223 Loads 50 Gr Speer SP

[Longtrain]

Came into several hundred Speer 22 caliber 50 grain SP’s. My 223 currently has a 1:12, 24” Hart with .025” freebore. I tried loading these at mag length 2.260” with LT-32 and at best I got 1 1/2” groups at 100 yds. Any 52 - 53 gr shoots bug holes at that length.

Obviously, limited experience with this bullet, before I invest more time, any suggestions to get me in the right path. I would like to make them work, thanks.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

I would take them down to 2.200 col and see what happens. Work out from there. I bet you get some good results somewhere between 2.200 and 2.225

While testing the Speer 70gr, I was getting really slow speed and mediocre accuracy at mag length.

A friend of mine recommended 2.200 and the groups tightened up and the speed shot right up to where it was supposed to be.

 

[K22]

With a 12" twist, a 50-grain bullet should work quite well. I have had considerable success with Nosler 50 BT's and Hornady Vmax's in several 12" twist 223 Rem rifles. Sub 1 moa groups should be doable without extensive load development IF the rifle likes that bullet.

The powders I have used with considerable success with this bullet weight are: H335, Benchmark, H 4895, IMR 4895, and Varget.

Assuming you have performed some basic load development with the powder posted and this bullet, you can experiment with seating depth, but I doubt it would tighten the group significantly. A different powder might also improve the group. However, I suspect that the rifle doesn't like that bullet, and if that is the case, no amount of load development may improve it that much. At least that has been my experience.

Also, with a 12" twist, I found that the 55 grain bullets shoot the tightest groups over the range of suitable powders.

 

[can1010]

we use a bunch of these for cheap fun rounds. using Speer recommended length of 2.185 has always shot 1" or better in multiple guns, bolt and AR. with a good dose of W748

 

[Longtrain]

Thanks for the recommendations, I’ll give them a try.
I’ve had such good luck with LT-32, stupid accurate with 52-60 gr that I have shot. Most group just over 1/4 MOA. I have other powders if I can’t make this work.

 

[COhunter]

I have had really good luck with Viht N-133, both speed and accuracy. Originally got it for my 222 but works way better in my 223. Just my .02

 

[JB10]

I use two different 50gr bullets in different rifles. I use w748 on the higher end of charge. 2 rifles are seated at 2.250 and one is 2.260. Play with depth, if not try different powder

 

[searcher]

That Accurate LT32 has shot exceptionally well for me with most 50-52 grain bullets as well, especially the 50 V-Max and Berger 52's, etc. Some alternate powders I always try if a particular tube doesn't like a bullet in that weight are Reloader 7, W748, Varmint, Tac, and H4198. Reloader 7 is usually the one that will work when LT-32 doesn't. Good luck.