Looking help help with 223 load

[HuntClub]

Picked up my first ever AR - Springfield Saint - gotta say it is fun! bought a box of SMK 77gr to see how it shot that weight and it liked it really well with its 1/8 twist. Now, Since Nosler has the 77gr on special sale, I ordered a box of 1,000 because the price was just to good to pass. But now I am asking for some starting loads to get me on track. Please help.

Thanks

 

[mmcu]

If you haven't already done so, check out the load data on Nosler's website.

 

[A_Gamehog]

Try 23 Grains of Varget, CCI 450's @ 2.255col.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I suggest you find a load YOUR rifle likes. You may have to try several combo's .. My old upper loved TAC powder and 50 grainers. My new Upper {1-7} Likes something else that I can't remember and 65-77 grainers.. You'll do better if you find the load yourself..

 

[bobcat93]

Mine loves the Alliant reloader 15 powder..24" 8twist Krieger varmatch barrel.
I use lake City brass
Nosler .224 cal. Bullets 77gr. Custom competition
Remington 7 1/2 BR primers ( gives me the tightest groups)
Alliant reloader 15 powder 23.5 gr.
C.O.A.L. 2.245"

Also loves the nosler 69 gr..224 cal. Custom Competition bullets
Reloader 15 @ 24.9 gr.
I've tried alot of powders ..I'll stick with the reloader 15

 

[Baddog0302]

Call Sierra , they will send you a PDF file with there data for service rifles {AR}
It would help to know what powders & primers you have on hand.

 

[Boyd L.]

Maybe you can start here....

 

[Fast14riot]

22.5 - 23.2 of 8208, LC case, 7-1/2 primer, 2.270 COAL (magazine length)

24gr of Varget or RL15 is another common load.

Look up service rifle load data, you will find many of the common powder charges used for the 75-77 grain bullets.

 

[HuntClub]

Mine loves the Alliant reloader 15 powder..24" 8twist Krieger varmatch barrel.
I use lake City brass
Nosler .224 cal. Bullets 77gr. Custom competition
Remington 7 1/2 BR primers ( gives me the tightest groups)
Alliant reloader 15 powder 23.5 gr.
C.O.A.L. 2.245"

Also loves the nosler 69 gr..224 cal. Custom Competition bullets
Reloader 15 @ 24.9 gr.
I've tried alot of powders ..I'll stick with the reloader 15

You just listed everything I have in stock! Although I have more Varget than RE15 and will try that as well. Thanks for the starting point.

 

[bobcat93]

You just listed everything I have in stock! Although I have more Varget than RE15 and will try that as well. Thanks for the starting point.

I tried hodgdon varget also..It just seemed to me there was less pressure with the reloader 15 and I was still getting good velocity..love the reloader 15 with Remington 7 1/2 br primer.
I tried 5 different primers and the ones I listed give me the tightest groups..but once you have a good load worked out for your gun ..load up 10 rounds each with different primers and see what you find with your gun..
Hope it works out for you..be safe
Maybe start at 22 gr. And work up watching for pressure

 

[HuntClub]

Try 23 Grains of Varget, CCI 450's @ 2.255col.

Thanks for this info. Two great places to start and I appreciate the info. Will start with these two and work my way to the range and my best load. Appreciate the help.

 

[HuntClub]

I tried hodgdon varget also..It just seemed to me there was less pressure with the reloader 15 and I was still getting good velocity..love the reloader 15 with Remington 7 1/2 br primer.
I tried 5 different primers and the ones I listed give me the tightest groups..but once you have a good load worked out for your gun ..load up 10 rounds each with different primers and see what you find with your gun..
Hope it works out for you..be safe
Maybe start at 22 gr. And work up watching for pressure

Tried Varget and RE15 today - using CCI 450 and Remington 7 1/2 primers and 5 shot groups with each load and primer. COL 2.250. The best grouping came from RE15 @ 23.5 grains. Using CCI 450 and 7 1/2, with the ladder giving the best group - slightly. Time to load up some more to verify but your info help greatly. Thanks!

 

[bobcat93]

Tried Varget and RE15 today - using CCI 450 and Remington 7 1/2 primers and 5 shot groups with each load and primer. COL 2.250. The best grouping came from RE15 @ 23.5 grains. Using CCI 450 and 7 1/2, with the ladder giving the best group - slightly. Time to load up some more to verify but your info help greatly. Thanks!

Good to hear, it's always hard to tell what's going to work best for a given rifle..my rifle is extremely temperamental..it wasn't untill I started shooting those heavy bullets then it began to cycle and group well..

 

[fredo]

Yup.
75BTHP for a gasser @ mag length, and dump TAC under 'em...

 

[RCC1]

New to the forum but not shooting and reloading.

My go to .223 load is 25.5 grains of CFE 223 pushing Hornady 75gr BTHP.

It is a ballistic match to my favorite commercial offering which is Hornady TAP #80265.