223 rem. RELOAD suggestions

[jjrr]

I don't have anything new since loading this cartridge is pretty well settled "science" so just to reinforce what others have said I use mostly Win748 and have used 4064 and 4895 with good results.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

8208

Another great powder is IMR 8208. Been working with it lately and the accuracy is phenomenal that I recently put 5 rds in .3" @100yd with Savage 10.
I picked up 8 lb of Varget but have an eye out for the IMR 8208.
I use the IMR 8208 and 748 for 308 PRS with great results so these powders will do well for many cartridges.

IMR 8208 is supposed to be the replacement for Phenix T-32 (which was a tracer round powder that was "pulled down") H 322 was also a replacement for T-32 (think 32 too!)

I had ab 8 pound jug of 8208 from the first batch (which was much better than batches 2 or 3!) But I tried every primer combination ( Rem. 7 1/2, Fed. 205M, and CCI BR-4) and could not get it to shoot better than H 322, H 335, or H Benchmark in my Sako 6 PPC, Cooper 21 in 223 or a custom 700 in 22BR! I ended up using it in 308 147 FMJ loads for the AR-10 (it does very well, but not fantastic). I have friends that had the same batch and got great Bench Rest results. I caution you to buy one pound until it proves your gun likes it!

 

[WR Moore]

I've never had a problem using regular CCI-400s in .223s whether for ARs or bolt-action rifles. However, CCI-450s or Remington 7 1/2s are usually recommended, especially if you load warm.

If you're getting picky, the CCI 41 is the mil-spec primer with a definitely harder cup. I save the 7 1/2's for heavy bullet accuracy loads for way out there.

 

[rockquarry]

If you're getting picky, the CCI 41 is the mil-spec primer with a definitely harder cup. I save the 7 1/2's for heavy bullet accuracy loads for way out there.

I've had no experience with the 41, but don't see why it couldn't be included in the mix as well. I've pretty much used the CCI-400, CCI-450, and Rem. 7 1/2 interchangeably with no real difference in accuracy or velocity, but the 400 may not always be the best choice if you load hot or use 5.56 data as opposed to .223. I don't use 5.56 loads so the CCI-400 works fine.

 

[bearfoot]

thanks to everyone for the suggestions. there is a reloading supply down the road i plan to visit. at least w/ the list from the replys i can research what to purchase. and check the prices.

 

[rockquarry]

Once you read about the cost of primers... and the lack of getting any.

Have you simply just considered stockpiling current surplus ammo? Id say call up SGAMMO and talk to them. I think they would be happy to grab you a few retail units of fmj from different lot dates and you go shoot some of each and buy what you liked best.

When I became interested in ARs several years ago, I got around ten different cheap bulk ammos and fired them in three Colt ARs with 1 in 7" barrels. None of the ammos (55 gr. and 62 gr., all FMJ) were very accurate in comparison with good handloads or factory match ammo, but the latter costs more than most are willing to pay.

For me the bulk ammo was a waste of money. I worked with two very accurate bullets, the Sierra 69 MatchKing (not the tipped bullet) and the Sierra 65 GameKing. The 65 will shoot just as accurately as the 69 to 200 yards ( as far as I've tried either). I also worked with the Hornady 68 and 75 grain Match bullets. These are cheaper than the Sierras and are reasonably accurate, but won't group as tightly as the Sierras.

I tried several powders. H4895 gave best results from an accuracy perspective. TAC is a popular .223/5.56 powder, probably because it goes through a measure better than H4895, but it's been second in accuracy to H4895.

My standard load became the 65 GK and H4895. This load also shoots very accurately in a CZ bolt-action with a 1 in 9" barrel.

I lost interest in ARs quickly and don't shoot them anymore (just had to see what the appeal was and it wasn't there for me), but the six months I spent doing load development work and a lot of shooting was an enjoyable education.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

If available you might give VV N130 a try as it is purported to be an excellent accurate powder for 55gr bullets (and that's per Jarkko Laukia, BTW)...

CHEERS!

P.S. I have yet to see any noticable difference between SRPs, but do use the cci #41s for some loads: like anything primer-related now-a-days it is usually a question of "IF" as far as availability is concerned...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO and you will get many opinions but this is what I suggest to get started.

