.223 w/ heavy bullets, what powders

[JPB3]

are most guys using and at what velocitie?

Thanks

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Most shooters I know use Varget or H4895. 1 guy uses R15 - but there's none around, I believe. Alternatives are IMR8208, CFE 223. and Benchmark. I don't run very hot - more interested in accuracy, as I ony use 223 for 300-600 yds and normally with 75-77g pills. Try 24g Varget in Lake City brass with a 75-80g bullet with a CCI450 and work up, but that load will hold the centre in a good bolt gun.

 

[Hobbs]

Most shooters I know use Varget or H4895. 1 guy uses R15 - but there's none around, I believe. Alternatives are IMR8208, CFE 223. and Benchmark. I don't run very hot - more interested in accuracy, as I ony use 223 for 300-600 yds and normally with 75-77g pills. Try 24g Varget in Lake City brass with a 75-80g bullet with a CCI450 and work up, but that load will hold the centre in a good bolt gun.

Hi, just out of curiosity, what barrel length, muzzle velocity and group sizes are you achieving?
Accuracy is everything to me but also keen on velocity. Still deciding on a 223 or 22-250 for my next fox, vermin and small deer cartridge.

Many thanks

 

[William Vogel]

are most guys using and at what velocitie?

Thanks

You’ve got to tell more about the rifle, barrel twist and length and what bullets you’re wanting to shoot. Helps to talk about what powders you have on hand also.
Barrel length is important because long barrels can use different powders. This is why I find reloading manuals useless because many of the recipes don’t line up with my rifles. I like longer barrels, at least 26 inches for bolt action guns and when the manual says 22-24 inches, there’s better loads than what they listed.

 

[boltfluter]

My Tikka T3 in .223 came alive with Varget and a CCI-450. I did a primer test and the CCI-450 was clearly the winner. Tested were the CCI-450, Rem 7.5 and CCI-BR4. The BR4 was good but the 450 was a nice little cluster. Good luck and keep us updated.
Paul

 

[Walt Krafft]

Varget, 4895, N135, N140, N150, and a bunch of others have and will work. What bullet, chamber, and barrel length? Gas gun or bolt? Way too many variables to answer your question.

 

[JPB3]

Bolt rifles, barrel length varies between 22-26'', do not shoot formal competition any longer. The bullets I'm primarily using are from 69 to 80 grains. I know that's a big gap.

All I use these days are 450's and Lapua brass..

 

[urbanrifleman]

AR COMP.

 

[SKWERLZ]

Bolt rifles, barrel length varies between 22-26'', do not shoot formal competition any longer. The bullets I'm primarily using are from 69 to 80 grains. I know that's a big gap.

All I use these days are 450's and Lapua brass..

For that bullet range 8208xbr is my favorite but AR comp and TAC are excellent options as well.

 

[Rob01]

Varget, XBR8208, N135 or N140 will all work. I load 75 ELDs at almost 3000fps with my 26” bolt gun for PRS matches.

 

[jelenko]

Just to add - Shooters World Precision Rilfe.

Shooters World Match Rifle, Alliant MR2000 and H BLC2 will also work.

 

[Robert Weidler]

are most guys using and at what velocitie?

Thanks

I loaded my 224 Valkyrie AI with CFE223, This small engine would propel a 90 g Sierra MK to over 3000 fps with a full load, and yes, it was accurate. Unfortunately I no longer have this rifle as I gave it to a friend to enjoy. This friend put 5 of 7 shots on target at 1400 yards at Spearpoint a couple of years ago.

 

[jelenko]

224 Valkyrie AI

The OP is asking about 223.

 

[CF Junkie]

For bullet weights from 69 gr up, I would choose among .308 powders.
Varget, H4895, IMR 4895, N140, N540, RL-15, IMR4166, and IMR4064 will work with heavy bullets in a .223.
I have even had good results in one .223 with CFE223 with 69 gr bullets.
I have also had good results with H335 and N135 with bullets up to 60 grs.
Each barrel will tell you what bullet weights and powders will shoot best.
I wouldn't expect someone else's pet loads will be your pet loads.

I have two identical .308 barrel lengths from the same manufacturer.
One shoots lighter bullets best, the other shoots heavy bullets best.
They both shoot good with what they like, but they are totally different.
Each has its own pet loads. They don't interchange.

 

[kyotekiller25]

I use N540 with 75 ELDMs @ 3000 and 80.5 Burgers @ 2950 from a 223 Wylde with .080" FB and a 28" Bartlein 8T. Will hold 1 MOA out to 1K on the calmer days.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Hi, just out of curiosity, what barrel length, muzzle velocity and group sizes are you achieving?
Accuracy is everything to me but also keen on velocity. Still deciding on a 223 or 22-250 for my next fox, vermin and small deer cartridge.

Many thanks

Both guns are used for FTR My older Tikka has a 26 in True Flight of unknown age. I bought it used around 10 years ago. Still holds under 1 MoA. My "new" one has a 1-7 True Flight, 28in. heavy Palma, on a Barnard S action. Shilen trigger. Wood2Stock timber (Netherlands). Hopefully, it will lose it's virginity next Saturday. I say "new one', as I have re-barreled my 308 to 223, as I have replaced the '08 with a TriMay with a Hardy barrel. I have that built for the 300m match. Velocity - in the 2900's is the ideal for me.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

For bullet weights from 69 gr up, I would choose among .308 powders.
Varget, H4895, IMR 4895, N140, N540, RL-15, IMR4166, and IMR4064 will work with heavy bullets in a .223.

Quite right. If it works in 308, it will work in it's offspring.