223 AI Loads - 75 ELDs

[IowaGeologist]

I now have enough formed brass to start diving into the 223AI loads using 75gr ELDs. I've went out once already and wasn't blown away by the results. Figured I'd get some more input from the folks on here to see if I might want to tweak things or start from scratch.

Some background info:
26" CBI 223AI barrel on Origin action
Standard 0.062 freebore
Formed LC brass
CCI 450s
75 ELD Base to Ogive - 1.938"
Temp was about 70 deg

I decided to try out Varget and CFE223 first. Went 25.5, 25.8, and 26.1 gr Varget. Went with 26.9, 27.2, and 27.5 gr CFE223 as well. Overall, most groups were under an inch. About the best I did was 0.5". STD/ES numbers were pretty bad for CFE (20s/50s avg) and slightly better for Varget (15s/30s avg) but not great. Velocity from my magnetospeed are below.

Varget:
25.5 - 2941 (best ES/STD)
25.8 - 2989 (best group)
26.1 - 3034

CFE223:
26.9 - 2965
27.2 - 3003
27.5 - 3035

So I'd like to be a little faster. I've seen quite a few people with 26" barrels pushing 75ELDs and 80 SMKs/ELDs around 3100-3150. Good news, I have plenty of bullets and powder. I also had no pressure signs from anything shot. I went ahead and loaded up another 3 test groups for Varget, at 26.3, 26.5, and 26.8 gr. Only the 26.8 gr load had noticeable compression. Not sure if I'll put much more into CFE223 after the mediocre showing and the fact it's not temp stable.

I've also seen a few people having luck with H4895 in the AI with 75s, so might give that a shot if these next Varget loads don't turn out how I'd like them to. Anything else I might want to take a look at? Any experience with H4895/Varget/CFE223 loads and 75/80 class bullets you might want to share? Thanks for any input.

Oh yeah, might as well include a picture.

 

[Huckleberry75]

25.0gn of IMR8208xbr yields 2888fps from a 21" 7tw pushing a Berger 80.5 for me. H4895 is another great option.

 

[varmintshooter]

You get the velocity you get not what you may want. I am getting 3030 fps with 75 Amax and I am happy. I may be able to get a little more but I understand that pressure builds quick in Ack Imp cases. I did not try to get more out of it because accuracy was good @ 3030.

 

[Spook]

Nice write up. 223AI is one of my favorites. Mine love 80 Amax.

 

[Longtrain]

I am getting 3050 FPS, with an 80.5 Berger and N203B (close to RE-15), out of a 30” 1:8 as measured by my MagnetoSpeed at the lower end of your load weights. If you want 3100+, that may be pushing it a bit, the 223AI isn’t a 22-250. The previous barrel in 223 would get me 2825, so the AI gets me >200 FPS more speed.
BTW, just loaded some real cute 60 grain Sierra TMK’s, now they cruise along at 3400+ FPS and group just over .3 MOA at 100 yards.

 

[IowaGeologist]

25.0gn of IMR8208xbr yields 2888fps from a 21" 7tw pushing a Berger 80.5 for me. H4895 is another great option.

I've seen quite a few people recommend 8208 as well. I don't have any on hand but if Varget doesn't pan out I'll have to decide between trying that or 4895. Thanks!

 

[IowaGeologist]

I am getting 3050 FPS, with an 80.5 Berger and N203B (close to RE-15), out of a 30” 1:8 as measured by my MagnetoSpeed at the lower end of your load weights. If you want 3100+, that may be pushing it a bit, the 223AI isn’t a 22-250. The previous barrel in 223 would get me 2825, so the AI gets me >200 FPS more speed.
BTW, just loaded some real cute 60 grain Sierra TMK’s, now they cruise along at 3400+ FPS and group just over .3 MOA at 100 yards.

Agreed it's not a 22-250, and I'll be sure to end before I hit pressure signs. Just have seen so many reports on 24-26" barrels getting them to 3100 or so. Figured it's worth a shot since I still have some room to work up.

Very interested in hearing more about your 60 TMKs... I have about 900 of them and haven't had time to work with them at all. I'm hoping they become my main varmint bullet. What powder are you using for those? OAL?

 

[Longtrain]

I tend to be a little conservative as I approach max loads. Of course I want to reasonably get what the cartridge is designed to do, but, I’m looking for high accuracy and reasonable speed. If I have to back off a bit to get accuracy, that’s fine. A woodchuck won’t know the difference between 3050 and 3150.

I’m using AA2460, since I’ve got a good supply of it, it’s a bit slower then AA2230. Using published 223 data, I loaded five rounds of each load in half grain increments, starting at the low end. Didn’t see any pressure signs and may need to go back in 2/10’s increments to see what it does on the high end. I jump everything, IIRC they are 25 thousand off.

 

[Indiana6547]

Nice looking rig. Hornady ELD's are only going to get you so far. Try Berger 75 VLD's and have them at least touch the lands if not in a bit. You get what you pay for. I've been down this road. Also, get more freebore with the next barrel so you can also run 80's. Stay with Varget or H4895 and ditch the CFE223. CFE223 is not very temperature stable. Leave it for the AR spray and prayers.

 

[IowaGeologist]

Nice looking rig. Hornady ELD's are only going to get you so far. Try Berger 75 VLD's and have them at least touch the lands if not in a bit. You get what you pay for. I've been down this road. Also, get more freebore with the next barrel so you can also run 80's. Stay with Varget or H4895 and ditch the CFE223. CFE223 is not very temperature stable. Leave it for the AR spray and prayers.

Thanks!

I decided on the standard freebore on this one as I plan on shooting quite a bit of 53 Vmax and 60 TMK as varminter rounds though it, not to mention fire forming with 40 gr vmax on prairie dogs. Felt the compromise on freebore and a 1-8 twist would be best on this one. If I find I like shooting the 75+ gr class, I’ll probably go 1-7 and more freebore on the next one.

I might have to try the Bergers, I’ve heard that while they might lose a little in the BC category vs the ELD, they’re easier to load for. Might be worth the price increase. And I definitely agree on dumping the CFE, just not worth perusing.

 

[stacy]

MY 8 TWIST WILL NOT SHOOT THE ELDS BUT WITH RL-15 75GR BERGERS AND 450 PRIMERS =BUGHOLES 4 GROOVE BRUX BARREL 27'' IT AVG 3040FPS

 

[Hoser]

I am using varget and getting just over 3,000 with Sierra 80s. Hitting 8 inch plates at 1,000 yards isnt too difficult. I cant hang with the 6 and 6.5s when it is windy, but thats ok.

Terminus 3 lug action and Bartlien barrel.

 

[AckleymanII]

I would sure be trying AR comp!

 

[xswanted]

3150 would be doable with 75s but not 80s. Not from a 26” barrel.

Even at 3150 with 75s you’re going to be on the high side with pressure and my guess pretty hard on brass.

R15 is a good speed powder in the 223AI with heavies.

I’m using H4895 with 85.5s with good results on speed and what seems like decent brass life this far.


8208 would be the only other option I’d consider for gettin accurate speed.

All should do batter than Varget in my opinion.

 

[xswanted]

I am using varget and getting just over 3,000 with Sierra 80s. Hitting 8 inch plates at 1,000 yards isnt too difficult. I cant hang with the 6 and 6.5s when it is windy, but thats ok.

Terminus 3 lug action and Bartlien barrel.

Jump up to the 85.5s and you’ll be about identical to a Dasher with 105s!