223 reloads for short range (100 yard) accuracy only

[PigButtons]

A lot of good advice above. The one thing I would add, once you find a combination that gives a consistent result, work with seating depth moving it .002" at a time. This has changed my accuracy expectations and results more than I ever imagined possible.
There are many good threads on this and a recent one by @Alex Wheeler was very good.

 

[Pareto]

Well I've just ordered a whole bunch of reloading equipment as well as bullets in different weights and one pound each of Shooters World S062 and TAC. Let's hope I learn something without blowing myself up.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I shoot the Sierria manual "accuracy load" for 53 SMKs (flat base) in NRA 100 yard High Power reduced course matches. I wrote a report on the load development for this application. If you would like a copy of the report send me an email at chkunz@bellsoouth.net and I will send you a copy.

On Sierra’s old webpage there used to be comments from a Australian shooter that used that 53 SMK for strictly hunting and wouldn’t use any thing else.

 

[JackWagon]

If it's the 1500 and not the mini you most likely have a 1:12 barrel. I have the same rifle, 24" HB sitting in a manners stock. Most accurate factory rifle I have ever owned. Consistent .3 MOA at 100yard. 52gr matchkings 25.2gr's of AA2460 or 25.8 of H335 in Lapua brass. That is indoor

For a factory rifle I am an admitted Howa 1500 fanboy and have 6 of them one of them being my poor mans 6br I had trued up and firing pin bushed with the Shilen Alternut barrel on it.

 

[DGP4]

TAC powder is one of the best for accuracy out of my Remington 700 SPS 1:12 twist and Ruger American with a 1:9 twist. 23.5 grains TAC works for both the 52 grain SMKs out of the Remington and 70 grain Nosler RDFs out of the Ruger.

 

[Pareto]

If it's the 1500 and not the mini you most likely have a 1:12 barrel. I have the same rifle, 24" HB sitting in a manners stock. Most accurate factory rifle I have ever owned. Consistent .3 MOA at 100yard. 52gr matchkings 25.2gr's of AA2460 or 25.8 of H335 in Lapua brass. That is indoor

For a factory rifle I am an admitted Howa 1500 fanboy and have 6 of them one of them being my poor mans 6br I had trued up and firing pin bushed with the Shilen Alternut barrel on it.

It's the mini 1500 with heavy barrel. 1:8

 

[ta6ppc]

I shoot 21.8 grains of tac dropped out of a powder measure with a Winchester case and a cci primer with a 77smk seated to mag length into about .250” at 200 yards. Tac is pretty consistent but on a 100+ day groups tend to open up some.

 

[Bill K]

Since you are only wanting 100 yrds indoor mostly and yet still have fun and an accurate load. You might consider the Dogtown or Varmint Nightmares that are sold to Midway and Midsouth Shooters, by Nosler and a load of Trailboss, worked up in your rifle. You would be surprised how well those flat base cup and core bullets shoot on paper or varmints. Just something to consider while you learn and have fun.