223 rem loads

[Scrumbag]

If you like the 69gr Matchkings, you will REALLY like the 70 gr. Bergers

I've never used Berger bullets. They aren't cheap (quite possibly with good reason) and when they have been imported somehow then premium gets even steeper!

They do look good though and I have the Berger manual.

Scrummy

 

[jelenko]

I've never used Berger bullets. They aren't cheap (quite possibly with good reason) and when they have been imported somehow then premium gets even steeper!

They do look good though and I have the Berger manual.

Scrummy

The Berger 73gr are also not bad. Their BC isn't a high/good as the 70vld's, but, generally, they are more tolerant on seating depth.

 

[Scrumbag]

The Berger 73gr are also not bad. Their BC isn't a high/good as the 70vld's, but, generally, they are more tolerant on seating depth.

Just had a look, reckon they will be marginally stable so probably will pass

 

[jelenko]

Sorry about that. Meant to check stability first for 1:9.

 

[Scrumbag]

Sorry about that. Meant to check stability first for 1:9.

No worries!

 

[moondog]

I don't "plink", and I don't hunt deer with a .223.

About a decade ago I started getting real anal about every rifle I own shooting 0.5 MOA or better. I have developed quite a few loads for the .223 in a 9 twist, and a couple consistently rise to the top.

If I am being cheap:
69gr Sierra Matchking
CFE223 or H335 (BIG difference in charge weight here)
CCI 400
Starline brass
- These set me back $0.36 when primers are 3 cents apiece, a pound of powder is $25, and Sierra 69's are $100. I fear those days are long gone.

If I am not being cheap:
73gr Berger boat tail target
Varget, H4895, or Viht N140
CCI BR4
Lapua or Petersen brass
- Price per cartridge rises to $0.48 apiece.

Both of these work fantastic in AR's as well as bolt rifles. As I mentioned, I lean to the OCD side. I even neck turn all of my brass, including the "cheap" .223. I get more than a little satisfaction from each bullet arriving where I intended - if it is a miss it is on me. I also take any batch of bullets off of the shelf for any task. Going to a match? grab 150, going after gophers in April? grab 500, going to the range to bang some steel with the guys out to 800? grab a couple hundred. It's nice when you have a multiple-purpose and dialed-in load.

Basically my load as well. 55 grain Blitzkings in front of H-335 for P-dogs
73 grain Berger in front of Varget for targets

 

[SecondsCount]

I am a 223 fan and shoot it more than anything else I own.

For 1:12 twist I like the varmint bullets- 40 and 53 V-Max, 50 SP, as well as the 52 BTHP match bullets.

Favorite load is 52 BTHP with Benchmark or 10X.

1:9 twist- 62, 68, 69 BTHP, tested out to 545 yards, as well as the 70 RDF. 75 BTHP with 23.0 8208XBR will stabilize out to 730 yards at 4200 feet elevation. I have also tried the 77 RDF out to 675 but I am still not certain on accuracy as the wind has never cooperated. It seemed to be stable and I want to spend more time with it in 2021.

Favorite load is 62 Hornady BTHP with 8208 XBR. TAC can be very accurate and has yielded some good results with 68/69 grain bullets.

1:8 twist- I have an AR-15, and a bolt action with a Bartlein barrel. The bolt action seems to shoot almost anything well...52 and 62 BTHP, 69 and 77 SMK, 77 Nosler CC, 75 Amax, and 80 ELD. I'm shooting at 4000+ feet elevation so they air is thin up here but that helps me reach out to 1000+ yards with the 77 grain bullets using the AR or bolt action.

Favorite load is a 77 grain Nosler CC or a Sierra SMK loaded with 23.2 grains of 8208XBR. If I want a little more BC I get out the 75 ELD/Amax or the 80s.

A good friend likes CFE223 with the 77 grain bullets but you have to load it hot to get consistency.

 

[scope eye]

I like they Sierra 69gr and the 77gr HPs they have a very short bearing surface, and you can get away with shooting them out of a slower twist barrel and still get good results.

Dean

 

[Scrumbag]

@SecondsCount That's very interesting and thank you. Guess I shall just have to see what comes in with the next shipment and try some out.

