Here it goes....223 wssm

[hopefullbencher]

Hello,
I am working on a Win. rifle in .223wssm. I am having a tough time trying to get it to keep consistent 1 min. groups at 100yds. I am not looking for benchrest accuracy, just an inch or so. I am doing this for a friend and I already told him that it may be a lost cause. I have tried 60gr. hornady V-max's and 75 hornady BTHP, with varget and IMR 4350. It is more consistent with the 75gr. but nothing to write home about. Also, I know that most everyone is against them but I am trying. By the way, the rifle has 1 - 9 twist and I have found that .005" out of the rifling is what has been consistent so far.
Thank you,
Mike

 

[squirrelduster]

Have you done a ladder test yet?
I don't have any experience with the wsm but with your twist I think you should stay under 70 gr. I would try 55gr. bullets of different manufactures and do a ladder test with each.
One thing I had trouble with in the past was the scope mounts. I thought they were correctly mounted, lapped and all but when I started to pull everything apart to send the action in for the new barrel installation I noticed the base screws were not locktited and had worked loose.
I spent a lot of money to replace the barrel when it was just the mounting of the scope. I have not had a scope related problem only mounting issues.

 

[malcarjeb]

I have 3 .223 wssms and reload for another one. I don't think its your bullets, try some ball powder. I have had excellent results with AA2700 in all 4 rifles with different bullets and weights. I mainly shot the 53gr Barnes TSX and XLCs. Hope this helps.

 

[hopefullbencher]

I have done ladder tests with each powder and bullet combo. .3 grain each with 5 rounds each, min to max. I found. When I found one that was OK, then I played with the seating depth. I will have to try some ball powder thanks for all the suggestions. I did tear down some factory loads and they were filled with ball powder and prob. around 95% more filled.

Yes it is a factory barrel. This is the worst cartridge I have ever loaded for. Usually can find something that will shoot satisfactorily with just a couple loads or at least give you some hope.

 

[cattlebuyer]

The .223wssm in very finicky but look out when you get a good one! I have a .223wssm S Shadow that was outstanding out of the box with factory ammo, after watching me make 3 300+yard shots my Dad,Uncle and cousin ran out and bought one.Mine is a dirty cold barrel two shot one holer and the third shot is always a 1.5inch drunk flier! I use it as a truck gun its lite handy fast pointing flat shooting crow buster. Im gonna build up a tack driving varmint rig using my dads action. I also have a Coyote Lite .25 wssm that Im deer hunting with this year that I love.It shoots almost 1/2 in moa after a trigger job and good glass with factory fodder. very best

 

[jpjulian]

I am new to this forum but came looking specifically for 223wssm info. I have a Stealth II in .223wssm. Bought it slightly used so don't know how many rounds are through it. Legitimate nickel size 5-shot groups at 100 yards when I got it. I now call the groups patterns! Been having bullets come apart with regularity, also. Speer hollowpoints can't take the velocity and Nosler 55 Ballistic Tips & Hornady 55 V-max have also come unglued. Those that stay together leave very visible vapor trail. When I say pattern I mean it as it may be on the order of 1-2 feet? Gunsmith checked the whole rifle, scope, mount, barrel, everything. Pronounced it fit as a fiddle. Next trip to range best "group" on the order of 3-4 in. No difference factory or handloads. I am confidant the barrel is toasted but the 'smith said the borescope says otherwise. Got any other ideas?

Joe
Distinguised #1506

 

[treeman]

jpjulian, try polishing the throat and about the first four inches of the rifling with jb bore cleaner or iosso bore paste. sounds like you possibly have a fouling,powder or copper) problem. also check the base screws and ring screws for loosness. your gunsmith could have missed something. good luck,treeman

 

[biscotti]

I’ve got a Stealth II in 243 wssm that I think is an excellent shooting rifle for my purposes, pd shooting ).
I only have about 650 rounds through it, so I have not had any problems with the chrome lining in the factory barrel.
I do my best to keep the bore meticulously clean though.
This gun likes 75 gr Sierra bullets with either 41.4 gr I 4064, 3470 fps ) or 44.5 gr W 760, 3340 fps ), and has no problems with groups under an inch at 200 yards.
The one negative I have with this rifle / cartridge combo is the sticky bolt.

 

[jpjulian]

Has anyone tried the Tubb firelapping system? With the throat and chrome issue, I wonder if that may improve things somewhat. The tube is likely toast and I've no issue with re-barreling if necessary. Got 3 Kreigers and a Pac-Nor in the safe, "AR15s". Thanks again for the input. Looks like I've another winter project.

Joe