.223 @ 100yds... 2 days to develop a load...Update w/ Range report

[Texas10]

69 gn sierras, 24.5 gn Varget, load 5 @ .075 off, 5 @ .050 off, 5 @.025 off , 5 @ .005 off. One of those 4 seating depths should give you a .5 group

This would all depend upon his throat length. I'm crunching powder (Varget) at that load using Lapua 69 gr. Scenars seated .010 into the lands of my Criterion match barrel. Can't possibly move it back without losing seat consistency. If the bullet doesn't like being in the lands, I'll have to reduce the charge and settle for a slower node.
I do have good loads for the SMK and TMK however, it's while using 8208XBR. Less crunch and I have to say the SMK and especially the TMK shoot remarkably well out of my barrel. We'll see how the Lapua compares.

 

[JimSC]

This would all depend upon his throat length. I'm crunching powder (Varget) at that load using Lapua 69 gr. Scenars seated .010 into the lands of my Criterion match barrel. Can't possibly move it back without losing seat consistency. If the bullet doesn't like being in the lands, I'll have to reduce the charge and settle for a slower node.
I do have good loads for the SMK and TMK however, it's while using 8208XBR. Less crunch and I have to say the SMK and especially the TMK shoot remarkably well out of my barrel. We'll see how the Lapua compares.

Off topic but here are two targets shot from a 1 - 8 Criterion using a 80 Gn SMK that shows how jump tolerant SMKs are. These were loaded and shot within minutes of each other. Both grouped well at 300 but notice the velocity increase. I get a lot of crunch when seating to .075 off but no pressure signs. According to the manual that is a light load actually.

Now the grouping at .050 and .025 off were not as good but acceptable. Jump length as well as powder load can have more than 1 node

 

[dolek]

Nobody mentioned the RL10X but it is on your powder list and worth a try with some of that test brass. 22.0, 22.5, 23.0 in five shot groups will tell you if somethings working. I'm not sure about your rifle, but when I change to a different powder that first round might be a non participant.

I had big plans today but thunderstorms put a damper on it .I did take your advice and managed to get 15 quick ones in before dark . Considering my old eyes and the rubber stock on that thing the 10x was not terrible . Clean bore and all it started out OK. I have a bunch of test loads from this thread ready,hope to fit some time in before saturday when my Son can shoot it. I know he can handle that thing better than me...been a while since I have used a 20" barrel,I don't miss it.

 

[dolek]

Thought that I would update this thread and thank everyone again for the help . I tried many of the loads/ideas suggested and decided on the Sierra 69 grain MKs w/ 24.5 of Varget as suggested . It tuned the fastest which helped a great deal with the lack of time . I loaded up some 1x fired Winchester brass for the competition . I also had some pulled 69 SMKs and loaded up a bunch of PMC brass I had been holding onto for foulers . We went to the range just before dark on friday for him to make sure my zero was his zero . He shot two foulers and said he was going for record for a mock run...with the foulers . First competition and also 5 minute time limit so this was all new to us so we figured we better do it under comp conditions . He liked what he saw after a total of 7 shots...looks at me and says...good to go dad,I like that load . I was thinking more on the lines of practicing till dark. So we came home with 7 shots under his belt.

Turns out His gut was right,50 w/ 2x...The winner . Great shooting on a windy cold day ,we were worried about that .223 against the heavier stuff . I gave it a whirl while I was there ,to see how much he would beat me by . I ended up with 3rd with 49-2x . 11x scope gave these old eyes a big challenge,but I had a great time. Donated the winnings back to the club,those guys ran a great show and deserve a big thanks.

We appreciate the help folks. I will be developing the other loads I started also,I can tell there are some gems in there.

 

[krummarine]

Great info. Thanks.

 

[Kurt Blasser]

My Son is going to a friendly competition,hunting rifles from sand bags at 100yds . He only has next weekend to test the loads I come up with so I am hoping someone can narrow down my options with a load that has worked for you . Rifle is a Remington 700,1 in 9 twist w/ 20" heavy barrel . Not sure if that short barrel will figure in but thought I would mention it . Competition is 100 yards .target has a 2 7/8 black area...X-5/8"...10-7/8",etc. . Scope is 11x max , 5 minutes total ,which includes sighters and 5 Record bulls . Mentioning all that in case it plays into the load or strategy tips you may have .Would appreciate any advice you may have from experience. Here is a list of what I have to work with. Will load this week and he will test over the weekend ,once I see the targets I will have to pick a load and stick with it due to the time restraint .

Bullet: Berger 52gn FB

Lapua Brass(100)

Primers: CCI 400
CCI 450
Federal 205M

Powder: H 4895
IMR 4198
Varget
RE 10x
H 322

Federal Gold Medal Match

 

[CharlieNC]

69 gn sierras, 24.5 gn Varget, load 5 @ .075 off, 5 @ .050 off, 5 @.025 off , 5 @ .005 off. One of those 4 seating depths should give you a .5 group

Yep, recipe for success

 

[MGYSGT]

Mine shoots the 69's with CCI 450 and Varget 24.5 the best. It is one of those 20 inch 9 twist Rems.

 

[Savgeguy71]

Savage 12LRP in 223 with 9 twist is shooting a ragged hole at 100 with 70 gr bergers , stout load of varget and 7 1/2 primers. All temps and all day long !

 

[josebd]

Yep, recipe for success

Mine Likes 25.3 varget

 

[grovey]

Savage 12LRP in 223 with 9 twist is shooting a ragged hole at 100 with 70 gr bergers , stout load of varget and 7 1/2 primers. All temps and all day long !

" If I do my part "

 

[JimSC]

grats to your son, looks like you taught him well.

 

[dolek]

grats to your son, looks like you taught him well.

Thank you Sir , it was a day we will never forget .