82 gr. Bergers, .223 load data

[tobnpr]

Hi, guys.
New to the forum...
I finally picked up a box of 82 grain Bergers to try out in my 1 in 7 twist.
In doing an online search, I found this article here:
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2009/05/new-224-cartridge-for-ar-match-rifles/

Problem is, there's a really big discrepancy with the data in this article, as compared to the load data I received from Walt Berger after emailing him.

According to the info he sent me, starting load w/Varget is 21.0, with a max load of 23.1 for a velocity of 2744 fps.

This article specifies a load of 27.0 grains of Varget, for a slightly higher velocity of 2865 fps. He also states he could have driven them faster with 28.0 grains of Varget, but that would be "approaching" max. pressures.

If Berger specifies 23 grains to be a hot load, how in the world can 28 grains be "approaching" max.?

I'm new to reloading, this much discrepancy does not compute, Will Robinson...

I'm about to load some of these bad boys tomorrow for a day at the range Sunday, any thoughts for this newbie are appreciated. Please, I know all about start low and work up...but there's a huge difference between Berger's starting load of 21.0 and this article's ending load of 28.0...

Edited to add: I also will be trying some Hornady 80 gr. A-Max. Starting and ending loads 20-23.5 respectively according to the rep I spoke with, which is in line with the Bergers of similar weight. Nowhere can I find a +/- 80 grain .223 bullet taking 27-28 grains of Varget...

 

[Rock Knocker]

I just looked at the load data i got with my Lee dies and it has listed Varget with a 80gr. 22.0 starting and 25.0 never exceed... 27-28gr. sounds pretty high. But like you said start low and work your way up, the liturature doesnt know everything, just good guidelines.

 

[cmillard]

you must be reading it wrong. that load is for the .224 AR which is based off the Grendel/.220 Russian/PPC casings. they are two completely different cartridges (.224AR vs. .223 Rem). there is a picture of the two cartridges

 

[7x57]

you would hard pressed to put 27-28 gn Varget in a .223 case. anyways try 24-25 Vargets with the 80/82's. The 82 is an excellent bullet and easy to load for.

 

[tobnpr]

Oops...my bad, didn't read it thoroughly.
I did a search for .224 Berger 82 grain...and skipped right to the load data without reading thoroughly.
Call me dumbassssss.... :-[ :-[ :-[

Mine are seated at 2.481 however, not 2.26.
Wouldn't seating that long a bullet so far into the case cause a pressure concern?