.223 Rem, 80gr Nosler Custom Comp.

[JDBraddy]

Have a Rem 700 in .223 Rem, with 24" Krieger 1:8 twist barrel, of course it shoots lighter bullets well as long as I don't try to push them too fast. Originally chose this barrel twist to shoot higher BC bullets, but have not been getting great accuracy with heavy high-BC bullets. I've tried Hornady 75's, Barns 85's, 77gr SMK's. So farr, I've been getting best results using 80gr Nosler Custom Comp bullet over 24.4gr of Alliant RL-15 at around 2800fps. I've tried Varget, H-4895, Benchmark, H-322, N-133, etc... I've varied OAL From jammed lightly into the lands at 2.490" to all the way back to magazine length at 2.275", and have been getting best results around 2.390" but the best I'm getting with this bullet is around 1" at 100m. I have been getting half that group size or better with lighter 52-55gr bullets. I'm frustrated trying to figure out why I can't seem to get good accuracy with heavy bullets. Any advice?

I've also been having a similar problem with a Savage model 10 in .260 Rem with a 26" Shillen 1:8 twist barrel using 140gr Nosler Custom Comp and 37.7gr of RL-15 at 2.820=OAL.
Thanks, JDBraddy

 

[Mozella]

It's all about twist and muzzle velocity, which is related to barrel length. Leave the really heavy .223 bullets to longer barrels with 1:7 twist or faster.

 

[JDBraddy]

So a 1:8 twist isn't fast enough to stabilize an 80gr .224 bullet at 2,800fps or a 140gr .264 bullet at 2,740fps?
If so, then I've been mis-informed.

 

[Mozella]

So a 1:8 twist isn't fast enough to stabilize an 80gr .224 bullet at 2,800fps or a 140gr .264 bullet at 2,740fps?
If so, then I've been mis-informed.

Berger's stability calculator shows that their 80gr VLD is marginally stable at 2800fps in a 1:8 twist barrel and it gets worse with heavier bullets. They mention a compromised BC, but in my experience not spinning bullets fast enough has a negative effect on precision as well.

For example, my 1:7 twist 26" .223 barrel shoots 90gr SMKs reasonably well, but not great because the group size is inconsistent. My particular gun does much better with 80gr VLDs. Of course, each gun is different. Your 1:8 gun might be quite accurate with 80gr Nosler bullets even though the charts show that it's only marginally stable. But I'd be quite surprised if your 1:8 would shoot 90gr bullets very well. Of course high velocity helps, but that's not so easy to do with a 24" barrel without getting into really hot loads.

 

[CharlieNC]

My 8 twist likes the Berger 80.5 full bore, which I use for longer distances. All my 223 love the 69smk best unless going long.

 

[ranger3]

My 8 twist likes the Berger 80.5 full bore, which I use for longer distances. All my 223 love the 69smk best unless going long.

So a 1:8 twist isn't fast enough to stabilize an 80gr .224 bullet at 2,800fps or a 140gr .264 bullet at 2,740fps?
If so, then I've been mis-informed.

I would try both SMK 69 gr and 80 gr AMAX. I have two Tikka 8 twist, one likes the 69 gr. SMK Better and the other likes the 80 AMAX better. the one that likes the 80 gr better also doesn't like anything 55 gr. And under.

 

[Rtheurer]

You might want to double check the twist rate on that lil 223 to confirm its a 1:8. Cant hurt to check it.

 

[memo43]

what brass and primers are you using

 

[shoot4fun]

My load, which regularly sees action out to 1000 yards, had been a healthy dose of AA2520 behind 80 grain Berger VLDs in Lapua brass. My rifle has a 26" Krieger and 1 in 8 twist. Yes, the 1 in 8 will stabilize 80 grain VLD bullets just fine.
I just switched (due to temp stability factors) to the same components but launched by another health dose of Varget. In testing this load shot five-shot groups right around the 2 to 2 1/2" mark at 500 yards and in nice round groups.
I don't want to pick a fight but it seems to me, based on reading your entire post, that your problem may actually be in your reloading steps and not in your rifles. Of course, it could also be something with your gun handling skills (which I am guilty of slipping into bad habits at times).

 

[jsthntn247]

Long bullets in a 223 are an art form to load for. Measure powder to the kernel and neck tension to the lb or don't expect the best results.

 

[wapiti25]

I shoot a Krieger 1:8 and it shoots 80 VLD and 80 SMK good at 600 yds. Horn A max not as well but ok for practice. I do neck turn and anneal my brass which is match prepared. This is my F-Class rifle it is a 700 rem. I would think the barrel is not a 1:8 or the chamber was not put in true. You should try shooting at 300 or farther and see if the bullets "go to sleep" and do better. I had good luck with IMR 4895, Varget, and AA 4064 powders, The primer will make a big difference so try all you can, I was working with a sporter 223 and tried 5 primers at 400 yds with the same powder and one shot groups that were half the size of others. Are you using a good in-line seater, checked ammo run out?