starting load for 223?

[holstil]

I got some of that 8208. just wondering where to start with it.
I also have R15, R17 and Varget. I'm trying to drive some 77gr bullets.
What do you think.

I know I should search first, but I'm feelin a little lathargic.

I would like to thank those who helped me thus far.
white 121
cmillard
fdshuster
LRPV
rg1
kentuckytroutbum
You are all invited for dinner at my house tonight. ;D
I hope I didn't forget anyone, we're having prime rib.

Jim

 

[cmillard]

with varget, start at 22.9 and work up from there--things to keep in mind are the kind of primers and the chamber of your rifle. if its an ar-15, use magnum primers. they have a thicker cup and can take more pressure and are less prone to slam fires. with my long range ar-15, 7" twist CLE match chamber, i started with the 22.9 of varget, wolf or br-4 primers, sorted bullets, 2.255 oal, and sorted brass. from there i worked up to around 23.7 grains of varget. as far as the reloader brands--they are a double based powder which means they have nitro, and are therefore less tolerant of temp changes. whereas varget, a single based powder, is tolerant. another good powder to try for the 77 sierras is aa2520

 

[queen_stick]

seat the bullets ass up... it will shoot one hole groups all day.

 

[cliffy]

Dependant upon the .223 Remington in usage, I have some sprite loads developed: what's your rifle and barrel twist? What's your altitude and general ambient temperature? I have varmint loads developed to 3960 fps and deer loads to 3150 fps derived from lodes of experimentation at the range. I even have AR-15 loads developed, due to my son's competition shooting. My love for the .223 Remington knows all bounds of safety for specific applications. From 36 grain Barnes Varmint Grenades to 60 grain Nosler Partitions, I've experimented with them. Not to brag, but too late. Cliffy

 

[white121]

+1 for the varget as a start I was told from a local Guru of reloading that varget is the best for a starting loader for the AR cause you cant get enough powder in there to cause any problems! I have used varget with 55-75 grain bullets out of my AR and they shoot 1/2 moa or better. My sweet spot seems to be 26.9 grains with the 55 nosler ballistic tip seated at mag lenght and the same charge with the 75 grain amax that are seated to the lands and single loaded. As cmillard stated start low around 23.0 and work your way up. Good luck the AR was real easy to find a good load for compared to some that I have tried.

Cmillard - the info you gave about the mag primers is new to me and good to know I have been using remington BR primers and had no issues yet in hundreds of rounds but I will be on the look out!

Shaun White

 

[Taildrag15X]

The Rem 7 1/2's are a perfect primer for your AR, just as hard IMO as CCI or Wolf Mag.

 

[holstil]

I guees I should have mentioned that thiis is an AR with 1-8 twist.
I will be using for target shooting up to 600yds with 77mag fed and 80 single feed as per advice from a another thread. Also general all around shooting things / plinking.

 

[js223]

If the 8208 is the new IMR, check Hodgdon's website, as data is in the 2010 manual.
Reloder 15 does work well with the 77, start around 22 and check as you work up. I worked up to 24.0 with a Rem 7 1/2 primer, using Sierra's data. COL max is 2.26 for mag length. This is within Sierra's data, but all proper reloading practices still apply.
Reloder 17 is too slow for mag length loads IMO, won't be able to fit enough to get proper velocity. The Re15 load above already crunches the powder when seating the bullet. May not even work for the single feeds, this stuff is slow.
Varget is less temp sensitive than Re15, I'll agree.
Suggest using the same powder for your 80s as you do for the short line stuff. This is because sometimes when switching powders it takes a few shots for the groups to settle down. Since you only get 2 sighters at 600 (none at a CMP match), you want consistent POI so that you can make the right decision on where to set the sights before the first shot for record.
I'll also point out that for your 80 loads, you should measure land contact with a Stoney Point/Hornady comparator or something like it. This is so you may set the jump or jam where you want it. Don't use the book COL of 2.55 without checking first. Since you have an 8 twist, your chamber is probably a match one of some sort. Thus likely it will experience contact well before this, probably 2.4x COL or thereabouts, based on ones I've measured plus talking to others with some different brands.

 

[holstil]

I like the Hogdon extreme powders. They work well in my bench guns. I don't have to change my load from here in NC to PA. I'm gonna load up varget and head to the range.
I still don't feel comfy about having that bullet stuffed that deep.

Jim

 

[basshusker]

I have a 1:9 twist with the savage. I can't shoot the 77s. Didn't think I could get the 75s under a half inch until 8208. 23.8 at the lands is what I shoot now but I'd guestimate starting at 22.8 and working in .1 gr increments to 23.4ish at mag length. I can't remember for sure but I believe more barrel twist would mean a little more pressure.

I couldn't get the 75s to tighten up with the N140, Varget or RL15 more than 1/2 inch (shooting 69s in the 0s and teens) but that xbr took up half the slack and the br4s took up almost the other half.

I one think I noticed is the 69SMKs and 26.1 of varget work better with 205M primers but the XBR heavy bullet combo likes BR4s better, and they show less pressure signs also.

Hope this helps. jjkuchar@gmail.com

 

[boltman13]

My experience is Rem 7 1/2 Primers are the best for High Power. Varget, and Re15 work best with the 77's and 80's. Try 24.5 gr of Varget and the 80's. Also for the shorter ranges and mag length stuff consider 69's or Berger 72's or Hornady 75 non A-max. My 1:8 Rock River National Match loves Varget 25.5 gr and Sierra 69's at mag length for 200 and 300 yd stages. Varget 24.5 gr and Hornady 75 AMax 0.20 off the rifling at 600.

 

[holstil]

Hey thanks for the info.
I went out with 10 of each 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, and 23gns. of varget
77smks at mag length to break it in. Actually I don't break anything in anymore, a little jb to the throat and off to the range.
The 22gn looked reasonable at a little over a 1/2" at 100yds. I hope the second node comes in a little tighter.
I guess that's about right. I'm stoked to see the difference if any with the xbr.
Jim