Load Problems for Rem700 Tactical

[Kentucky Shooter]

I have a new remington 700 tactical in .223, the one with the 20" bull barrel, hogue stock, and a 1 in 9 twist. I took it out to do some testing with what has been my standby .223 load. This is, 24 grains of H322 with a 52 grain A-Max bullet with a COL of about 2.280". It grouped great (about .350") in a 3 shot group I fired. But when I ran a string through my chronograph, I noticed it was averaging 3327FPS, which is considerably faster than any of my other guns shoot the same load, even 100FPS faster than a model 700 varmint with 26" barrel. Then I looked at the fired cases and noticed some cratering of primers. I measured my chamber with the stoney point gadget and notice this 2.280 COL is still considerably off the lands, so I don't think this is the problem. I plan to test the same components, but with some backed off to 23 grains of H322 and some with 22 grains of H322 and see what my results are. I am not looking for a barnburner load, just something good and accurate in the 3000 to 3100 FPS range. I am most puzzled because of how reliable this load has been in at least 4 other guns I have tried it in. Can anyone advise me how to proceed to get the best load for the 700 tactical?

[LaOtto222]

1. Every gun is different
2. A load should be developed for each gun - you have been lucky that the same load works in 4 other guns
3. Start at the beginning load data and work your way up - paying close attention to your velocity readings
4. When you reach max velocity listed for your bullet - you have reached top pressure too.
5. If you can not find a load to shoot to your satisfaction - you may have to start over with another component; bullet or powder.
6. Pressure signs can be misleading - cratering of primers is one example. They can crater because of over pressure, but also because of the hole in the bolt being larger than the firing pin. Use your chronograph as your guide.

The difference in your Remington Tactical could be for many reasons. Here are a couple - the bore may be slightly smaller than standard (your other rifles). The chamber could be slightly smaller - do the cases out of your other guns fit your tactical? Twist rate can make a difference too; usually, but not always, a faster twist will raise pressures. In the end it really does not matter why - just develop a good, safe load for this particular rifle and be happy. Life would be wonderful if one load shot great in all rifles, but it just ain't so. I have 3 - 223's and they all like some thing different, so I keep cases separated and use them in their rifle. I mark my ammo boxes for which rifle they are for and keep them separate for each one through out my loading process just like they were different sized cases.

Good Luck and Good Shooting