Handi: 223 40 gr JHP accuracy questions?

[MarkA]

I think I have found the minimum bullet weight in the 223 Handi, SS, normal barrel that I own.  I have tried the 223, 40 gr JHP and find it is NOWHERE near as accurate as the Winny White Bx 45 gr, JHP round.  

I shot 40 rounds of Federal 40 gr, JHP, 5 at a time, with a 100 yard stroll and back between each group and back.  They are/were all over.  I swear I think I saw the beginnings of 'Key Holing' on some targets.  Went back to the 45 grain and viola! all is forgiven, come home.  Anyone else have/know of this weight being unstable in a 1 in 12 or is it just me?

[handirifle]

Mark
Mine loves 40gr Hornady V-max's.  Shoots about 3/4" groups.

[AZ223]

I've had very good groups with the 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tips, using factory ammo. They are a little light in the wind, though. My next ones to try are the 52gr and 55gr Ballistic Tips, just to compare.

[student]

If it was as easy as the 45 gr bullet I'd be happy, and quit reloading for .223, but I think their powder holds a few secrets, too.  I've shot slightly better with 40 gr vmax's and Varget than with the Win White box.  It is still an incredible value, and I wonder how they do in other .223 rifles?

Anyone tried the 45 gr Win Varmint Pack rounds in a .223 other than a Handi?

Student
(currently working on shotgun slugs and .308, not .223)

[stevex]

My 223Ultra shoots them really nice .

My brother has a Rem 700 in 223  and it shoots the white box ammo extremely well.

[MarkA]

The Wht Box 45 gr in my Ruger M77 Mk II, 26" VT shoots absolutely LIGHTS OUT!  3 shots in 0.35" from factory ammo!

[handirifle]

Mark
Here is my 223 Ultra with 40gr V-Max bullets.


The barrel doesn't have 100 rds through it yet.  So far so good.  It hated the Hornady "Hornet" 40gr bullets.

[Haywire Haywood]

White box stuff wouldn't group worth a flip in my Savage 12FLVSS but it'll shoot .25-.5 groups with 40gr Vmaxs over H335 as long as I do my part.

Ian

[rmtaylor]

Handirifle,

What is the rest of your recipe for the 40 gr V-Max. OAL, Powder, Charge weight,  and primer?

I have loaded my first batch of 40 gr V-Max. I started with BL-C2 and have 5 different charge weights up to 28.5. Using CCI small rifle primers and loaded at 2.28 OAL. Hoping to get to check them out this weekend.

Thanks,

Richard

[jeff223]

you may want to try something in the 50 to 55gr weight.these two sizes are about the best all around weights for the 223.Nosler BTs or Hornady SSTs would be good place to start

[handirifle]

rmtaymor
I'm at work right now but will post the load data tonight.

[rmtaylor]

Jeff223,

I started with 50 gr V Max using H 4198 and got good groups. I thought I would try the BL-C2.

I have a few loads using up to 28 gr of BLC2 and 50 gr V-max loaded at 2.35 OAL. That I will test when I test the 40 gr VMax

Richard

[rmtaylor]

I am hoping to get out to the range tomorrow to try out my BL-C2 loads in 40 and 50 gr V-Max. It will be my last chance to take my son to the range while he is still my little boy. He leaves for Navy boot camp Wednesday. If we get out I will post the results.

Richard