Confused about reloading .223 80gr ammo

[mac86951]

Went out and tested some loads I made up yesterday and the outcome wasn't too bad. I tested 3 different bullets(Nosler, Sierra, and Berger) with 2 different powders(RL-15 and TAC). My worst group at 200yds was about 3" for 5 shots and my best was about 1.5" at 200yds. The winning load today was the Berger VLD 80gr HPBT on top of 22.5gr of TAC with a OAL of 2.417". In all cases though the RL-15 was the worst of all for some reason. Next time out will be using the same components but with .5gr more of powder which still leaves me another .5gr away from max.

I've found 223 responds better with 0.2gr increments on powder.

Also, it would be worth while to get an acceptable powder charge, then maintain that while adjusting seating depth (I'd recommend increments of 0.003"). This should give you a direction to see if your rifle wants more or less jump. Try jam too, but to do so safely, go back to min powder charge and work up while jammed.

With a happy seating depth, then a final charge work up should get you into a good load. Honestly, for 223 if I'm not controlling +/- 0.05gr or better groups can have a lot of flyiers. Loaded concentricity was another, I haven't resolved it yet, but I measure it and separate.

-Mac