.223 Rem Load Development

[TopGrunt2010]

Getting ready to work up a load for .223 Rem with Swift Scirocco 75gr for 'yote hunting. I've got a bunch of CFE223 I was more or less using for .223 plinking because I got a deal on it. Never looked at it from an accuracy standpoint. Is it worth working up a load or would something like Winchester StaBall Match be better (which I also have but have not even cracked open)?

I added this edit to fill in some blanks for the conversation:

The rifle I’m using is an AR platform, 5.56 chambering, using .223, 18” barrel, 1:7” twist, suppressed. Nothing fancy, pretty much all else is stock except for the scope and offset red dot.

 

[Just Say Moe]

Looks like you have the makings of a shoot off to find the better of the two. They are pretty close in burn rate so both seem to be viable options and it may be a toss up. Sounds fun. Like one of our other posters says - "whatta hobby!"

 

[10XSHOOTER]

24.0 - 24.5 Varget

 

[Frankm]

Getting ready to work up a load for .223 Rem with Swift Scirocco 75gr for 'yote hunting. I've got a bunch of CFE223 I was more or less using for .223 plinking because I got a deal on it. Never looked at it from an accuracy standpoint. Is it worth working up a load or would something like Winchester StaBall Match be better (which I also have but have not even cracked open)?

And 24-24.5 grs of h4895 would be right there! Good Luck

 

[CJ6]

Not sure why you'd want to use Swift Sciroccos on coyotes.
CFE 223 and 75 gr. Hornadys works well in an 8 twist though.

 

[CharlieNC]

CFE shot great in my fclass rifle, same for my bud too.

 

[TopGrunt2010]

Not sure why you'd want to use Swift Sciroccos on coyotes.
CFE 223 and 75 gr. Hornadys works well in an 8 twist though.

Because I got a deal on them, 500 for $0.09/piece? I’ve never shot them before, but the price was right for me.

Which 75 gr Hornady’s are you talking about? I’ve got about 1500 pieces of brass, so, more options for loading availble for me.

My barrel is 1:7” twist, so I should still be good either way for twist rate.

 

[dthomas]

Since you already have those powders I would load 10 with each powder. Start at what should be a max load and work down in small increments. Shoot all rounds of same powder at the same target starting with lowest charge weight. One of the powders should Shoot better than the other. After that do load development with the better powder. If you find something acceptable stop there. If not try a different powder.

 

[TopGrunt2010]

24.0 - 24.5 Varget

A buddy of mine told me the same thing. I don’t use Varget in any other loads, not opposed to it, just was looking to use powders I have on hand.

 

[Gary in MD]

That 75 Scirocco wouldn’t be my choice for coyotes or varmints. At 223 speeds, they may not expand and dump a lot of energy like a varmint bullet should.
That bullet is intended for deer type stuff.
Like others have said, experiment with what powder and charges suit your particular rifle.
You didn’t mention the specifics of your rifle including twist rate.

 

[TopGrunt2010]

Looks like you have the makings of a shoot off to find the better of the two. They are pretty close in burn rate so both seem to be viable options and it may be a toss up. Sounds fun. Like one of our other posters says - "whatta hobby!"

It is indeed a GREAT hobby!

 

[ShaunBrady]

I use H4895 with my 223 and 75s at bolt gun lengths.

Of the two you have, I'd start with the least temperature sensitive.

You probably already knew the answer when you started the thread. Testing is really the only way to answer the question.

I usually start pressure ladders at the lowest charge I think will work. Loading up another ladder isn't a problem. Pulling bullets frustrates me.

 

[RegionRat]

A buddy of mine told me the same thing. I don’t use Varget in any other loads, not opposed to it, just was looking to use powders I have on hand.

I see you are in AZ.

If that is where you are hunting, and plan to run CFE223 or the StaBall Match, just try to avoid running at the extremes so that you don't have issues in very hot/cold weather.

Ball powders are not as good as extruded powders when it comes to temp stability, but unless we are talking about being super picky at distance, it won't matter here.

If you will be shooting in very cold weather, pay attention to the primers you select. Ball powders like CFE223 want a stout primer in colder weather. Try CCI-41 or Rem 7.5 if you have issues.

Unless you have to plan for being out past 300 yards very often, just go with the flow and have fun. Those powders will work for dispatching coyotes.

 

[kelbro]

Yes, CFE 223 works well with 75gr bullets in a 7-twist.

 

[jds holler]

Unless you have to plan for being out past 300 yards very often, just go with the flow and have fun. Those powders will work for dispatching coyotes.

This right here-- how far away do ya want to shoot your coyotes?
If you're mostly 300 and less, your accuracy will probably be fine with any of the powders. I'd use one that measures accurately and easily, and roll with it.

I'm predicting that it won't be long until we're wondering why we ever had to use long grain powders, At least for small to mid size loads.
They're starting to brew up ball powders with more temperature tolerance and consistency all the time. jd

 

[TopGrunt2010]

I see you are in AZ.

If that is where you are hunting, and plan to run CFE223 or the StaBall Match, just try to avoid running at the extremes so that you don't have issues in very hot/cold weather.

Ball powders are not as good as extruded powders when it comes to temp stability, but unless we are talking about being super picky at distance, it won't matter here.

If you will be shooting in very cold weather, pay attention to the primers you select. Ball powders like CFE223 want a stout primer in colder weather. Try CCI-41 or Rem 7.5 if you have issues.

Unless you have to plan for being out past 300 yards very often, just go with the flow and have fun. Those powders will work for dispatching coyotes.

Nope, probably not many shots beyond 300 on coyotes. Thanks for the other recommendations.

 

[TopGrunt2010]

I use H4895 with my 223 and 75s at bolt gun lengths.

Of the two you have, I'd start with the least temperature sensitive.

You probably already knew the answer when you started the thread. Testing is really the only way to answer the question.

I usually start pressure ladders at the lowest charge I think will work. Loading up another ladder isn't a problem. Pulling bullets frustrates me.

Actually, I didn’t know the answer and am truly looking for constructive feedback based on practical experience.

I appreciate your commentary.

 

[WV Hitman]

Match shooters usually used H322. I figured if it was good enough for them it would be for me. I've used it exclusively for 40+ years in my .223 Contender handgun. Still get3/8" groups and have killed 2000+ groundhogs with it.

 

[Paddyd]

Go buy a lb of N140 for those 75s.

 

[CJ6]

Because I got a deal on them, 500 for $0.09/piece? I’ve never shot them before, but the price was right for me.

Which 75 gr Hornady’s are you talking about? I’ve got about 1500 pieces of brass, so, more options for loading availble for me.

My barrel is 1:7” twist, so I should still be good either way for twist rate.

75 gr ELDMs
80.5 gr Bergers also work well.

At 9 cents apiece, you practically stole those Swifts. They're about 85 cents each.