Primers:
CCC #41, Rem. 7 1/2 or CCI #450 is a good place to start. (in that order)

Powders:
Ramshot TAC, H335, CFE223, Alliant AR-Comp, Power Pro 1200-R or AA2230 are all great choices. Of course there are a dozen or more powders which will all work but those are the powders which are most suited for the .223/5.56mm round.

Bullets:
52gr, 55gr and 62gr bullets are all good choices. Speer, Hornady and Sierra make many suitable bullets for the .223...

These choice are IMO good choices. See what's available near you...

 

[dmy]

OP,
You didn't mention whether or not you have a case trimmer, case gauge, and digital calipers. You will need these as well. If you plan on loading a significant amount of .223s, I also suggest a digital scale. It is much faster than watching the beam on your 505 bounce back and forth. If you are not sure whether your cases have a crimp, you will also need a crimp removal tool.

For me, I have had decent success using IMR 4064 and Win 748 with 55 - 62 gr projectiles.

 

[WR Moore]

I've had no experience with the 41, but don't see why it couldn't be included in the mix as well. I've pretty much used the CCI-400, CCI-450, and Rem. 7 1/2 interchangeably with no real difference in accuracy or velocity, but the 400 may not always be the best choice if you load hot or use 5.56 data as opposed to .223. I don't use 5.56 loads so the CCI-400 works fine.

My ball equivilent loads are at .223 level, my long range loads with the Hornady 75 gr HPBT are at 5.56 level. I'm duplicating factory velocities with either RE15 or AR Comp. I've noticed no particular difference in primer appearance at that level, but saw lower SDs with 7 1/2s. I really have to wonder what you're doing with your loads.

I do note that more recent Hornady factory loads in that bullet weight show really flat primers. The original loads did not. I have to assume that they've changed powders due to supply chain issues.

OP, since you've brought up bullets other than ball........I've found the Hornady 75 gr HPBT to shoot as accurately as the 69 gr SMK with a whole lot less wind drift way out there. I expect the same would be true with lighter bullets.

 

[rockquarry]

My ball equivilent loads are at .223 level, my long range loads with the Hornady 75 gr HPBT are at 5.56 level. I'm duplicating factory velocities with either RE15 or AR Comp. I've noticed no particular difference in primer appearance at that level, but saw lower SDs with 7 1/2s. I really have to wonder what you're doing with your loads.

I do note that more recent Hornady factory loads in that bullet weight show really flat primers. The original loads did not. I have to assume that they've changed powders due to supply chain issues.

OP, since you've brought up bullets other than ball........I've found the Hornady 75 gr HPBT to shoot as accurately as the 69 gr SMK with a whole lot less wind drift way out there. I expect the same would be true with lighter bullets.

You have to be specific as far as "I really have to wonder what you're doing with your loads". I don't know what that means. My comments are a report of my experiences only.

 

[bearfoot]

OP,
You didn't mention whether or not you have a case trimmer, case gauge, and digital calipers. You will need these as well. If you plan on loading a significant amount of .223s, I also suggest a digital scale. It is much faster than watching the beam on your 505 bounce back and forth. If you are not sure whether your cases have a crimp, you will also need a crimp removal tool.

For me, I have had decent success using IMR 4064 and Win 748 with 55 - 62 gr projectiles.

1st. need to purchase the components, have the digital. calibers, the case trimmer & other equip. will fall into place. need 223 rem. brass.

 

[Imissedagain]

Lee Loader Zero Error Target Model is another
high tech option.
Hammer left on roof during photo shoot.

Scoop and weigh
No kabooms
Even on the 550 and SS's.

From the late '70s and still used for the No.1V in 223 Rem, with a
1:12 twist.
No bolt guns now.

4198 & 3031 are also used for the 458 Win Mag.
Mostly 4198.
Those loads were on Lee Loaders as well.

Lee Loaders, scale and hammer meant more firearms.

 

[rockquarry]

get a savage axis... get a decent scope, a decent rest, and youll be BORED with how accurat they can be with CHEAP bulk ammo.

