Load help, 70 gr RDF in a .223

pharmseller

Handloader
Feb 13, 2012
550
79
I'm looking for some information with loading Nosler's 70 gr RDF bullet in a 1-8" Tikka .223 Superlite. I'd like to shoot out to 700 yards or so and the published BC is .416, which interests me greatly. I loaded 24.5 gr of TAC at various seating depths but got inconsistent results.

I have Varget and Benchmark to try. Anyone have a good load using these powders?


Thanks,


P
 
Benchmark will probably be a little fast. Varget at around 26 grains shoots well with the 68 grain Hornady BTHP in my Howa .223 Mini. Let us know how it does. The 70 RDF is one bullet I'd really like to try in my rifle, too.
 
I'm gonna be that guy that gives you info you didn't ask for. I use AR Comp with the RDF. 23.0 grains gets me 2850 in a 20" barrel. Loaded at 2.370, holds MOA to 450, haven't taken it past that.

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thatguySHM":1gancjuj said:
I'm gonna be that guy that gives you info you didn't ask for. I use AR Comp with the RDF. 23.0 grains gets me 2850 in a 20" barrel. Loaded at 2.370, holds MOA to 450, haven't taken it past that.

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There's one in every bunch.




P
 
I'm usually that guy. I don't use Varget for anything besides the wife's 6mm BR, don't want her getting mad at me. ;)

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P,
Just loaded some yesterday with 38.5grs of 414 and going to try them in my T/C Compass that will shoot 65 gr SGK's really well ??? But RDF bullets are tough enough, even if you have the correct twist! But in my case I will be surprised if I can dail them in ??? However I would be satisfied with
a 2" group at 300 yds......
With that said I tryed 105 RDFs in my T/C Venture 243W, that was shooting 100gr bullets 3/4" groups @ 100 yds, And I could not consistently hit a standard size target :shock: ! At 100 yds with the 105 RDFs :evil:
Later tryed 105 Amax and they shoot 1" at a 100 yds. So the RDFs are certainly different.

Oooops; just noticed this was perticular to the .223! The above data is all for the 22/250. :oops:
 
18" 8 twist Bear Creek Arsenal (Mid length gas) 223 Wylde
Winchester 223 brass (new)
CCI 450
70 Grain RDF

There doesn't seem to be a lot of info out there, so here is what I have done so far with my own load development . All loads are CBTO 1.795" (or about 2.248" OAL), which is .010" off the lands in my rifle.

CFE223
26.0 avg 2780 ft/s
26.5 avg 2833 ft/s
27.0 avg 2894 ft/s

All of these shot in the 1.5-2moa range. No sign of pressure but no reason to press on either.

IMR 8208 XBR

23.0
23.5 avg 2780 ft/s
24.0

Then I started only chronographing the loads that were shooting sub moa. The group for 23.5 grains of 8208 measured .375". Definite pressure signs at 24.0.

Benchmark

22.5 avg 2740 ft/s
23.0 avg 2775 ft/s
23.5

The 23.0 was the best group at about .4"

The benchmark was showing some pressure at 23.5

**As always, work loads up carefully. These were safe in my rifle, but your results may vary**
 
I told the 70 gr RDF to KMA and found a load using 69 gr Custom Competition with H4895. 3035 fps with sub-MOA (.461") accuracy.




P
 
I know its not a 5.56, but I was getting right at 3,000 fps with the 70gr. RDF out of a 20" 22 Nolser. The BC seemed accurate to me and I had no trouble running the gongs out to 700 yards. I think you'll be pleased with them from that perspective. If you are using them on game however you might be a bit disappointed. I have shot several coyotes with them from 200 to 356 yards. From what I can tell, they don't seem to open up. I haven't hit any shoulder blades yet though so that might change things. I think I'm going to switch back to the 55gr Bt for pest control.
 
I’d be trying H4895 but Varget should be close.

Benchmark would be too fast to get optimal speed and load density.

Please post your results!
 
bobnob":3bycxhit said:
I’d be trying H4895 but Varget should be close.

Benchmark would be too fast to get optimal speed and load density.

Please post your results!

I did pretty well with Benchmark. Accuracy was certainly there and speed was acceptable.
 
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