N140 for .223 Bolt Rifle

[GunzRUs]

I've been using Varget and CCI 450's in my .223 Bolt Rifle 26 inch barrel and looking to try N140. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good load? 1:7 twist using 75 ELDM's primarily Everything i have read so far says Varget and N140 run about the same weight. Thanks

 

[ballisticdaddy]

I use N140 for my .223 bolt rifle and it is very close to Varget. My load is a 80 grain SMK over 24.0 grains of N140 and it is very accurate

 

[LVLAaron]

24.6-7 with Berger 77 OTM's at mag length is a real treat. I'd be working somewhere around there.

 

[Precisionhunter417]

Once you use the N140 you won’t go back to Varget. Start at 23.5 grains and work your way up.

 

[GunzRUs]

Once you use the N140 you won’t go back to Varget. Start at 23.5 grains and work your way up.

Thanks for the information, was kind of thinking along those lines after doing some research.

 

[GunzRUs]

24.6-7 with Berger 77 OTM's at mag length is a real treat. I'd be working somewhere around there.

Thanks for the reply. Hoping I'll Ike the outcome of some testing around this parameters.

 

[Laurie]

https://www.targetshooter.co.uk/?p=3856

Side by side VarGet alternatives test with the 77gn SMK. (Savage PTA based F-Class rifle; 30-inch 7-twist barrel; minimum-SAAMI chamber with c. 140 thou' freebore, Lapua brass/PMC SRM primer (Russian); bullets loaded to 2.240-inch COAL.)

One of an ongoing series of reports on alternatives to the Hodgdon and IMR powders we lost three years ago under the EU-REACH regulations, (hence the series title).

 

[SecondsCount]

https://www.targetshooter.co.uk/?p=3856

Side by side VarGet alternatives test with the 77gn SMK. (Savage PTA based F-Class rifle; 30-inch 7-twist barrel; minimum-SAAMI chamber with c. 140 thou' freebore, Lapua brass/PMC SRM primer (Russian); bullets loaded to 2.240-inch COAL.)

One of an ongoing series of reports on alternatives to the Hodgdon and IMR powders we lost three years ago under the EU-REACH regulations, (hence the series title).

Good write up.

In my initial tests last year, I had almost identical results with N540. Even on a hot day ~90F, it shot well and I ended up at 24.5 grains behind the 77. Primer was a Fiocchi SRM.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

N140 at Blue Collar Reloading now.
Thought I be might put it here before tie wolves see it in the components thread.

 

[GunzRUs]

N140 at Blue Collar Reloading now.
Thought I be might put it here before tie wolves see it in the components thread.

Thanks for the heads up Sir. Will check it out

 

[RegionRat]

I think Laurie's articles are an excellent source.

Not sure if you have already seen it, but Vihtavuori publishes their load data and lists your exact bullet and N-140 at mag length. Here it is in case you missed it...
https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/?cartridge=7

 

[Jsf1978]

I run it with 90 Bergers and smk in my 223 ftr rifle. 30” 7twist. Kiff reamer. 24.2 (work up) is where I settled. Could go a little higher but hard on brass. It shoots great. Varget is good too but the 140 is a tad better in my rifle.

 

[boltfluter]

https://www.targetshooter.co.uk/?p=3856

Side by side VarGet alternatives test with the 77gn SMK. (Savage PTA based F-Class rifle; 30-inch 7-twist barrel; minimum-SAAMI chamber with c. 140 thou' freebore, Lapua brass/PMC SRM primer (Russian); bullets loaded to 2.240-inch COAL.)

One of an ongoing series of reports on alternatives to the Hodgdon and IMR powders we lost three years ago under the EU-REACH regulations, (hence the series title).

Laurie,
What a great read! Thanks for sharing your hard earned knowledge on today's hot topic of Varget powder alternatives. Definitely some great choices to be had in the Vihtavuori line of powders and at affordable prices.
Paul

 

[hoz53]

I've been using Varget and CCI 450's in my .223 Bolt Rifle 26 inch barrel and looking to try N140. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good load? 1:7 twist using 75 ELDM's primarily Everything i have read so far says Varget and N140 run about the same weight. Thanks

I tried VV 140 with 69 SMK /CCI450 in my 223 bolt action— that load didnt do that well for me but that is out of a 21” 10 twist barrel so that may have been the issue

 

[Rob01]

A few of my friends use N135 with 75 ELD-Ms in PRS for Tac div. They love it and it gives them good velocity, a 3000fps cap in Tac, and accuracy. I bought some to try but haven't run out of my 8208 yet.

 

[SecondsCount]

I tried VV 140 with 69 SMK /CCI450 in my 223 bolt action— that load didnt do that well for me but that is out of a 21” 10 twist barrel so that may have been the issue

A 69 grain bullet may not be the best for your 1:10 twist. I would try the Sierra 60 grain HP.

 

[hoz53]

A 69 grain bullet may not be the best for your 1:10 twist. I would try the Sierra 60 grain HP.

yes i think youre right - i had some 55 berger target and some benchmark and they proved to be acccurate. mabie ill try some 140 with that thanks

 

[DLT]

24.6-7 with Berger 77 OTM's at mag length is a real treat. I'd be working somewhere around there.

Do you know what fps that’s running and in what length barrel ?

 

[LVLAaron]

Do you know what fps that’s running and in what length barrel ?

Re-creating Berger’s AMAZING 77 OTM 223 Load – Ultimate Reloader

ultimatereloader.com

 

[DLT]

Re-creating Berger’s AMAZING 77 OTM 223 Load – Ultimate Reloader

ultimatereloader.com

It’s where I got it from also and started searching but I didn’t hear their velocity, I ran 6 over chrono was a good bit faster than viht published data at 2825 avg with a 26” barrel but I was loaded a little longer than they were same charge.