77 hpbt loading suggestion

[Fern]

Helping my good friend try to make a ruger American gen 2 (223) shoot better then a shotgun pattern rifle has a 1/8 twist barrel.
We oucked up some sierra 77hpbt and trying to decide which powder to try. Below are my options
Accurate 2520
TAC
Imr 8208
Varget
Cfe 223
H4895
Will be using some 7 1/2 primers and star line brass
any of those powders you guys recommend or another you have good luck with?
Edit: added last 3 powders to list

 

[jelenko]

8208 would be my first choice.
Then TAC.

 

[RegionRat]

Do you have any Varget or RE-15 handy?

 

[shoot&brew]

Following.

Disclaimer: I'm relatively new to precision shooting and reloading. I've been loading 75gr hpbt for my Tikka. 22.6gr of BLC2 (because that's what I already have), seated bullets measured 1.879 (to ogive) gets me about 2450fps and about 1" group at 100yd, which is good enough for me.

Also have some TAC, so I might try that next.

 

[Park ranger]

I use AA2520 in my service rifle. 24.5 grains with my lot!!! It’s 2750 fps in the 20”

 

[Fern]

Do you have any Varget or RE-15 handy?

I have varget no R15. I updated the list. Been tempted to try R15 for my 243 so maybe if I can’t get good groups with one of these I’ll have to pick some up

 

[jelenko]

If you can't get good groups with 8208, something else is going on.

 

[charlie b]

I used Varget with the 77SMK's for years. 23.5gn got me around 2800fps in a 22" barrel (Savage Axis), usually less than 1/2". Bullet seated out a bit, but cleared the mag. Also shot well out to 600yd.

If you want something to throw through a powder measure then use one of the ball powders.

 

[lb-ft]

CFE 223 and Nosler 77 in LC brass is the favorite for my 1:8

 

[jelenko]

something to throw through a powder measure

VV's N100 series gives me +/- .15 gr through a Dillon 550.

 

[RegionRat]

It could be said that at most XTC clubs, the PET loads are a majority of Varget and RE-15, which fits the classical definition of a Pet Load for the 77 SMK, with a Rem 7.5 Primer at mag length.

Nothing wrong with N140, 2520, or 8208 either.

Your friend will have to shoot a while to need better ammo. YMMV

 

[kelbro]

I've had good luck with both Varget and H4895 with that bullet. Shot some yesterday at 600yds. Out of 10 shots - 4X, 5 -10s, 1-9. I like them but my rifle prefers Berger 73gr.

 

[SKWERLZ]

If you can't get good groups with 8208, something else is going on.

^^^^^
My go to powder for 69 and 77Smk

23-23.5 in a gasser and 23.5-24+ in a bolt action.

Tac is pretty decent as well.

 

[CJ6]

8208 or CFE 223

 

[drop_point]

8208XBR is a great powder for this as well as StaBall Match.

 

[Walt Krafft]

24.3 Varget 77smk at 2.250 oal. If it doesnt shoot your gun is broke.

 

[padom]

Between 23.2- 23.6gr 8208.. if thst doesnt shoot get a new gun or barrel

 

[jlshaw]

I have personally loaded a lot of rounds using TAC, Imr 8208, Varget, and some less with
4895. They all did great. My late friend Wayne McCleod always said (for service rifles) to get a 75 or 77 grain bullet and put 24 or so grains of powder behind it, put it together and shoot it. I have followed that advice for two decades. It has never steered me wrong.

 

[markm87]

7.5s are pretty hot aren't they? If so, I'd vote for TAC. I like to match milder primers to 8208 which can turn on you quickly.

 

[mgunderson]

Define shotgun pattern for us. Please. What power scope and any other details about the pattern and shooting set up. Suppressor? Check all the fasteners. Might be worth running the bore scope in there and trying a spare scope. Be open to the idea it just might not shoot small groups. Have you shot the rifle too? Is the barrel crown ok