Reloading Help .223

[GEOFF.223 83]

Was out today checking new loads

Out to 200yards

55gr sierra blitzking

And 55gr lapua sp

 

I have find that the best powder weight for both was 22.2 giving me the most accurate groups both groups were around 16mm when I went out to 200yards groups opened to 3.5"

 

Had a few sierra gamking home loads with me also checked them and 4 shots created a 1" group at 200yards all shots taken from sandbag in prone position.

 

Y did the others open so much ? Did they loss stability?

Edited November 6, 2013 by GEOFF.223

[zx10mike 137]

i would say no it is not stability at that weight and range just bullet powder combination.if you can develop loads at 200 that is better.i have had loads that are not the best at 100 (still a rabbit head) but have been sweet out further. keep at load development i would say.

keep us posted and hope you find a great load soon.

ps. have you searched for pet loads people are finding work with that bullet?normally you find one that keeps croping up.might take some fine tuning but can save time and money.

[dicehorn 38]

Not suggesting that you switch bullets or powder (whatever powder you are using at present) but in my limited experience with reloading for this calibre, I have found that both .223 's have preferred the 50 gr heads producing groups well > than .5" - just a thought

[GEOFF.223 83]

Think I'll stick to the sierra game king soft points as I have had the most success with the 4 shots groups averaging 11mm.

 

I thought I would stick to the 55gr projectiles for more range as I have just bought a skywatch4 weather meter and already have a range finder and wish to get a nice scope with target turrets.

 

I've already missed about hitting clays at 300 yards hard work as I only have a Simmons whitetail scope atm

 

Really scratching my head over the accuracy at 200 with the above rounds.

How can it be so small at 100 and so large at 200

[Hawkeye. 26]

maybe a reloading manual would help you

[GEOFF.223 83]

maybe a reloading manual would help you

That's a grest idea I could pin my target to it

Or if I run out of toilet paper

Or put it in your girls mouth when she's screaming

Or roll it into a tube a pretend its a telescope

Or cut out center of the pages and have a hidden compartment

 

This is a more creative answer than hawkeye could ever muster up

 

Xox

[dicehorn 38]

Think I'll stick to the sierra game king soft points as I have had the most success with the 4 shots groups averaging 11mm.

 

I thought I would stick to the 55gr projectiles for more range as I have just bought a skywatch4 weather meter and already have a range finder and wish to get a nice scope with target turrets.

 

I've already missed about hitting clays at 300 yards hard work as I only have a Simmons whitetail scope atm

 

Really scratching my head over the accuracy at 200 with the above rounds.

How can it be so small at 100 and so large at 200

As suggested by Mike - if your group whilst tight at 100 yds is moving out to 3.5" then it could well be a stability issue. Assuming at this distance you are competent at that range and wind is not an issue.

 

Two issues I had - my 22.250 would shoot moly <.5 at 100 but at 200 the bullets were keyholing - this was a stability issue as I thought (at the time) Varget would be good. Then in a Border barrel on a clients 22.250 it would not group using 55gr in either V Max, Sierra or Nosler - when I changed to 50 gr heads it consistently shot >.3".

 

If you cannot find the answer, you may just have to accept that your barrel (whatever the twist) does not favour 55 gr bullets.

[GEOFF.223 83]

 

 

Think I'll stick to the sierra game king soft points as I have had the most success with the 4 shots groups averaging 11mm.

 

I thought I would stick to the 55gr projectiles for more range as I have just bought a skywatch4 weather meter and already have a range finder and wish to get a nice scope with target turrets.

 

I've already missed about hitting clays at 300 yards hard work as I only have a Simmons whitetail scope atm

 

Really scratching my head over the accuracy at 200 with the above rounds.

How can it be so small at 100 and so large at 200

As suggested by Mike - if your group whilst tight at 100 yds is moving out to 3.5" then it could well be a stability issue. Assuming at this distance you are competent at that range and wind is not an issue.

 

Two issues I had - my 22.250 would shoot moly <.5 at 100 but at 200 the bullets were keyholing - this was a stability issue as I thought (at the time) Varget would be good. Then in a Border barrel on a clients 22.250 it would not group using 55gr in either V Max, Sierra or Nosler - when I changed to 50 gr heads it consistently shot >.3".

 

If you cannot find the answer, you may just have to accept that your barrel (whatever the twist) does not favour 55 gr bullets.

:*( dont tell me that after spending £65 on projectiles

 

I'll get some 50gr tomorrow if there poo im holding u accountable

[GEOFF.223 83]

Was also told 55gr in 1in12 twist is the best matched weight to barrel twist

[Hawkeye. 26]

A fool and his money are easily parted

[dicehorn 38]

Was also told 55gr in 1in12 twist is the best matched weight to barrel twist

Yes Geoff - that is the accepted norm - I was told that by Border Barrels - it was in desperation (last option) that I tried the 50 gr bullets for that barrel.

 

That Hawkeye is a card and so very helpful with his advice - let me think - hm....... a 12 year old spotty face with a BSA Meteor ?

[GEOFF.223 83]

 

Tomorrow will be a noisy day

Got some sierra 50gr blitz kings today loaded from 22.2 to 23.4 up in .3 increments

 

Max was 24.3 I think but find getting close to max accuracy goes down hill

 

I'll post pic of groups tomorrow

[GEOFF.223 83]

 

22.8 was the winner 13mm edge to edge 4shoots not including the one I pulled

[dicehorn 38]

Geoff - the 22.8 could well be what you are looking for - 200 yds could be interesting . You may even wish to consider trying different primers with the 22.8 gr - perhaps Federal Gold Match which may just produce a tighter group although you should not complain at 13 mm !! Well done.

[GEOFF.223 83]

My gun shops here in ni are bollocks chances of getting fancy primers and powders are nil unless yout willing to order yourself pay postage and pay shop holding fee etc

 

Heard good reports of Winchester match gold primers but you probably can't even get them here

 

Anyway I'll reload 6 up of the 50gr 22.8gr and do 2 3 shot groups at 200 yards and see what the story is.