Berger 223 73gr load data info?

[jtc62]

I finally located and purchased several boxes berger 73gr BT, and a few pounds of IMR8028xbr. Been looking for some load data and have not been able to find anything definitive. Would like to either see pic from Berger’s loading manual possibly, or hear from someone’s experience with this combination.
The Hornady manual and data site, doesn’t list 73gr... my manual has 70gr and 75gr though, which I have been loading berger 70gr with CFE223, H322 and Varget, with some success.

Seeking to find a repeatable load for my 1:8 24” bolt action.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mgdietrich]

23.2 would be a good place to start.

 

[Kurz]

I finally located and purchased several boxes berger 73gr BT, and a few pounds of IMR8028xbr. Been looking for some load data and have not been able to find anything definitive.

The powder should be IMR8208XBR.

You need to supply the COAL of the cartridge and jump or jam.

Pilfered from another source...(2010)

I have load Data I got from Walt Berger for the 73gr bullet out of the 223 Remington. This is what he sent me.

73gr Berger

H4895 21.5 to 24.0gr

Varget 22.5 to 24.7gr

VIHT-N140 22.5 to 24.7gr

RE-15 23.0 to 25.4gr

Win 748 23.0 to 25.2gr

Norma 202 22.0 to 24.3gr

IMR4064 22.5 to 24.7gr

AA2520 23.0 to 25.5gr

VIHTN540 23.5 to 25.8gr

Ramshot Tac 22.5 to 24.8gr

H335 22.0 to 24.8gr

 

[whatsupdoc]

Send berger an email with the bullet and cartridge you want information for, they will email you the load data.

The data they sent me was for the 70gr bullet .223 and it shows a MAX load of 23.0 gr of IMR8208xbr.

 

[PopCharlie]

Here is pic out of the 1st edition Berger reloading manual.

 

[PopCharlie]

I fired these 5 shot groups today.

 

[PopCharlie]

I fired these 5 shot groups today. View attachment 1174525

I have some IMR 8208 XBR powder. I have not tried it in my .223.
Target #4 shows a great 100 yard 5 shot group. Bullet seated .040 off the lands.
Rifle is 1:8 twist 24 inch Hart barrel.
Stiller Predator V action
The load is:
73 gr Berger BT Target
20 gr. VV N-133
Federal 205m primer
Lapua Match case - neck turned to .0125

 

[SWRichmond]

I am at 24.6 gr Varget in LC brass, odd lot BR4's left over from FTR, mag length. Use them for 200 and 300 in XTR in a 7 twist 20" Wylde chamber AR. They shoot great.

 

[jtc62]

Send berger an email with the bullet and cartridge you want information for, they will email you the load data.

The data they sent me was for the 70gr bullet .223 and it shows a MAX load of 23.0 gr of IMR8208xbr.

Thanks, I tried calling several times, but no one answers: Covid-19 may have something do with the reason.

And to Kurz, yep i got dyslexic on the IMR powder number.

I’m staying .003 to .004 off the lands: however that was with Bergers 70gr VLD, different ogive than the 73gr BT. So there will need to be some adjustments made.

 

[jtc62]

I have some IMR 8208 XBR powder. I have not tried it in my .223.
Target #4 shows a great 100 yard 5 shot group. Bullet seated .040 off the lands.
Rifle is 1:8 twist 24 inch Hart barrel.
Stiller Predator V action
The load is:
73 gr Berger BT Target
20 gr. VV N-133
Federal 205m primer
Lapua Match case - neck turned to .0125

Thanks PopCharlie, I really appreciate the target picture.... but i am having trouble reading it, a little blurry. At any rate, what was the load on target#10 ?
My loads have been similar to yours, I’m using Lapua brass, neck sizing, CCI primers but will be switching to Federal this round.

 

[jtc62]

View attachment 1174524 Here is pic out of the 1st edition Berger reloading manual.

Great! just what i was looking for, thanks so much!

j.t.

 

[jtc62]

The powder should be IMR8208XBR.

You need to supply the COAL of the cartridge and jump or jam.