I rather think over 70gr I will be pushing my luck on stability

 

[sparky123321]

Varget, Varget, Varget and whatever bullet your barrel prefers. 69gr SMK's or a Berger for something heavier are a good starting points and have been outstanding shooters for me in numerous bolt and semi rifles. Compressed Varget loads have been the most accurate.

 

[Newhouse]

I had factory 69g Outback and 75g Hornady Black that gave me good results at 200 yards with my factory Savage 12FV. I was able to duplicate the results for the 69g SMK using Benchmark. I may try to duplicate the 75g results this coming spring once I have more components on hand (new to reloading).

 

[sparky123321]

Varget, Varget, Varget and whatever bullet your barrel prefers. 69gr SMK's or a Berger for something heavier are a good starting points and have been outstanding shooters for me in numerous bolt and semi rifles. Compressed Varget loads have been the most accurate.

BTW I normally go with a faster twist than a 9.

 

[Scrumbag]

Varget, Varget, Varget and whatever bullet your barrel prefers. 69gr SMK's or a Berger for something heavier are a good starting points and have been outstanding shooters for me in numerous bolt and semi rifles. Compressed Varget loads have been the most accurate.

Sadly Varget is no longer available in UK and EU

 

[Oso]

223 is so forgiving and bullet weights are light enough that there are dozens of great powders that you can use.

TAC, H332, H335, CFE223, 8208 XBR, N133... yes Varget (PITA to Meter).
Any of these powders will turn out sub MOA groups. The biggest determinant is your rifle. If you have a custom barrel, trued action that is bedded and a upgraded trigger then maybe it is worth chasing vapors.

If your rifle hasn't been customized to death then start with Bread & Butter rounds at reasonable price/bullet.
52-53gr SMK or similar flat based bullets extremely accurate
55gr FMJ bulk for plinking steel
55gr VMAX
69gr SMK for accuracy very forgiving and loves 1:9 twist with any of the above powders

There are any number of bullets that will shoot great, don't forget to consider Barts and Speers bullets as well.

Honestly, the fun of the shortages is discovering any number of combinations of powders, primers, and bullets that will work... and you may be forced to make work because that was all you could find on the shelf.

Good Luck!

 

[mac86951]

Sadly Varget is no longer available in UK and EU

Maybe ADI 2208?

Try N140, I like it better as it's consistent from lot to lot. H4895 is another good powder.

-Mac

 

[Scrumbag]

@Oso you make good points. Here in the UK we have some added complications -

Market for components is just smaller so a bit less choice in some instances, Could be what an importer brings in from the US but we do get access to some of the European components plus we have regulations on chemicals which means some powders are banned (Varget being one)

Fortunately I'm not in a rush to get these sort.

Deer and plinking load sorted. Next will be the long range target and varmint load.

 

[Oso]

I believe the Fusion 62gr hunting load might use the Barnes TSX bullet. That is a solid bullet that does well punching above its weight.

 

[Scrumbag]

I believe the Fusion 62gr hunting load might use the Barnes TSX bullet. That is a solid bullet that does well punching above its weight.

No, it's a bonded bullet I believe but definitely not BARNES

 

[Oso]

No, it's a bonded bullet I believe but definitely not lead

I wonder who's bullet? If you can get your hands on the Barnes 62gr TTSX then buy a few boxes.

As far as powder, I think that VihtaVuori powders are fantastic and probably the gold standard, and here is US the price definitely reflects the gold standard. We have so many comparable powders at significantly lower price points that most people don't ever consider using the VV powder. We joke about VV being "Powdered Unicorn Horn" at $45/lbs compared to most powders being $25-$30/lbs. Aside from the premium price, VV powders aren't a common product stocked in most gun stores. Once you try it, it definitely makes an impression... consistent performance and so clean burning.

 

[Scrumbag]

I wonder who's bullet? If you can get your hands on the Barnes 62gr TTSX then buy a few boxes.

As far as powder, I think that VihtaVuori powders are fantastic and probably the gold standard, and here is US the price definitely reflects the gold standard. We have so many comparable powders at significantly lower price points that most people don't ever consider using the VV powder. We joke about VV being "Powdered Unicorn Horn" at $45/lbs compared to most powders being $25-$30/lbs. Aside from the premium price, VV powders aren't a common product stocked in most gun stores. Once you try it, it definitely makes an impression... consistent performance and so clean burning.

My apologies @Oso. It's a lead bullet. Definitely not a Barnes