223AI and 90gr SMK?

[BoilerUP]

Thinking of trying some of these in my 223AI, for a bit less wind drift at longer ranges compared to my 80gr A-Max load (assuming I can keep the velocity within 200fps) and a little more energy on target to make hits on steel more noticeable.

Curious if anybody is using these; might try 90gr Bergers too but I've heard they can be a pain to get shooting well.

Currently using 8208XBR with 80s from a 22" barrel; should I look at a slightly slower powder (Varget, RL15, 2000MR, ________)?

Thanks!

 

[acloco]

Have you tried H4895? My "go to" powder for 223 AI, 222 Magnum AI, and "Super Duece" - extra long 222 Magnum AI (I use 204 Ruger brass necked up and fireformed). Just run the 223 AI reamer deep for the Super Duece version.

My 222 Magnum AI runs 80 gr AMax's at 2960-2975 with a 1:8 twist Shilen. I don't run heavier than 75's in the 223 AI.

What speed are you able to get out of the 80 gr in the 223 AI?

 

[BoilerUP]

[quote author=acloco]What speed are you able to get out of the 80 gr in the 223 AI?[/quote]

Lemme say I don't really trust my ProChrono, and have decided I "need" a Magnetospeed for that reason.

But (allegedly) there's a high node up around 3000fps with XBR and the 80gr A-Max (22" barrel!) that is stupid accurate but absolute hell on brass; its also unsafe with pressure.

I believe my current 80gr A-Max node with XBR is around 2890fps, with a Varget load somewhere between that and 2930.

I've had a nice gent run Quickload for me and it looks like Varget, RL15 or even RL17 can push a 90gr Berger at 2740+; his QL runs for my 80gr load with Varget lined up within 10fps so I'd presume they are accurate but not sure how much less speed the 90 SMK could achieve.

 

[FroggyOne2]

RL15 & 2000MR would be the better powder choices with 90's, also I would look hard at Berger version over the Sierra version, never tried them, but past reports and inputs from others whom have kinda steered me clear of using them. Not saying that they can't be used, just didn't want to take that risk.

 

[flatlander]

Dittos on using Bergers or JLK 90s vs the Sierra 90. Sierra designed their 90 for muzzle velocities in the 2650-2700fps range. Try to push them faster than that, and you're likely to run into problems. They've got longer bearing surfaces than either Berger or JLK 90s, and that also limits velocity due to pressure.

I did a 223 AI on a 26" Krieger 1-7tw sendero contour bbl and fitted it to a M700 action in a McM A5 stock. This rifle hammers with the Bergers - either the LRBT (discontinued) or VLD. Shot a 4-3/8" 5-shot group at 1000yds with it last evening in switchy conditions with 12.5-13mph winds - and this wasn't the first time this rifle's performed to this level with the Bergers.

 

[BoilerUP]

[quote author=flatlander]I did a 223 AI on a 26" Krieger 1-7tw sendero contour bbl and fitted it to a M700 action in a McM A5 stock. This rifle hammers with the Bergers - either the LRBT (discontinued) or VLD. Shot a 4-3/8" 5-shot group at 1000yds with it last evening in switchy conditions with 12.5-13mph winds - and this wasn't the first time this rifle's performed to this level with the Bergers.
[/quote]

I'm curious to know your throat/freebore, load recipe, and velocity with the Bergers.

I've got a short throat for Berger 90s (0.061") and only 22" barrel, but at least a rough idea of what others are seeing would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[flatlander]

I don't believe I ever received a reamer print from Kiff for this one - at least, the only one I found was one I'd copied out of Dave's Gunsmith's Book of Reamer Prints for use as a shop reference while chambering. I do recall asking for a throat like the Wylde AR reamer, but with all other dimensions suitable for bolt rifle match use. As a result, I found that Berger 90 VLDs seated to feed through AICS magazines jump about .020", which is where I've been loading & shooting them ever since doing some accuracy testing and finding that both the LRBTs & VLDs shot extremely well at that length.

I'm loading a little over 27grs of 2000MR, using LC94-97, R-P, WW, and IMI brass - pretty much whatever I had close to hand when I needed to load some ammo. R 7-1/2 & Wolf SRM primers are what I prefer, though I did try some F205Ms. Velocity out of the 26" Krieger has run from 2778 up to 2839fps, depending on primer, brass & charge weight (initial test loads had 26.85grs, and produced the 2778fps). Usual disclaimers apply to this data.