Pilfered from another source...(2010)

I have load Data I got from Walt Berger for the 73gr bullet out of the 223 Remington. This is what he sent me.

73gr Berger

H4895 21.5 to 24.0gr

Varget 22.5 to 24.7gr

VIHT-N140 22.5 to 24.7gr

RE-15 23.0 to 25.4gr

Win 748 23.0 to 25.2gr

Norma 202 22.0 to 24.3gr

IMR4064 22.5 to 24.7gr

AA2520 23.0 to 25.5gr

VIHTN540 23.5 to 25.8gr

Ramshot Tac 22.5 to 24.8gr

H335 22.0 to 24.8gr

Yeah, I typo’d the number for the powder.

I don’t measure for COAL, i measure CBTO, and since i started CBTO my groups have improved, this is bolt gun load so COAL is not a major concern.


Thanks for info.

 

[PopCharlie]

Thanks PopCharlie, I really appreciate the target picture.... but i am having trouble reading it, a little blurry. At any rate, what was the load on target#10 ?
My loads have been similar to yours, I’m using Lapua brass, neck sizing, CCI primers but will be switching to Federal this round.

Sorry about the blurry pic. I have retaken the snapshot at uploaded it again. If you start at the top, there are 4 rows of 5 targets. Row 2 are the 73 gr. Bergers. Target 4 in row 2 has the "hammer" group. It is 20 grs . N-133, 205M primer, Lapua cases, seated .040 off the lands.
Row 3, target 1 ( I believe you referred to this as target 10) is a 3 shot eval group. It consisted of 75 gr. Berger VLD, 20 gr. N-133, 205m primer, Lapua case neck turned to .0125. The bullet was seated to 1.900, which is .010 into the lands in my rifle. It's a "hammer" too.

 

[ebb]

I shoot H4895 in mine.

 

[PopCharlie]

Sorry about the blurry pic. I have retaken the snapshot at uploaded it again. If you start at the top, there are 4 rows of 5 targets. Row 2 are the 73 gr. Bergers. Target 4 in row 2 has the "hammer" group. It is 20 grs . N-133, 205M primer, Lapua cases, seated .040 off the lands.
Row 3, target 1 ( I believe you referred to this as target 10) is a 3 shot eval group. It consisted of 75 gr. Berger VLD, 20 gr. N-133, 205m primer, Lapua case neck turned to .0125. The bullet was seated to 1.900, which is .010 into the lands in my rifle. It's a "hammer" too. View attachment 1174863 View attachment 1174863

Sorry about the double upload.

 

[PopCharlie]

Great! just what i was looking for, thanks so much!

j.t.

You're welcome!

 

[Kurz]

Yeah, I typo’d the number for the powder.

I don’t measure for COAL, i measure CBTO, and since i started CBTO my groups have improved, this is bolt gun load so COAL is not a major concern.


Thanks for info.

I'm well aware of the difference in measuring and reasons behind each. In an effort to provide good information, my reasoning for asking was to produce a model which accurately suggests the case volume with the bullet set your seating length. This can't be accomplished with the CBTO measurement so there is no methodology to suggest load data without random suggestions with no regard to pressure and case volume.

But it looks like things are progressing anyway. Enjoy the process!

 

[barefooter56]

Thanks, I tried calling several times, but no one answers: Covid-19 may have something do with the reason.

And to Kurz, yep i got dyslexic on the IMR powder number.

I’m staying .003 to .004 off the lands: however that was with Bergers 70gr VLD, different ogive than the 73gr BT. So there will need to be some adjustments made.

Give us a call at 660-460-2802 8am to 4:30pm EASTERN TIME. We had some phone issues last week. And we apologize for that. We are here. No silly virus is getting us down!

 

[jtc62]

Give us a call at 660-460-2802 8am to 4:30pm EASTERN TIME. We had some phone issues last week. And we apologize for that. We are here. No silly virus is getting us down!

Great to HEAR!!!!

Thanks for reply.

I’ve been so busy dealing w/ work and jeep repairs I lost track.

J.T.