Getting the ES/SD down on .223s

[LVLAaron]

I've never had great ES/SD numbers with CFE223 - However, using a mandrel in the neck before loading made the biggest difference in precision for me w/ 223

 

[Longtrain]

I’ve shot the 223 for so many years with pretty good success. Looking over my chrono data, I’ve got SD’s mostly in the mid high teens and a few in the single digits. I’ve used RE-15, N-140 and AA2495 and got low SD and ES with all those powders. But the truth is that maybe one or two loads out of a dozen broke into the single digit SD’s. The powder is weighted to the exact charge, neck tension and annealing are a must, cases are sized and have the same headspace measurement. One common denominator is the no longer available Russian Tula primers, which consistently show up with low SD’s. I think it’s a combination of all these things and the stars being in alignment.

 

[Webster]

Your numbers for your recipe and context are as good or better than most.

223/556 is one of the more difficult cartridges to get low SD/ES based on context.

While some folks will try it in F-T/R, they are not shooting 77 SMK or typical loads or barrels. So, when they get good waterlines at 1000 yards, it is usually a heavier bullet (like 80, 80.5s 85s or 90s) in a heavy, long, match barrel and high pressure loads. It is still a challenge, brass life is very short, and that is why most folks will just go the 308 route.

So, unless you want to run a similar pattern and recipe as the fullbore or F-T/R folks, you can't expect their numbers.

You will probably be able to find more than a few threads about 223/556 and getting the SD/ES down. Just keep in mind that those 1000 yard folks are not shooting 77 grain bullets or short barrels.

All the top shooters seem to shoot something like a 284 Wincheter. 223 is a poor choice for distance.

 

[kyotekiller25]

All the top shooters seem to shoot something like a 284 Wincheter. 223 is a poor choice for distance.

I mean I do prefer shooting my fire breathing dragon 7-300 Win mag with 180g ELDMs at 3100 for serious long range work, but at the cost of 10x less barrel life, 3x the powder charge, 2x the bullet prices, and 10x the recoil. See where I'm going with this? Haha.

As a competition rifle for 1K, ya the 223 sucks. As far as a trainer/steel rifle, I don't think it's really all that bad...

 

[SecondsCount]

All the top shooters seem to shoot something like a 284 Wincheter. 223 is a poor choice for distance.

Poor choice but it's a lot of fun trying!

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I don't recall any reference to case shape/powder type relationships in any of my reloading books. Is the there any data ?

 

[searcher]

But on the flip side I figured out which dogma was just not true.

Amen. There are a lot of divides between people's different methods. There is no substitute for figuring some of that stuff out on one's own. Like whether to ream flash holes, use moly, etc., etc. just have to try those things out and form one's own opinion, I think.

 

[rookie7]

I wonder if the 22br, 22 Grendel, 22 arc, et al have the same issues as the 223 in relation to consistent low sd and es?

Also, is the 22br the “easy button” just like the 6br?

 

[LVLAaron]

I wonder if the 22br, 22 Grendel, 22 arc, et al have the same issues as the 223 in relation to consistent low sd and es?

Also, is the 22br the “easy button” just like the 6br?

The smaller the case, the harder it is to have low es/sd numbers.

 

[Rocketvapor]

The 22N, a little bigger than the .223 (about 31 to 32grains of most powders) also seems to be plagued with higher ES and SDs.

 

[Longtrain]

After writing my post above, FWIW I glanced at my chrono data for my 223AI. Many more loads in the single digits, as low as SD 3.5 fps. Same rifle, powders, primers and bullets, just slightly different case dimensions. I guess P.O. knew what he was doing.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Well, didn't get single digit SDs yesterday.
Sorted primers and did a small variation in charge for the wife's 22N Bolt Gun. Ran one charge in my 22N AR, excluded cold bore shot #1.




Wind was really spreading groups in the Horizontal @ 600yds, so to help with her discouragement, we moved to 100yds.
She dialed from 11moa to her previous zero.
First shot @ 100

 

[Charliemac]

Conventional wisdom says 223 might not be the best long range cartridge. If you are competing in MR, Palma and LR with a sling and iron sights the 223 works quite well. In my Palma rifle my load with 80 elds gives me 3045 and SD 9.7-13 at the muzzle. I seem to do just as well as shooting my straight 284 maybe better because of the less recoil over the course of the string.

 

[kyotekiller25]

Very small sample I know, but 24.7g looks pretty promising anyway with accuracy and ES. Doing some more 223 load development with the 75g ELDM/N540 today. Tried 24.4-24.8 today at 200 yards. Think I'm going to load up 24.7 and try a few different seating depths. All groups had the 2 and 1 thing going. These were .010" off so figured I'll start seating them 3 to 5 thousandths deeper and see if they'll tighten up any.

Also, I got my bolt back from being bushed from Carlsbad. All I got to say is that definitely took care of the cratering. Night and day difference!