Author Topic: >223 Favorite Handloads (Read 2883 times)

Big Blue · « **on:** February 14, 2004, 05:20:03 PM »

I'm curious what handloads are working for you guys? I've had some luck with the Sierra 53gr. HP Match bullets over 25 gr. of Benchmark, using Winch. brass and Rem. BR primers. The Hornady 40gr. V-MAX bullets have been a disappointment so far. I just got some Varget for use in the BC, and looking in the reloading manual, it appears to be a good choice for the .223 also. I loaded some of these today with 25.5gr, and 26.0 gr of Varget, I'll try them alongside my Benchmark loads using the same 53gr Sierra bullets, and see how they do.
Don

jeff223 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2004, 03:41:28 AM »

big blue the Varget is great powder for the 223.i used if for a time but have changed to BLC-2 and like that better.accuracy is the same with both powders.the BLC-2 is a flattened ball powder rather than a extruted tubular kernel powder.i love the way it measures in my powder measure.its always on the money.i check about every 12 to 15 rounds for weight when i am reloading.the varget just doesnt meter that well for me

my rifle shoots good with a max load of both powders with a Nosler 55gr BT bullet

like2shoot · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2004, 03:53:59 AM »

I have some 50 and 55 grain v-max loads with varget I will be trying this afternoon. It has worked well in the past. I also have had great results with h335 .

Big Blue · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2004, 03:55:39 AM »

Jeff223,
The Benchmark powder is another easy measuring powder. I haven't had problems with measuring yet, because of working up a few rounds at a time, to try them, I've been measuring each load on the scale and haven't used the powder measure. I've looked at the BLC-2 for use in my 30/30 and have wanted to try it for that. One of Paco Kelly's recommendations.
Don

Wlscott · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2004, 12:10:40 PM »

BB, my favorite load so far is 27.5 grains of Varget pushing a 50 grain Hornady V-Max moly coated bullet out of Lake City Arsenal Brass. I set the whole thing off with Federal SR primers.

NOTE: This is a max load and may not be safe in your rifle.

I have some BLC2 that I am currently testing in my AR15, but haven't worked up loads for the Ultra yet.

Big Blue · « **Reply #5 on:** February 15, 2004, 12:32:29 PM »

Quote from: like2shoot

I have some 50 and 55 grain v-max loads with varget I will be trying this afternoon.

Let me know how these V-MAX bullets work for you. I haven't had any luck with the 40 gr. V-MAX bullets.
Don

Big Blue · « **Reply #6 on:** February 15, 2004, 12:36:12 PM »

What is the end COL you guys are loading out to. I had worried about the long throats, but it hasn't presented itself as a problem.
Don

223Shooter · « **Reply #7 on:** February 15, 2004, 03:02:02 PM »

I currently load only 55gr bullets in my 223 NEF Handi. Sierras and Hornadays. I keep on coming back to W-748 power. It is tough to beat for overall accuracy. I am currently load testing with BenchMark...NO good accuracy yet...BUT nice and clean and flows nice. My coal is at 2.300+ on all of my 55gr bullets.

B.Davis · « **Reply #8 on:** February 15, 2004, 04:58:47 PM »

55gr. Combined technology silvertip, 27.1gr. of varget, 2.260 O.A.L.
I only use Varget in my .223's.

handirifle · « **Reply #9 on:** February 15, 2004, 10:03:30 PM »

Big Blue
I haven't experimented with too many powders as yet but so far 27.3gr of H-335 has done real well pushing a 40gr Hornady V-Max. My best 100yd group, I could cover with a dime.

Other than that the best factory load was the Winchester value pak.

223Shooter · « **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2004, 08:15:45 AM »

Just test fired some more new loads in my back yard 60yd range. 55gr Hornaday SPSX/26.5grs/W-748/CCI 400...oal = 2.300...LC brass. At 60 yds..3 shot group of 3/8". These are short bullets but still have .153 in the case at 2.300 oal. I had shot this same group yesterday, but wanted to clean the barrel real good and do it again for consistency. They shot great again today. I have a 3-9x40 Bushnell Scopechief on my NEF Handi .223. I really love this firearm.

Major · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2004, 01:11:06 PM »

I hope this doesnt sound like a dumb question but is the .223 easy to reload? I have only reloaded .30-06 and .357 Magnum. I was told once that the narrower case necks of the .22 caliber cases were hard to work with. Is that true or just a bunch of BS?

Thanks for the help here!

:mrgreen:

Big Blue · « **Reply #12 on:** February 16, 2004, 01:20:45 PM »

Major,
I don't think it's any worse than the .357. I'm 6'3" and 250LB. and have big clumsy fingers for most things, and the .223's small bullets, while being tiny, haven't presented a problem. It is easier for me to finger the .458 bullets though.

Don

223Shooter · « **Reply #13 on:** February 16, 2004, 01:36:04 PM »

Use to reload many different calibers but now I only load the .223. It is very enjoyable to reload this small centerfire. It is very easy to do and tons of fun ! :lol:

like2shoot · « **Reply #14 on:** February 16, 2004, 04:36:04 PM »

BB I didn't get to shoot the 223 yesterday. :cry: . At our range, one person has to stand watch over the range. I had already worked 12:00 to 3:00, then next person never showed. Instead of shutting range down I worked till dark. SSDD some days. I will let you know how they shoot.

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2004, 02:12:55 PM »

I load my 40 gr. V max's with 26.6 grs. of H 335, and its about the only thing that will group at .5". I use the moly's and it takes about 10 rds. before everything starts getting good. Digger

Big Blue · « **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2004, 02:25:39 PM »

Quote from: Ditchdigger

I use the moly's and it takes about 10 rds. before everything starts getting good. Digger

Digger,
I think that may have been the problem I had with them. I'll give them more of a chance.
Don

flaco · « **Reply #17 on:** February 18, 2004, 12:43:19 PM »

my handi rifle likes 55 grain h.p. over 24 grains of h-4895. shoots a good group at a 100 yds if I do my part.

handirifle · « **Reply #18 on:** February 19, 2004, 01:05:12 PM »

big blue
My rifle has to be shot 3 times after cleaning before it groups. Starts out 6" high and works down. Once it's dirty, it really shoots.

223Shooter · « **Reply #19 on:** February 19, 2004, 02:49:43 PM »

It is amazing how the same brand firearms react differently to the same bullets and powder. My 223 NEF likes a clean barrel. Shoots great for about 35-40 rounds with W748. Then it starts to open just a bit. Powder like Benchmark shoots great for a longer time before fouling.

fast*eddie · « **Reply #20 on:** February 20, 2004, 02:47:59 PM »

I bought a 223 HandiRifle the summer of 1999. I had good luck with the American Eagle 50 gr HP and 55 gr solids. I started reloading and now use 50 gr Hornaday V-Max, small rifle mag primer and 26 gr of H335. I went with the H335 as I also use that powder when reloading the 7-30 waters. I load with an OAL of 2.32". I put a Simmons 44Mag 6.5X24 scope on the Handi . The farthest I have shot a woodchuck with it is 260 yards.