223 Sierra Matchking 90 gr bullets can shoot

[CaptainH]

Although I shoot a lot of Sierra bullets in 243, 264 and 284 I have shied away from the Sierra 90 grain 223 bullets because there were posts a few years ago that the bullets would blow up in flight. I spoke with Matt Reams at Sierra and he assured me that that issue has been addressed and he encouraged me to give them a try. So I did and was more than pleasantly surprised. In my Savage target action and my McGowan 1/7 twist barrel that I had throated a bit long, these bullets performed well during my first initial load testing. I started with 26.4 grains of Alliant 2000MR and worked up to 27.4 grains with no signs of pressure using new Lapua brass and CCI magnum primers. All 3 shot groups were in the .2s and 3s except my last, and hottest load, that was 0.46" and most of that was lateral. My high end speed averaged around 2930 fps. I seated the bullets 0.020 off of engagement. I may not even experiment any further and go with this for my 300 and 600 f class load. So in conclusion, at 100 yards and over 2900 fps, the .224 Sierra 90 grain bullets are fine by me.

 

[boltman223]

Do you know what your freebore length is?

 

[L.Sherm]

I wonder what they would do in a 22 Dasher, anybody shot them in a 22 Dasher?

 

[Mozella]

..... snip.......My suggestion would be to also give the Berger 90 VLD a look. ........ snip.......

Excellent suggestion. I've looked at the Berger 90 VLDs many many times, but only on web sites where they all say "Out Of Stock", and many also say "No Back Order".

What I would prefer would be to see them in my grubby, gun-oil stained hands.

 

[mic2377]

I also think part of your success is using 2000-MR. Short of the VV-500 series powders, I don't think anything else can match the load density and velocity it can achieve. It also meters very well which is important for such a small case.

Would it be possible at all to shoot this bullet out of a standard Wylde chamber without an extended throat? I assume I would be limited to the 75 Amax or 80 SMK. I do have a good supply of 2000-MR though.

Nice to hear the awesome results from a mouse gun.

 

[CaptainH]

Went back to the range today to check how different distances to engagement would affect the load of 27.4 grains of the 2000MR. All else the same as in the first post of this string except the weather was worse. Temp was only 42, with a cold drizzle and gusty winds from 1:00. Also shot 5 shot groups today. Really comfortable with this load.
Load 1 was 0.01" off and center to center 5 shot group was 0.20"

Load 2 was 0.20 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 0.25"

Load 3 was 0.025 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 0,56"

These Sierra Match King 90 grain 223 bullets are really doing well for me with the 2000MR powder

 

[jsthntn247]

Do you think you will have issues during the summer with the PP2000? I couldn't miss the X ring the first time I tried it in my 308. Two months later I had to beat my bolt back with a hammer.

 

[swd]

I'm curious what you guys are getting in actual drop on both the Sierra and the Berger. Sierra has upgraded the BC on the Match King to .563 and Berger downgraded their 90 to .534. The significant advantage the Berger had may have gone the other direction.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I'm curious what you guys are getting in actual drop on both the Sierra and the Berger. Sierra has upgraded the BC on the Match King to .563 and Berger downgraded their 90 to .534. The significant advantage the Berger had may have gone the other direction.

Berger can say whatever they want if theres none for anybody to test!

 

[CaptainH]

I did shoot the Berger load last summer in Ohio, but not sure of the temps. I needed 11.75 MOA at 600 and 26.75 MOA at 1000 yards with a 100 yard zero. I have not had a chance to shoot the Sierras past 100 yards.

 

[XTR]

There is a line of people out there who have tried 2000 MR and will tell you that it sings the song of a Siren*, but good luck with it. (*Self included)