list of "loadings that seemed to work in any gun." Very accurate! Thank you sir.

[celltech]

69gr Sierra TIPPED Match king over 25.0 Varget in Hornady brass....standard CCI primer...2.260" oal. Sub 1/2 MOA for 5 shots from my 1:9 12FV with a barrel cut down to 20". Load is hot as the primers are just starting to get edges on them.

On my thicker Starline brass I have to drop it down to 24.5 grains or primers get ugly and bullets start spreading.

[wbm]

Thanks celltech. Don't have any 69gr Sierras but do have some 68gr Hornady. Will give this one a go. This thread should stay active. All the posted loads that I have tried (especially where components and OAL are given) have worked well in at least three 223 Savage rifles I have tried them in. You often hear "well what shoots well in my rifle may not shoot well in yours." True. But the "magic" of this thread is all the loads are in Savage rifles with 1-9 or slower twist rates. Sierra's V Manual used Savage rifles a lot for their testing. I have yet to try one of their "accuracy loads" that did not perform good to excellent in my Savage rifles.

[wbm]

For what it's worth, IMR 8208XBR has become my go-to powder in 223 for anything less than 60gr bullets.

[EubeenHadd]

Testing a new load next week, 70gr RDF, 25.1gr Varget, CCI450, mixed Hornady/GECO 100gr brass. Hoping for MOA, but this 9 twist hasn't liked long 70gr+ round's yet so we'll see.

[wbm]

Have you shot any of the GECO ammunition?

[Robinhood]

Winchester brass
23.8 R15
80 SMK
BR4
7 Twist

[celltech]

It's not a handload, but the other day I shot some 75 BTHP Hornady Steel Match out of my 7 twist X-Cal on a 12FV action. Easily shot a pair of .47" 5 shot groups. For the cheap price I was pretty impressed.

[EubeenHadd]

Have you shot any of the GECO ammunition?

I have. Both the .223 and 5.56 do OK from my rifle, 2moa or so, more than serviceable for plinking. Consistent brass weight though. Every ammo I've ever fired has cratered primers, other than that it shot without any pressure signs or other issues.

[Want2BS8ed]

I have been playing with 69g Sierra MK's over IMR 8208 XBR. Loads have been great in both AR and bolt action platforms.

Almost as universal as the 55g recipe posted several months ago.

Really liking the 8208.

M


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wbm]

8208 is a very good powder for several different cartridges.

[wbm]

Have never loaded the 50gr Sierra Tipped bullets in any Savage 223's. Going to give them a go with 8208XBR today. Will post what I find.

Any of you guys have some loads for them?

[charlie b]

Thanks celltech. Don't have any 69gr Sierras but do have some 68gr Hornady. Will give this one a go. This thread should stay active. All the posted loads that I have tried (especially where components and OAL are given) have worked well in at least three 223 Savage rifles I have tried them in. You often hear "well what shoots well in my rifle may not shoot well in yours." True. But the "magic" of this thread is all the loads are in Savage rifles with 1-9 or slower twist rates. Sierra's V Manual used Savage rifles a lot for their testing. I have yet to try one of their "accuracy loads" that did not perform good to excellent in my Savage rifles.

One of the things I have noticed with the .223 is that it performs well with a wide variety of bullets, powders and loads.

When I first reloaded for it I was using a powder measure on my progressive press and not weighing individual charges. Using the 69gn SMK's I was still getting MOA level loads out to 200yd, even with kind of wild extreme spreads in velocity (100fps or more).

Now days even the cheapest 55gn FMJBT bullets will do MOA for me. The better bullets will do less than 1/2MOA (and they are more limited by my skills than their accuracy). Powders seem to be similar. Some may like a filled case and others more tolerant of heat, but, most will shoot well.

[wbm]

Now days even the cheapest 55gn FMJBT bullets will do MOA for me. The better bullets will do less than 1/2MOA (and they are more limited by my skills than their accuracy). Powders seem to be similar. Some may like a filled case and others more tolerant of heat, but, most will shoot well.

Agree. Except for the Remington UMC 223 55 Grain Full Metal Jacket. Worst factory ammo I have ever used in 223!

[charlie b]

Factory ammo, I agree. I had Federal bulk ammo that was lucky to get 2MOA.

Never tried Remington factory bullets in my reloads. The cheapest bullets I could find at the local shop were the Hornady 55 FMJBT. They do OK.

[Bill2905]

Have never loaded the 50gr Sierra Tipped bullets in any Savage 223's. Going to give them a go with 8208XBR today. Will post what I find.

Any of you guys have some loads for them?

I have not shot the 50 grain version but I just finished off a box of Sierra 60 grain Tipped Match Kings. I loaded them on top of 21.8 grains of H322 with a Remington 7-1/2 primer and had several groups less than 1/2 MOA at 200 yards. I will be ordering some more of them.