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Experiment Long Range Load Development

mac86951

I prefer my targets level and unmoving
Gold $$ Contributor
Based on Erik Cortina's thread on Long-Range Load Development:

I propose an Experiment. I have a 223 AR-15 that I compete with in local F class AR. Take that to mean that Cartridge OAL must be 2.260" maximum. I happen to have some 500 JLK 75gr VLD bullets that with previous experiments don't shoot so well. That said, I bet with proper tuning and powder selection we can get some progress. I have 3 different powders to use for sampling: IMR 3031, Benchmark, and H322. I'll assume final responsibilities and final load information, however, given that the bullet and powders are chosen, and COL is determined, all that is left are the amounts. I've already done pressure testing, but I'll point out that my AR tends to show case head swipe well before I see punched primers, but I will still perform my own independent work up. The chamber is 223 Wylde FYI. I don't expect MOA with this rifle and these bullets, but I propose this experiment as it has what I'd consider a high potential for improvement.

That said, help me determine how to make effective use of the 100y testing and I'll do my own 300y testing and see how they compare. I will post pictures when complete. Lets develop a test using no more than 15 rounds of each powder which leaves 5 for sighting.

Based off of hodgdon website, 223 Remington loaded to 2.26 (not 2.25) and JLK 75gr VLD:
Benchmark 21.5 - 23.5
H322 20.0-22.0
IMR 3031 - 20-21.8C

Erik, using the 100y method, and assuming pressure test for the above powders/bullet/primer/brass combo has already been done what would you recommend for increment? 1% or more like 2%

Also, as I have volunteered 300y data (based on my own methods) would anyone like to see something more traditional at longer range? 600y Ladder?

-Mac
 
No you don't have to load your ammo to 2.60 because everything is slow fire one round at a time, no mag fed ammo. And if your going to shoot beyound 400 yards, I would make a suggestion to work with some kind of 80 gr bullet instead.
 
Froggy, it sound to me like he is shooting an F-Class league specifically for ARs and they must be mag fed. That the way I read it anyways.
 
well then that makes sense then. I think that I would still slow fire one at a time and feed the round into the chamber if possible. But if you have to load from the mag. Then I would look at the 77's or maybe the Berger 73LTB's.
 
Yup, they took care of all of the High-power tricks by requiring rounds to be fed from the magazine...

You could load one round per mag, which allows more like 2.350" COL, but there is also a limit of 77gr max bullet weight.

I did ladder testing of my "competition" load, which happens to be whatever powder I can get and the remaining 77SMKs or 75gr HPBT Hornady that I have.

My Current approved Powders are listed. Now too bad I ran out of them.
AR-Comp (I actually shot a 12x with this at 600y)
Varget
CFE223
N140

I'm very interested in getting the most data for the cheapest experiment, and I like the idea of 100y testing
which I can do on a more breezy day without a ton of sighters.
-Mac
 

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