.223 AI Experts: Starting to load my .223 AI, need input in the 75-80gr range

[Tomekeuro85]

So I had my .223 AI rifle built a long time ago, just haven't had time to shoot it.

It is a rem 700 fully trued, 24" 1:8 .223 AI.

The bullets I've chosen are the 75 and 80gr AMAX. (I think I will end up using the 75s since the 80s appear to have been discontinued)

I will be using varget powder exclusively since I have 8lbs of it.

I almost always just shoot single shot off a bench or bipod, so there won't be mag length issues.


What I'm looking for primarily is some advice loading this cartridge. I've only ever loaded for .223 and .308 as far as rifle goes.


I assume it will be fairly similar to .223 of course.


Is it better to FL size each time, or does the neck only sizing work well enough same as with .223?

Does anyone use the lee .223 neck collet dies? I have that and I also have the redding S bushing die. I was going to start with the collet die.


Any advice on a starting seating depth?

I have read that a popular powder charge is between 23-24gr of varget range. Can anyone confirm?



Any other helpful tips that might help me along my way?


Thanks
Tom

 

[40X Guy]

Hi Tom, My sons rifle shoots bugholes every time with this load: Lapua brass, BR-4 primers, 24.5 grains of XBR 8208 with 75 A-Max and .020 off the lands. The 24.5 load is mild in his .223AI and is good for 3,061 fps in a 28 inch barrel. Freebore is .100

I FL size and anneal every firing and use Redding "S" type dies with a Wilson bullet seater. I don't know your freebore in your rifle but start them at .010 off the lands.

Funny thing is I tried about 5 different powders and almost 200 rounds trying to get this gun to shoot when new. Strictly used Fed. 205 Match primers. Then I switched primers to BR-4's and used XBR powder which had best numbers across the chrony as far as ES and SD and man this thing is accurate! A lot of fun to shoot!

I am sure someone will chime in with Varget load info and get you started but if you have any XBR 8208 or can source a pound I think you will like it..

Frank

 

[MarkS]

Tom sounds like you are on the right track. Frank has covered it. Mine is a Savage with CBI 8tw barrel it likes 80 gr Berger VLD with 24gr Varget and CCI BR-4, It can go hotter, but that is where it shoots.

Mark Schronce

 

[MrMajestic]

So I had my .223 AI rifle built a long time ago, just haven't had time to shoot it.

It is a rem 700 fully trued, 24" 1:8 .223 AI.

The bullets I've chosen are the 75 and 80gr AMAX. (I think I will end up using the 75s since the 80s appear to have been discontinued)

I will be using varget powder exclusively since I have 8lbs of it.

Great start!

I almost always just shoot single shot off a bench or bipod, so there won't be mag length issues.

What is your COL? I run the 80's at 2.495" which is "just off" as mine is used for Varmint hunting


What I'm looking for primarily is some advice loading this cartridge. I've only ever loaded for .223 and .308 as far as rifle goes.


I assume it will be fairly similar to .223 of course.


Is it better to FL size each time, or does the neck only sizing work well enough same as with .223?

Full length with .002" shoulder set back for consistency and case life.

Does anyone use the lee .223 neck collet dies? I have that and I also have the redding S bushing die. I was going to start with the collet die.

see above.


Any advice on a starting seating depth?

see above.

I have read that a popular powder charge is between 23-24gr of varget range. Can anyone confirm?

Seems low, I get 3050 fps with the 80's from a 26" 8tw with great case life. There are too many variables to recommend a charge.



Any other helpful tips that might help me along my way?

Lapua Match cases, were on sale at Bullets.com. Anneal cases every time.


Thanks
Tom

 

[acloco]

PM sent.

 

[Tomekeuro85]

Thanks for the info everyone!

I'll load up a few this weekend and see how it goes.


Hope I get some time to go out.

Thanks again
Tom