223 ammo reloading question

[fyimo]

I have been reloading for my 223 platform rifles and I've been reloading 55 grain FMJ and 55 grain Ballistic tip ammo. For this reloading I've been using IMI 3031 powder and it has worked fine for this weight of bullet.

I just bought 250 Nosler Ballistic Tip SPBT 60 grain bullets and I'm going to reload these ahead of IMR 4064 powder and this will be ammo for varmint and Hog hunting. Both of my AR's have 1/9 barrel twist and I wanted to know if they will stabilize the 60 grain bullet. I also have a Browning A Bolt with I believe is a 1/12 barrel twist and would these 60 grain bullets work in that rifle.

 

[Cdog]

It's the length not weight of the projectile that will make the difference.

I've used 70gr Speer in 1/12 twist with fine results. The round nose and flat base deliver excellent accuracy as far out as I'll be shooting them. The same rifle will keyhole 68gr boat tail Hornady.

The 1/9's will do great. I'm not familiar with specific bullet. My best guess the 1/12 barrel will likely work, but will be at about max with a long boat tail.

The 4064 ain't my favorite metering powder, but will yield excellent loads. I really like Varget for match/varmint accuracy loads.

 

[SMSgt]

The 4064 is great in my -06, but a mentioned does not meter well, which is not a big deal to me as I weigh my rifle loads individually. It can also bridge in the narrow .223 neck, so ensure a load has completely funneled through the neck before you remove the funnel. It makes a mess, trust me.

 

[AveragEd]

My .223s, all bolt-action Remington 700s, shoot their best with either Benchmark or Varget powders but I also have had great results with IMR's new Enduron powders.

Ed

 

[Herb686]

I fired 68 and 75 gr Hornady in a 1/12 AR .223 Wylde chamber. Could not hit a 4' x 4' target at 300yds (barrel was suppose to be 1/8).

 

[MasterTech1960]

I have been reloading for my 223 platform rifles and I've been reloading 55 grain FMJ and 55 grain Ballistic tip ammo. For this reloading I've been using IMI 3031 powder and it has worked fine for this weight of bullet . I also have a Browning A Bolt with I believe is a 1/12 barrel twist and would these 60 grain bullets work in that rifle.

Here is a graphic that may help with bullet to barrel twist rate. Posted before , but always good to review.

 

[ChiefStealth]

I agree with cdog, that long bullets need more stabilization. 60gn. flat based bullets shoot just fine in most 1:12 and 1:9 barrels. Its really only the big, long, boat tail bullets of 68gn, or more that need a faster twist. IMHO

 

[scooter123]

As noted previously a 1:9 barrel will work just find with a 60 grain bullet. I'll also say that I have experience with this exact bullet and in my 1:8 twist Shilen barrel Varget produces the most accurate shooting round. I'll also note that 6064 and Varget are both stick powders with similar granule size that meter poorly so plan on hand weighing every charge. I and also tell you that the average granule of Varget weighs 0.025 grain and can be easily picked up with some tweezers.

 

[gregintenn]

Each barrel seems to be different, and you won't know until you try it.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Varget is ok but for some reason W748 gave better groups.

The old IMR powders are a bummer to load except 4320 so
I agree with the others on a ball or short grain powder for your small case.

I have no idea what the "New" line of powders look like since I
am still getting rid of 14 of the old powders.
IMR may have some short grains, one would hope. Finally !!

 

[fredj338]

Plenty fast for 60gr, but mot sure you'll get the vel you want 4064, a bit slow & course for the small 223 case. Even the 1-12 should work if you can get vel up. AA2520 is my choice for top end vel with bullets 60gr & up. Good luck finding some though.

 

[fyimo]

I loaded some Midway 55 grain Dog Town FBHP bullets with IMR 3031 powder and will be testing them next week at the range. I have a boat load of both IMR 3031 and IMR 4064 powder so that is that is what I am using up. For my 30-06 & 270 I use IMR 4350 which I have been using for years and it works well with those calibers.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Just as a note;
The original rifle was loaded with the 55gr bullet and the twist back then to stabilize it had a 1:12 twist.

The first test barrel with a 1:14 twist did not work as well and was discontinued for use with the heavy 55gr bullet that was first used in the beginning tests.

the 60gr bullet should still stabilize..........

Looking forward to some target pictures if the time comes with that 3031 powder.