.223 loads for a 14" BBL

[WayneS]

I just traded for a 14" .223 BBL and thought I'd put together some long range {200M} plinking loads built around Rem, 55 gn  FMJ's .
Just wondering what what was your choice

[Qaz]

 I had one of the super 14's and got rid of it. I shot the 55gr FMJ and 45gr Win White box in it, it was very accurate with both. I always felt that the 221 FB would be a better round for that set up or even a slightly reduced load of the 221 would be better. The 223 easily stayed on a 3x3 post-it target at 200yds with a 4x scope, but I never cared for that amount of recoil in a varmint pistol!

[Old Syko]

The FMJs aren't going to be the most accurate but try a medium to warm load of H322 and you'll be happy.  I've had my best luck with H322 in the shorter barrels.  14" is a little short for a complete burn on slower powders and results in inconsistency.

[WayneS]

Thanks,
I to would have rather has a 221 fireball, or a hornet BUT those don't show up for sale to often, and as to using the FMJ's, I picked up about 6,000 of the Rem's at a 'garage sale, REALLY cheap, , my 22 LR works fine out to 100 M, this is just going to be a 200 M plinker shooting steel disks. I checked an old Speer manual that lists SR 4759 as a reduced load, will probably start there while looking for trades

[jhalcott]

  Since I shoot 6.5jdj and 7IHMSA ,even a 30-30 at varmints , MY comments may not fit here. I've found the standard loads for the .223 to work fine in the 14" barrel. Yes ,I have a couple of these also. The ACCURACY of individual loads for different barrels may NOT be as good when used in other barrels. The difference is usually not much but is there. I got a 1000 military surplus rounds  and shot a lot of them in my contenders and model 700. They were accurate enough for plinking at 300 yards when the targets were clay pigeons on the berm. I mean I could hit 4 out of five rested. I could hit 9 of ten OFFHAND at 100 with the rifle and scope on 8x.  ALL  this to say the recoil from a .223 isn't really that much. Adding a Pachmeyer fore arm and/or a bipod will help reduce felt recoil even more. These ARE just plinking loads right?

[skarke]

H322 is a great powder for me.  I also recommend lapua brass.  I was shocked at the difference quality brass made.  Also, for plinking the 53 flat base hornadys shoot great. There are many quality match bullets in the 20 dollar range per hundred, still cheap compared to larger diameter match bullets, but probably unnecessary to spend the difference.

The very best thing that you can do for your accuracy is get a good, flat forend (2.5 to 3 inches) and a grip that tracks well upon recoil.  I decent super 14 223 will out shoot a whole lot of other choices, I love them. 

[Pinkerton]

I sold off my 14" 223 some time ago and stuck with a 24" custom shop bull that I have. I had some difficulty finding a load that shot great in it but finally settled on 50gr Hornady SXSP's over a stiff load of W748 and CCI primer. This was the load that shot the best for me in both. On the plus side the SXSP is pretty cheap and worked great on sod poodles.

[MnMike]

My $.02

Varget.
Norma brass.
Lee Colet die.
Win primers.
Nice clover like holes in target.

good luck,
mike