223 WSSM and 70gr VLD

[ballpowder]

I'm going to start loading 70gr Berger VLD in my 223 WSSM for Sitka Blaiktail. It's a model 70 with the 1-9" twist. Shot 2 bucks last fall with it using 2 different factory loads. Not bad vital performance but not so good exterior ballistic performance. I'm going to used Berger seating depth test procedure.

Powder is the help I would like. I think my 2 year old son can throw a baseball faster than the loads in the Berger Loading manual!! I have H4831, IRM 4831, H1000, IMR 7828, Magnum, n165 and Reloder 25. Some of these powders were tried by Berger and listed in the manual. Out of this list of powders would you lean towards the faster ones or slower ones. I am planning to start with IMR 7828 and possibly RL25 unless I hear from an experienced 223 WSSM user.

I'll take what help I can get

Tim

 

[K22hornet.]

My son shoots a Browning in 223wssm. The heaviest bullet we tried is the 60gr, both Vmax and Btip. The best combo of speed and accuracy came with the slower powders, H4831 for the Vmax and RL22 for the Btip. In both cases, we ran at 3,700fps+, with the Vmax being more 'violent' on expansion.

Have you considered using a 55gr Barnes TSX? You should be able to get to 3,800+fps, and 3,900fps+ for the 50gr TSX

 

[JLT]

Don't forget about the 62 gr. Barnes TSX. Outstanding terminal performance on medium game. I loaded some up for a friend's .223 this past deer season (recovering from carotid surgery - had to keep the recoil down) and he took a medium-sized buck at about 75 yds through the near shoulder. The deer dropped in its tracks and the bullet was recovered just under the hide on the far side, having nicked the bottom of the far shoulder before coming to rest. Beautiful expansion, retained almost all of its weight and it did it's job through the vitals.

 

[ballpowder]

I have considered Barnes bullets but just haven't taken the plunge yet. I'll will get some coming while I am messing around with the VLD bullets.

I ran into a gun store that had RL 22 and RL 23 yesterday so I am going to experiment with them first. What twist is required for 75gr vdl at 3500 fps?



Tim

 

[chucks78chevy]

Did you ever find or put together any good loads for the 223 wssm I have one I want to load some heavy bullets for my rifle.

Thanks-Chuck