223 rem loads

[Oso]

I just dialed in my plinking load for my Rem 700 (223AI) using 69gr SMK. My rifle has a Bartlein medium contour (24" / 1:8 twist). I decided to use XBR 8208 because I have plenty and also know it will work well with heavier bullets (mid 70's - low 80's). SMK's are so easy to load for!!!!

I found a node between 24.5gr and 25.1 that shot a consistent 1/4" group or smaller with a velocity of 3000fps +/- 50fps. I've selected a charge weight of 24.8grs (avg. 3,000 fps) which had tightest group (sub 1/4") even in gusty wind. The temp was 74F, and a 30 degree swing in either direction (summer/winter) will still keep this load a 1/4" regardless of whether the powder speeds up or slows down. None of these loads were compressed in 223AI (easily shake the case and feel empty space maybe a couple more grains worth), and the primer barely showed any pressure signs. I don't need to push this bullet any faster...

Warning: IMR posted max load is 23.8gr.

 

[Scrumbag]

I just dialed in my plinking load for my Rem 700 (223AI) using 69gr SMK. My rifle has a Bartlein medium contour (24" / 1:8 twist). I decided to use XBR 8208 because I have plenty and also know it will work well with heavier bullets (mid 70's - low 80's). SMK's are so easy to load for!!!!

I found a node between 24.5gr and 25.1 that shot a consistent 1/4" group or smaller with a velocity of 3000fps +/- 50fps. I've selected a charge weight of 24.8grs (avg. 3,000 fps) which had tightest group (sub 1/4") even in gusty wind. The temp was 74F, and a 30 degree swing in either direction (summer/winter) will still keep this load a 1/4" regardless of whether the powder speeds up or slows down. None of these loads were compressed in 223AI (easily shake the case and feel empty space maybe a couple more grains worth), and the primer barely showed any pressure signs. I don't need to push this bullet any faster...

Warning: IMR posted max load is 23.8gr.

Thanks for that. Got to admit, not a huge fan of compressed loads (Just boring like that)

 

[Twdmar]

I would say don't get too wrapped up in minor details, the 223 is very forgiving.
There is nothing wrong with Tac or any of the other choices you've made and everyone has pretty much been right on.
I've killed one American whitetail deer with a Barnes copper solid, I think like 73 grainer. Not sure how it will stabilize in 1/9 but they do make a lighter one. Take your time and hit them in the brain and then the bullet choice doesn't matter.

 

[ta6ppc]

I’ve shot several pounds of n133, and N140 in 223 and it has all been super consistent and meters well. In both cases I would fill the case up to the neck and shoot a 55 or under bullet. In a 1/12 it all groups sub 1” with no load development.

 

[Oso]

.223 Rem is the modern adult 22lr. Its easy and inexpensive to reload, forgiving, and accurate. Everyone should graduate from rimfire to centerfire on a 222 or 223, and spend some time learning basic marksmanship skills.

Moreover, every reloader should start with a cartridge that is this forgiving and flexible with powder and bullet selection. You also get to learn how to swage primer pockets...

I was saving some N133 for loading 52gr bullets for my .222 Rem.

 

[David Milisock]

.223 Rem is the modern adult 22lr. Its easy and inexpensive to reload, forgiving, and accurate. Everyone should graduate from rimfire to centerfire on a 222 or 223, and spend some time learning basic marksmanship skills.

Moreover, every reloader should start with a cartridge that is this forgiving and flexible with powder and bullet selection. You also get to learn how to swage primer pockets...

I was saving some N133 for loading 52gr bullets for my .222 Rem.

Agreed I got a single shot to use training my grandchildren.

 

[jghoghunter]

Ttt

 

[SecondsCount]

I just dialed in my plinking load for my Rem 700 (223AI) using 69gr SMK. My rifle has a Bartlein medium contour (24" / 1:8 twist). I decided to use XBR 8208 because I have plenty and also know it will work well with heavier bullets (mid 70's - low 80's). SMK's are so easy to load for!!!!

I found a node between 24.5gr and 25.1 that shot a consistent 1/4" group or smaller with a velocity of 3000fps +/- 50fps. I've selected a charge weight of 24.8grs (avg. 3,000 fps) which had tightest group (sub 1/4") even in gusty wind. The temp was 74F, and a 30 degree swing in either direction (summer/winter) will still keep this load a 1/4" regardless of whether the powder speeds up or slows down. None of these loads were compressed in 223AI (easily shake the case and feel empty space maybe a couple more grains worth), and the primer barely showed any pressure signs. I don't need to push this bullet any faster...

