.223Rem and 68 grain BTHP load?

[DShortt]

Anyone have a 'Pet Load' for .223Rem, 1 in 8 twist, Hornady 68 Gr BTHP match? Bolt action, 26" barrel.

Thinking a slower powder like Varget or perhaps even IMR 4320 given the bullet weight and barrel length.

Suggestions?

Thanks for looking.

 

[jpx2rk]

IMR 4064 w/ 68g BTHP in a Savage OEM 26" 7T works for me

 

[DShortt]

IMR 4064 w/ 68g BTHP in a Savage OEM 26" 7T works for me

I'd like to try that if IMR 4064 ever re-appears.

Haven't seen any in a couple of years.

 

[jpx2rk]

I found some in '23-24, cried a bit when I hit the add to cart button but it proved worthwhile.

 

[swadiver]

I use N140 with 73 Bergers. excellent

 

[Eric Leonard]

25.5 grs Varget

 

[Leo_B]

Well, if you'd said 63gr. I'd mention Ken Waters Pet Loads recommendation for the 63gr. Sierra of:
24.5gr. IMR-3031 w/ CCI400 @2.24" noted maximum case expansion and extremely accurate
25.5gr. IMR-4064 CCI400 2.24" normal expansion accurate
26.0gr. N-202 CCI400 2.24" normal good load in wind; fine accuracy
He doesn't list anything larger than the 63gr. though.

 

[JB10]

Cfe223 24.0 2.257 coal in an AR with a fixed 3x scope i was getting 3/4 in groups at 100 yards. I thought that was awsome with not being able to see target well with only a 3x scope.

 

[DShortt]

25.5 grs Varget

Same bullet weight/twist rate?

 

[Eric Leonard]

Same bullet weight/twist rate?

Mines a 9 twist but I shoot the same load with 68 hornadys and 69 Sierra.

 

[William Vogel]

If you don’t have a pile of the 68 Hornady’s you should try the Barnes 69 match burners. I had better luck with them than the 68’s.

 

[jelenko]

I found 25.6 gr of Shooters World Match in cases with 30.7 gr H20 capacity in a Wylde chamber shot 1 MOA or less. Worked with 450's, Fed AR Match.
FWIW, I've tested a couple times using different primers with the same load - they all shot into the same less than 1 MOA group.

 

[DShortt]

Well, maybe my expectations are unrealistic? These were all shot at 100 yds doing a seating depth test. 10 shots each. 1 1/4" or less. 5-10 MPH wind. 30°. Had to quit a couple of times and warm up. Fingers were getting numb.
Seems to me there's room for improvement.

 

[joshb]

I’ll check my book in the morning.

 

[joshb]

Here’s 30 shots at 100 out of my cousin’s gun. I was testing it for him as he’s getting a lot of lite primer strikes. 3x9 scope. It’s my generic “works in just about everything” load. I’ll find the formula.

 

[joshb]

This is the load for the target above. It works well in most of my guns and especially my ARs.
My Remington likes 23.2 H335 with a Sierra 69.
One of my Tikkas likes 23.4 H335 with a 69.
Another Tikka likes 22.5 grains H335 with a 69.
My Ruger likes 23.6 H335 with a 69.
The only Varget loads in my records are for 75 and 80 grain bullets in a 7 twist custom barreled Tikka 595. I like the H335 because it meters easily in my thrower. The Varget sticks are a pain, jamb in the thrower and all loads need to be trickled up.
RMR 69s are a great bullet, as are Barnes Matchburners.

 

[DShortt]

View attachment 1731022
This is the load for the target above. It works well in most of my guns and especially my ARs.
My Remington likes 23.2 H335 with a Sierra 69.
One of my Tikkas likes 23.4 H335 with a 69.
Another Tikka likes 22.5 grains H335 with a 69.
My Ruger likes 23.6 H335 with a 69.
The only Varget loads in my records are for 75 and 80 grain bullets in a 7 twist custom barreled Tikka 595. I like the H335 because it meters easily in my thrower. The Varget sticks are a pain, jamb in the thrower and all loads need to be trickled up.
RMR 69s are a great bullet, as are Barnes Matchburners.

Agreed about extruded powder/sticks. Pain when working with smaller volume cases in particular.
I know a lot of people like Varget. I personally have noticed it gets a barrel hot FAST and carbon rings develop quickly. I presume that's a product of the heat? IDK.
I have H335. Tried it and it shot about like the seating depth test in my rifle.
I keep hearing good things about CFE223. I'll see if I can find some and give that a try.

Thank you for your information! I appreciate it.

 

[Paddyd]

8208XBR is great with Hornady 68gn. I've shot some tiny groups with that powder.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

Varget is an excellent choice, however I was able to squeeze just a tad more velocity using H4895

 

[C.E.Smith043]

8208XBR is great with Hornady 68gn. I've shot some tiny groups with that powder.

This too!!! I haven't personally used it but a friend of mine does and he's had excellent results with 8208 also