Pet loads for the 223 Encore Pro Hunter Barrel?

[rks1949]

Have any of you guy's found a real tack driver load for your 223 barrels? I've just ordered a 28inch barrel for my Pro Hunter in Rem 223. My AR likes W748 powder,do you think the PH barrel will like it also,or are they a different beast than a regular rifle? I'm guessing the 1-12 twist won't shoot a bullet much over 55-60grs. Thanks Ron

[DDelle338]

  I found a load that my 28" EBCO barrel likes. Uses 40gr Sierra Blitz Kings and BLC-2. I found that all the bullets I've tried seem to like the BLC-2, but I don't have any Winchester Powders. Your thoughts about the twist rate seems to be true in mine.

[Davemuzz]

My Contender 23" (I think it's 23") barrel loves Hornady 40 grains over the max load of BL-C2.

Dave

[rks1949]

Thanks,Guy's! I've got some BL-C2 on hand,I'll work up a load. I shot 25 rounds through it this evening. It was some left over rounds for shooting swinging plates,for my Old Mini 14. Rem 55 PSPw/cannulure,and crimped. I thought what the heck,might as well burn these up getting it on paper,and breaking in the barrel. What I didn't expect was .75-1.25 groups @ 100yds with this ammo. I think this gun is gonna be a keeper! Ron

[rks1949]

I finished sighting the .223 in this morning. I took some of the loads that my other 223's like to try out in the new barrel. The Speer 52 HP bullets shot all over. Two touching, then a flyer,or spreading all over. I then tried a load that I have had good luck with,using a 50gr. V-Max. The gun zeroed right in,and began shooting decent groups. I then gave the 52HP another shot,and it went low right. Then I shot 3 50gr. V-Max's for the last group. The gun really seems to have a prefrence for the 50gr. V-Max bullets. I'm going to try some 40gr V-Max's next, I might not be able to match the 50's grouping though. Ron     

[Davemuzz]

With groups like that.....why try anything else! I think I'd call it a day and load up those 50's and go shoot something at 400 yards.

Dave

[rks1949]

Yeah,Dave! I don't think I'm gonna do much better. Still gotta try the BL-C though,with the 40's! I like to try different loads,got allot of time on my hands in the winter after deer season is over. I'm really impressed with this barrel. Never had one come in so easy. Ron

[rks1949]

I've tried about every bullet/powder combination,I can think of,and can't out perform the orginal hand load. I have found that the Speer 50gr. TNT performs extreemly close to the Hornady 50gr. V-Max (hardly any diffrence at 100yds in group size. I think if I went P Dog hunting,these would be the bullet of choice. If you buy them in bulk,you can save allot of money,and they are extreemly explosive The parts should really fly! Ron

[Davemuzz]

Load 'em up and go get 'em!!!

[DDelle338]

  RKS,
  What powder were you using with the 50's?
    Dave

[rks1949]

W 748,I've shot it allot in my Bushmaster Varminter,and thought I'd give the load a try in the Encore. I haven't found anything (yet) that will do better,if I do my part. Ron