Warning: IMR posted max load is 23.8gr.

223AI and 8208 were made for each other. I get 1/4" groups with the 75 Amax and 8208 or 2000MR.

 

[DGP4]

I also use Ramshot TAC for my .223 loads and I have had great success in my 1:8 twist bolt action rifle with Nosler 69 gr. Custom Competition and 70 gr. Nosler RDF bullets. I don't know if you can get Nosler bullets over there but if you can give them a try. Another inexpensive option are Hornady 75 gr. BTHP Match bullets. Not as good for me as the Noslers but still very accurate.

 

[Scrumbag]

Hi folks,

Thanks for the renewed interest. Ranges reopening here so starting to get stuff done.

Had more of a play with the Berger stability calculator and it looks like even the Hornady 68gr BTHP might be a bit marginal.

So, I have been thinking, looks like it might be more of a 60gr game for the higher BC bullets. I then had a rush of blood to the head: Could the same bullet double up for varmint and long range?

3 bullets caught my eye:

1) 60gr Nosler Varmint Ballistic Tip (BC 0.270)
2) 60 gr V Max (BC 0.265)
3) 60gr TMK (BC "avergage" 0.313)

So, any thoughts on those bullets, folks?

Best wishes,

Scrummy

(PS also going to give Ramshot X-terminator a try as seems to give better % burns when shot - at least according to GRT)

 

[jelenko]

I've had great luck with the 60 TMK's and 8208.
That said, I've also used GRT and a faster powder seems like it would work better. Just from GRT, H322, 2460 and AR Comp looked like good candidates.

 

[Scrumbag]

I've had great luck with the 60 TMK's and 8208.
That said, I've also used GRT and a faster powder seems like it would work better. Just from GRT, H322, 2460 and AR Comp looked like good candidates.

That's my thinking.

The load I have with the 65gr SBT is really neat but I can't help thinking that for 60gr and lighter pills TAC isn't the best. According to the Ramshot data sheet, should get similar speeds with X-terminator as TAC for the bullets I'm interested in but I reckon with the faster X-terminator I should get cleaner burns as particularly in 55gr TAC is mucky (Even with a fairly heavy crimp)

Scrummy

 

[jelenko]

From GRT, X Terminator seemed too fast for the 60 TMK - i.e., the load ratio was below 90% for the highest load within max pressure.

 

[Scrumbag]

From GRT, X Terminator seemed too fast for the 60 TMK - i.e., the load ratio was below 90% for the highest load within max pressure.

Ah, my CZ527 is OK for 5.56 pressures (infact for CIP, .223 Rem = 5,56x45 NATO)

So, using GRT and Ramshot's data for 5.56 you get a ~93% max load and can have an OBT node around 24.5 gr calculated with GRT with a 90.5% fill ratio.

For GRT do you have a "proper" bullet profile for TMK? I have my adaptation as not in the database on my version (I based it on a 60gr BTHP)

 

[jelenko]

Yeah. For the 60 TMK I started with the other 60 gr Sierra bullet and added numbers for the boattail from, I believe, the 69gr MK.

After adjusting IP to match the observed velocities using 8208, GRT was within a .1gr of predicting the nodes.

 

[Scrumbag]

Yeah. For the 60 TMK I started with the other 60 gr Sierra bullet and added numbers for the boattail from, I believe, the 69gr MK.

After adjusting IP to match the observed velocities using 8208, GRT was within a .1gr of predicting the nodes.

That'll work! have you tried the TMK on foxes / yotes?

 

[jelenko]

I'm using the TMK just for paper targets.

Just a note on using GRT. I did measure the actual case length and water volume of 15 cases along with measuring the actual length of the bullets.

 

[Scrumbag]

I'm using the TMK just for paper targets.

Just a note on using GRT. I did measure the actual case length and water volume of 15 cases along with measuring the actual length of the bullets.

Yes I do the same. I couldn't work out why I got some odd results with Nosler bullets and found the info Nosler published on their website did not match what I measured from the box.

ATB,

Scrummy