223 Rem, Ultra Hunter

[bikerbeans]

After trying many, many different bullet, powder, OAL, crimp etc. combinations I have finally got this gun to shoot just under an inch @ 100 yards.  No point trying to improve this because that is the best the operator is capable of shooting.  What I have found is that this gun likes flat base bullets over boattails.  This gun's 2 favorite bullets are the Sierra 60 grain Varmiter and the Hornady 55 grn SP.  Anybody want to guess why?  I thought the BT bullets where supposed to be more accurate.

BB

[quickdtoo]

You might try the easy crown touch up in the FAQs, an imperfect crown been mentioned about BT and FB bullets before as being the cause for loss of accuracy with BT bullets. 

Tim

[44 Man]

Boat tail bullets have a very slight edge in down range ballistics, but were actually developed to be easier to start into the case necks during loading.  They have been developed into accurate bullets, but it's hard to beat a flat base bullet.  44 Man

[GreenMachine79]

If I remember correctly flat base bullets are more accurate.  Also the boat tail does not increase ballistic coefficient until the bullet drops below the speed of sound, this is where you would get the slight gain in down range ballistics that 44 man was talking about.  I think the main aspect of the boat tail is that it looks more aerodynamic and more accurate, which sells bullets, that and its easier to load.

[PawPaw]

Mine likes 55 grain Hornady V-Max, and shoots them with IMR 4895 powder into just about 3/4th of an inch.

I've been thinking about trying some of Midway's DogTown bullets.  Has anyone here tried them?

[bikerbeans]

Tim,

I think touch up of the muzzle crown was the third thing I did to this rifle.  I have went through most of the reccommended accurizing on this one.  I am content to stay with the FB bullets as they are more accurate than I am.  Besides I think there is a fellow down south who likes the Hornady SPs in his 220 swift so following his lead can't be bad.

BB

[quickdtoo]

A man does what a man has to do, if FB bullets work best, so be it!! 

Tim

[briannmilewis]

One of the greatest things about this group is how much of the information is helpful to us newbies, that is why I always read all topics on the first 2-3 pages. You folks save us literally hours and hours of time and frustration.

Before I got my 22 Hornet Handi and all the reloading gear, I had no idea how satisfying, rewarding, and frustrating looking for that sweet spot with a rifle could be.

I wish I knew about the ladder method of seeking accuracy back then.

Well, the good thing is that I will be prepared and hit the ground running when I get my hands on another H&R 22 Hornet, quickly followed by a .204 Ruger and 223 Rem.

[bikerbeans]

I spoke with a reload guru last night and the BT problem may be a function of my reloading dies and technique.  I may have too small a neck ID on the case which is squeezing the shank of the BT bullet.  Going to load some BTs per his instructions (neck ID only .001 less than the bullet OD) and see if this helps. 

BB

[kevinsmith5]

How about fire laping for accuracy improvement? I'm considering it for my .223, primarily because it is supposed to reduce fouling, but it's supposed to improve accuracy as well.

[NFG]

I'm not all that sure about BT's and your case neck...BT's are easier to load in some instances and some rifles just like them, while others like flats...a whole lot of things are going on.

The best way to start reducing group size is to benchrest prep the cases...i.e., weigh sort, turn necks, uniform the primer pocket and bevel the flash hole...THEN do the same with the bullets...weight sort and measure sort the ogives.

Neck grip of 0.001-0.002 is very good, using Redding Bushing dies helps here...adjust your dies to just bump the shoulder of the case...0.001" is all the setback you need.

Vary the seating depth...many 22 cals like around 0.025" "jump" but others like the bullet touching the lands or even into the lands.

Firelapping is a rapid wear process...you're basically wearing off all the burrs and rough machining...high dollar barrel makers us a lead lap, or several as the do wear out...you can do the same with a tight fitting patch using the same grit you pay the high dollars for in the firelapping kits.  NEF's have rough barrels so fire lapping or hand lapping will help...just use the finest grit...the object is to polish  the bore more than wear it out..

It take conserted effort to get your groups below 1", usually, so read up on  on benchrest prepping....6mmBR is a very good website that covers, in depth, just how to go about doing it.

Luck

[moorepower]

My .223, 1-12, M700, loves the 60 grain HP, and 60 grain Vmax bulltes with IMR 4895 at 3K. At a real BR match you won't see any boattail bullets untill you are over 300m. Alot of the FB bullets like to be close to the lands. Even though I have a love hate relationship with it, the Lee Collet die can make some really straight rounds for not alot of $$.

[gcrank1]

I too like the Lee collet dies. I can dial in the perfect neck constriction, not that way undersize, then expander button back out that regular dies do to a case neck.
+1 on that boattails at extended ranges, otherwise Id be glad to have your performance with the cheaper FB 'up close'.