223 Loads w/60gr Partition 1-9 twist

SJB358 · Mar 14, 2010

I am loading for a buddies M4 with a 1-9 twist and a 16" barrel. I tried Benchmark up and down the scale and about the best was 1" at 100, but groups were pretty horrid at 200 yards. I have just tried loading Varget and H4895. Those two seem to be higher on the speed scale. I am using 60gr Partitions, but may try some of the 65gr Sierra SBT in the future. He wants it for shooting coyotes and really a General Purpose guns for Varmints and maybe small Va deer. If any of you all have any pet load for the M4 style platform let me know. I was hoping Benchmark was going to be my answer, speeds were good on the high end, but accuracy wasn't. Loading for an AR platform is new to me and I have been trying to keep everything as consistent as possible.

The rifle has a Vari X III 3.5x10 on it, and the gun is very easy to shoot, I just think it is being a little finicky right now. Scotty

HeathSexton · Mar 14, 2010

Never tried the 60gr PT but my Bushmaster is awesome with a 55gr NBT and H335.

SJB358 · Mar 14, 2010

I wished I would have bought some 55gr BT's when they were on BIVWAK, but I ended up with 50's. I have 50's, 52's and 60's. I am trying to make the 60gr Partitions work with the AR. Thanks again Heath. I will keep messing with them. I am going to load a few different load sets up with 50gr BT's also and see how they do. Scotty

Powerstroke · Mar 14, 2010

The 60gr B-tip might work well on that platform ?

SJB358 · Mar 14, 2010

I was just kind of thinking the same thing. I am trying to use what I have on the bench first, before we start ordering other bullets. I agree though. I would like to try the 60gr BT and the 65gr Sierra GameKing SBT. I just loaded a few more samples of Varget and H4895 with the 60gr Partition and then Varget, H4895, and Benchmark with the 50gr BT's. I would think I should get something out of one of those. I thought I had something with the 60gr PT and Benchmark, but it didn't hold up well once we started shooting at 200.

These AR's are fun to mess with, but two things are a pain, first, it shoots brass all over. Never cared before, cause I wasn't trying to resuse it, second, it takes some attention to get it properly rested to provide decent consistency. I think it would make a great coyote rifle though. It is short, light and provides a solid 2nd round for pairs and such. Scotty

Larry in SD · Mar 17, 2010

I am shooting both 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips and 65gr. Sierra Spitzer Boat Tails with H-4895 in my Bushmaster 16" M4 ORC 1 in 9" Twist. I have also tried 40gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips with Benchmark in it as well.

So far NOTHING shoots as good as the 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip loaded with H-4895 in my Bushmaster 16" M4 ORC 1 in 9" Twist. 3/4" 100 yard groups are the norm, but when both my Bushmaster and I are having a really good day 1/2" isn't impossible either (I only have a 1.5x4.5x Scope on it).

A couple years back I had a DPMS Panther Bull 20 Fluted (.223 1 in 9" Twist) and I tried 3 or 4 different powders with 60gr. Nosler Partitions in it without ever finding a load I was pleased with. I now have a different DPMS Panther Bull 20 (.223 1 in 9" Twist) but have only shot 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips with H-4895 in it.

Larry

SJB358 · Mar 17, 2010

That is great info Larry. I have ordered some 65gr Sierra's and 60gr BT's and 70gr Speers. I also have a load of 60gr Partitions and H4895 ready to try next time out. Thanks for the loads. I appreciate them. Scotty

HeathSexton · Mar 17, 2010

Never tried the H4895 in my AR, but it is the stuff in my Stevens 200 .223. 25.0grs H4895 and the Sierra 1365 SPBT bullet is very accurate. I want to try some NBT's or SBK's but I keep seeing them out of stock and I am about afraid to try the 50's because the 55's shoot so good.

I have eyeballed that 70gr Speer bullet. I am not of a small caliber for deer guy, but that one looks like it might work well. Looking forward to seeing your results.

SJB358 · Mar 22, 2010

Well, I went back to the range with Varget and H4895 loaded under the 60gr'ers and really didn't have much luck with them. Speed was excellent at about 3K, but the accuracy was still not there. I tried a few loads with the 50gr BT and Varget, and it was decent. After those still weren't shooting really well, my hunting partner and I both deduced his rifle needs a trigger. The standard AR trigger is so inconsistent, it is really hard to get decent groups. Just didn't pull the same, twice in a row. We are going to stop burning up ammo until he gets a decent trigger in the gun. After that, I am pretty sure we will get what we are looking for. Alot of loads looked really decent at 100, but once you take them back to 200, the inconsistent trigger really plays heck with the grouping. Anyhow, more on the loads later. FYI, With Varget and H4895 using book loads we were able to get 3,000 with the 60gr Partition, which would be a dynamite yote load I think and handle one of these small Va deer with ease I believe. Scotty