I won't argue the point as there are always exceptions, and it depends on what accuracy level you're referring to. Comparatively, it's quite unlikely cheap bulk ammo will shoot as accurately as well developed handloads.

 

[Forrest r]

get a savage axis... get a decent scope, a decent rest, and youll be BORED with how accurat they can be with CHEAP bulk ammo.

Sorry for the thread drift but making blammo ammo for the 223rew/5.56 is child's play.

Several years ago I got a new set of swaging dies to make .224" bullets out of 22lr cases. Decided to do some serious testing by making reloads as cheap as I possibly could that would hold moa out to 300yds. Went 1 step further and bought a cheap heavy bbl'd savage axisII to use as a test firearm.

The brass was free mixed range pickups that I sorted into 2 piles, nato & commercial.

The bullets were made from free 22lr cases and free lead from the berm for the cores. A pile of 62gr home swaged jacketed hp .224" bullets used in the testing.

Went to the range and put a 24x target dot scope on that axis and sighted it in @ 50yds. Got on paper and moved out to 100yds and did this ladder test/test target.

The 25.5gr load of bl-c2 did what it has done in several other firearms.

That 25.5gr load pictured above was easily repeatable.

That axis rifle was shot as is from the factory. I did put a scope on it, checked the torque on the action screws and punched the bbl out with a couple patches before testing. I did nothing to the stock or did anything to the trigger even though it has an adjustable trigger. I shot it as it came from the factory right out of the box.

That was a brand-new rifle, home swaged bullets, free mixed nato brass, ww sr primers and bl-c2.

I wouldn't over think things too much and simply put some ladder tests together and enjoy yourself.

 

[rockquarry]

Sorry for the thread drift but making blammo ammo for the 223rew/5.56 is child's play.

Several years ago I got a new set of swaging dies to make .224" bullets out of 22lr cases. Decided to do some serious testing by making reloads as cheap as I possibly could that would hold moa out to 300yds. Went 1 step further and bought a cheap heavy bbl'd savage axisII to use as a test firearm.

The brass was free mixed range pickups that I sorted into 2 piles, nato & commercial.

The bullets were made from free 22lr cases and free lead from the berm for the cores. A pile of 62gr home swaged jacketed hp .224" bullets used in the testing.

Went to the range and put a 24x target dot scope on that axis and sighted it in @ 50yds. Got on paper and moved out to 100yds and did this ladder test/test target.

The 25.5gr load of bl-c2 did what it has done in several other firearms.

That 25.5gr load pictured above was easily repeatable.

That axis rifle was shot as is from the factory. I did put a scope on it, checked the torque on the action screws and punched the bbl out with a couple patches before testing. I did nothing to the stock or did anything to the trigger even though it has an adjustable trigger. I shot it as it came from the factory right out of the box.

That was a brand-new rifle, home swaged bullets, free mixed nato brass, ww sr primers and bl-c2.

I wouldn't over think things too much and simply put some ladder tests together and enjoy yourself.

Very few handloaders swage their own bullets. The discussion was about cheap bulk bullets and ammo, but your own swaged bullets are obviously a step above cheap bulk stuff.

I tried swaging in about 1971 then again about twenty years ago. I had successful results but the time, labor, and expense was just too much for me to see it as practical. However, no one gets into swaging because it's an easy way to make bullets.

 

[Monticello Marshal]

CFE223 under 55Vmax for accuracy bolt or AR.

 

[rockquarry]

when i was playing around with it before it got taken away from me, i discovered the cheap 100 round boxes of federal fmj from wally mart were making clover leafs at 100 yards.
I got bored and discovered if i over lapped my crosshairs onto the target grids center, i would stay inside a dime until i got bored and let my scope wiggle.

You certainly bought from an exceptional lot of bulk ammo.

 

[bearfoot]

CHECKED RELOADEING SUPPLY CO>

they had several 100 rd. packs of shotgun primers. the rifle mag. primers were $14 a hundred. a lb. of winchester 748 was $60. all the primers would fit into a 8" sq. box. have to look on line for deals for a case trimmer, shell holder, digital scale.