Looking for powder recommendations for 223 69 gr smk bullet with 1:10 twist

[done111]

I have a Tikka 223 that came in a 1:10 twist. I am wanting to try some 69 Sierra matchkings and wondering about what powder works well. I use Benchmark on the 52 smk and it is one accurate load. I’m hoping the 69 can be as accurate as well as better for distance and wind.

I will try the benchmark powder but I’m thinking I might need something slower and try to get more velocity since I might be on the edge of what bullet weight a 1:10 twist can handle.

 

[abishai]

Mine loves 24 grains of 8208 ( WARNING this is above max ) with a fed match primer. Mine is a 9 twist

 

[dminn1]

I have a Tikka 223 that came in a 1:10 twist. I am wanting to try some 69 Sierra matchkings and wondering about what powder works well. I use Benchmark on the 52 smk and it is one accurate load. I’m hoping the 69 can be as accurate as well as better for distance and wind.

I will try the benchmark powder but I’m thinking I might need something slower and try to get more velocity since I might be on the edge of what bullet weight a 1:10 twist can handle.

I have a Tikka .223 with 1-8 twist barrel. With the 70g Berger VLD it gets excellent results with both H-4895 and IMR 8208 XBR. Also Varget works excellently for heavier bullet applications.

 

[hogpatrol]

Reloder 15.

 

[msinc]

Winchester 748.....VV N140, have had excellent results with both. Suggest you also try Berger 64 grain bullets.

 

[mmcu]

Varget or H335.

 

[JLT]

I've settled on 8208 XBR for bullets in this weight range. 23.8 gr. delivers the goods with the Hornady 68 gr. BTHP or the 69 gr. SMK.

Work up to this charge weight, though. It is close to or right at maximum published data. It has proven safe and accurate in my rifles (five of them), but you never know . . .

 

[done111]

I've settled on 8208 XBR for bullets in this weight range. 23.8 gr. delivers the goods with the Hornady 68 gr. BTHP or the 69 gr. SMK.

Work up to this charge weight, though. It is close to or right at maximum published data. It has proven safe and accurate in my rifles (five of them), but you never know . . .

What’s the twist of your barrel?

 

[JLT]

What’s the twist of your barrel?

3 are 1:8, 2 are 1:9. That load shoots well in all of them. Two ARs, two bolt actions, one break-open single shot.

 

[2506]

Sierra Manual says Varget for the accuracy load with their 69. It shoot great in my ARs.

 

[Zero333]

25 gr Varget

 

[ranger3]

26 gr varget

 

[ShootDots]

When I shot a .223, I shot a 1-9 with the Berger 73gr. pill. It shot phenomenally with VV N540. With a 26" barrel the 73grainer was screaming out of the barrel at 3025f.p.s.! It was also the most accurate powder I tested. But if you don't want to use the Viht powders, then ARComp, IMR 8208XBR, H4895, Varget or RL-15..

 

[done111]

That varget may be the ticket! I like that it’s an extreme powder so hopefully won’t be as temperature sensitive as other powders.

Is varget as elusive as H4350?

 

[ShootDots]

That varget may be the ticket! I like that it’s an extreme powder so hopefully won’t be as temperature sensitive as other powders.

Is varget as elusive as H4350?

I believe that IMR 8208XBR is LESS temp sensitive than Varget>>>AND it's lot-to-lot consistency is better!

 

[DirtySteve]

Varget is my go to powder for 223 and 308. My Savage 223(Shilen Barrel) is very accurate with Varget and 69 & 75 gr bullets. The factory barrel also shot the 69 grainers very well.

 

[done111]

Sierra Manual says Varget for the accuracy load with their 69. It shoot great in my ARs.

Did it give a powder amount on that accuracy load? I'm shooting a bolt action Tikka T3.

 

[grovey]

25.3. Mine likes 25.2, but 25.3 isn't shabby either.

 

[Nature Boy]

25.3. Mine likes 25.2, but 25.3 isn't shabby either.

Me too. 25.3g of varget, 69g SMK, 1:9 twist factory Savage will shoot 1/2” 5 shot groups at 100

 

[rckendall]

I believe that IMR 8208XBR is LESS temp sensitive than Varget>>>AND it's lot-to-lot consistency is better!

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