223 Remington Pet Loads

[JD338]

My buddy is getting set up to reload 223 Rem for his AR. He is going with the 55 gr BT for coyotes.
Any one have a favorite load they want to share?

JD338

 

[Powerstroke]

Jim - just out of curiosity why is he not going to use the 60gr BT ? seems that is what the AR would be screaming for?
Wish I could help - took the scope off my 700 VTR as I can't get that one to shoot as I want.

 

[JD338]

Mark,

I told him the same thing but he bought the 55 gr BT's on clearance.
That would be the bullet I would shoot if I didn't have a 1:14 twist in my 22-250.

JD338

 

[Larry in SD]

I am loading 25.5grs. H-4895 in LC Brass with Remington 7 1/2 Primers with 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips seated to a Cartridge Overall Length of 2.252". I have tested this load in darn close to a dozen AR's now ranging from a 11 1/2" DPMS (11 1/2" Barrel with a permanently attached 5" Flash Hider) to 16" M4's to 20" Bull Barrel AR's. All have produced sub MOA groups with this load, and the 3 different 20" Bull Barrel AR's I have tested it in shoot between 1/2" to 5/8" 5 shot groups at 100 yards. I have also tested this load in a 20" Remington Model 700 SPS Tactical that produced 5/8" 5 shot groups.

This load per the Hodgdon web site is exactly half way between starting and max. In my 16" Bushmaster M4 I would consider it a MAX Load, but in some of the other AR's it is fairly mild (each barrel and chamber are different).

In addition I have tested this load in a 14" T/C Contender Handgun and a 23" T/C Contender Rifle. Again both shot sub MOA groups with this load, and the 14" T/C Contender Handgun would do under 1/2 MOA for 3 shot groups.

Muzzle Velocities have run from 2800 FPS from the 11 1/2" DPMS to 2840 FPS from the 14" Contender to 3000 FPS from the 16" AR's to 3170 FPS from the 20" AR's.

I use a PACT Electronic Scale and Powder Dispensor to run my powder charges and an RCBS Bench Rest Competition Die Set to load my .223's.

Larry

 

[BK]

I don't remember the charge weight, but I have burned a lot of BL-C2 and H335 in my Remington bolt gun, but I think I will be trying out Ramshot TAC for any more loading, particularly in EBRs.

That reminds me, I have two lowers sitting in my safe, awaiting some sort of build plans from me.

 

[FOTIS]

H4895 and H355 is my go to powder.

 

[JD338]

Are you fellas running mid range loads as a MAX in the AR?
I am thinking about 3000 fps would be about the top end, depending on the powder.

JD338

 

[nshunter]

I'm using 26g of h4895 with 60 g sierra varminters and v max bullets, both are very accurate with the edge going to the sierras, which will normally shoot under 3/4" at 100 yards. I am also using 26.5 grains of H4895 with 55 grain sierras with excellent results, usually under 1/2" out of my 1-12 twist ruger m77m2. I normally use either rem or win primers with no change in POI or accuracy between the two. For my 1-9 twist mini 14 I use 23 grains of AA2230 with a remington match 62 grain HP and get very respectable groups for a mini, about an 1" at 50 yards and 2-3" at 100.

 

[nvbroncrider]

I'm shooting .5" groups out of mine with factory or 55gr FMJ I got the BT but no tests yet. Using 21.5gr of IMR-4198. With a 4 power scope can't complain.

 

[HeathSexton]

55gr + 25.0grs H335 in my 24" Bushmaster. Chrono'd 3100+fps and very accurate

 

[boldaddy]

I just tried Nos BTs at 40gr with 748 Powder and shot some really nice groups. I like that the W748 powder meters so well.

 

[Woodycreek]

Tried Varget, BL-C2, and Benchmark with 50/55 BTs. Benchmark gave the best of accuracy and velocity.

 

[Hegland]

Benchmark gave the best of accuracy and velocity.

I too found that Benchmark edged Varget in accuracy and also seemed to be slightly cleaner. Where I really noticed these was after extended prairie dog sessions. Benchmark was mid-level (25.2 grains) but with Varget, the hotter the better.

The last couple years I've gone pretty much exclusively to the 55 BT and just under 25 grains IMR 8208. Consistent, accurate, quick, and flows superbly through the powder measure.

All my results are out of 700s. However, they indicate that the cartridge is not very picky at all. All of the other powders listed above have good reputations as well.

 

[JD338]

Thank you fellas,

I appreciate all your inputs.

JD338

 

[ROVERT]

Not out of an AR, but I get itty bitty groups with 25.5 gr Varget and the 55 gr NBT.

 

[tyson22250]

40 gr Nolser ballistic Tips, 27.5gr of Benchmark

 

[reloader7mm]

24 gr IMR8208 with 55gr Nosler BT's

 

[BeeTee]

I once owned a kit AR that didn't cycle 100% with H335, but did well with W748. The Win powder is a little slower, though not quite as clean as H335.

Of those loads I've tested, my 1-12" twist 700 VS 223 is most accurate with W748 and Nosler 50BT. However, I bought a pound of Benchmark to try this spring.

 

[Wondermutt]

This is what I use in my rock river unit.

55gr + 25.0grs H335 in my 24" Bushmaster.

 

[baltz526]

64gr winchester power point 25gr varget cci400 winchester brass 2940fps. 70gr speer semi pointed 25gr varget cci400 winchester brass 2890fps. mini14 18 1/2"