2000mr vs varget in 223

[Matt Pitchon]

In my mind, 2000MR has a very specific application. That is for heavy bullets in small cases. Heavy bullets typically take lots of slow burning powder to move fast. Small cases typically don't have enough capacity for all that powder. So, we use a smaller amount (what will fit in the case) of a faster powder and settle for less velocity.

2000MR is useful because it is very dense due to its shape, is double base, and it slow. Its speed appears to about that of 4350. I can fit 28gr of powder in a 223 case with a 90 seated for a 'standard' Wylde chamber, without compression. I might not shoot that load, but it fits. I cannot do that with any other powder.

As for the 22BR, I have no direct experience.

 

[FroggyOne2]

In my current 223 with the 90's, the charge is 25.0 grs of RL15, this load even in 95 degrees heree in the place I live (humidity), does not flatten the primers. I am using a Wylde chamber with it throated for the bullet to have the bearing surface of the bullet to out of the donut area of the neck. I have wondered, if I ran moly or HbN coated bullets, would I be able to get enough powder in the case. I believe now that this will the possiblity. The barrel has 1800 rounds on it and is still excellent elevation!. I can not wait to get my hands on some to try. There is none in my area and I just went ahead and ordered 8 lbs.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Well I should have 5 lbs of the 2000MR by the end of the week or this weekend, I will try to find a working load and shoot it in the next fullbore match we have at Oak Ridge. It will be interesting to see the difference if any over my RL15 load that I am using. Even if I can pick up 100 fps over my currrent load would a real boost!

 

[Matt Pitchon]

Good luck. I didn't know it was available in 5lbs canisters.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Matt,

Five one pounders, same lot.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Well I managed to get my hands on some 2000MR, will be testing it today. Prob will do a ladder test this moring and then elevation test this afternoon @ 600 yards.

 

[vmaxpro]

Sweet! Im hoping to get out there today too if I can get some free time.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Well after running a ladder test, then some groups on Saturday, which was abysmal. I was running only 1K tension. Well after some thought, I fugured I would try it again, but with more neck tension. So I increased the tension and load some 90's over 26.8, 26.9, 27.0 and 27.1 grains of 2000MR. I will have to say that the elevation at 500 yards was impressive! Shooting prone with irons, the largest evlevation was 3.5 inches, smallest was one inch. The load that gave me the smallest elevation was the last load I tried, 27.1 grains. This load has increased my velocity over the RL15 load by a 150 fps. No signs of pressure, but I do know that it is close to top. When I did the ladder test, I hit pressure at 27.3 grains.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I'm following this thread because there is a .223 for 600 yards in the very near future for me. I'm interested in the 75-80 grain bullet range, but not ruling out 90's. Keep the good info coming.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Don,

600 yards is a fun place to shoot the 223, but is even more fun @ a 1000! It can truly drive you mad, but the challange is so intense!

Sent ya a PM too.

 

[BoilerUP]

I'm wondering if 2000MR would be worth a try in my 22" 1:7 223AI...26.2gr Varget gets an 80gr Amax to my 2900fps goal velocity, with 26.4gr providing 2936fps but being my pressure max.

I've thought about trying 8208XBR or RL15 to get a little better velocity with less pressure, but I might have to add 2000MR to the list...

 

[FroggyOne2]

I am not sure that your bbl is long enough to take advantage of the slower burning powder or not. My guess would be "no". But RL15 has the possibility of working.

 

[FroggyOne2]

I will add this, when I used Varget, there was no powder residue on the muzzle of the bbl. With RL15, there is some residue and same with 2000MR, but I have noticed is that the 2000MR appears to clean up out of the bbl better than RL15 does!

 

[vmaxpro]

Boilerup, I wouldnt. 2900fps 80gr amax is smokin fast for a 22"!!! 8208 sucked with the heavies, I could never find a good node before I got pressure signs ( at a useable velocity). I loved varget in mine, and if I had more I would stay with it! But, since im out, I figure why not try something new?

Froggy, what velocity did you end up at? I still haven't got to the range yet :-\

 

[Ohio1]

Why not just try AR-Comp, you should be pleasantly surprised!

Steve

 

[FroggyOne2]

Vmax,

2925 fps

 

[BoilerUP]

Boilerup, I wouldnt. 2900fps 80gr amax is smokin fast for a 22"!!!

Smokin' fast from a 22" barrel with an Ackley chamber?

 

[vmaxpro]

Vmax,

2925 fps

wow. Would my 7 twist handle the 90s?

 

[FroggyOne2]

It should, just make sure the throat is correct for the 90's to be seated so that the bearing surface will remain out of the donut area of the neck on the case.

I soft seat the bullets and I am running 2 thou "tension" on the bullet with the neck.