.223 Ultra 75gr BTHP Hornady Range Test

[wcf3030]

Went to the Range this morning with the hopes of shooting at 100yds. No dice, already being used at 0830 in the morning(i've got competition).
So I glance at the 50yd range and its empty, but could not bring myself to do it.
I settled for the 150yd also empty.
My load is 24gr of Varget, in new Win brass, sized, uniformed flash hole & primer pocket, with a COL of 2.400.
I like to use "flat" numbers when starting a load.

After checking and adjusting zero with my golden standard 55gr fmj I started with the 75gr.
First couple shots almost made me believe that I could not hit anything only to find they were hitting low in the black, so a couple more rounds then I adjusted the scope.

5 out of 7 shots are in a center to center .436 dia group.
The flyer on the left is my fault, otherwise its .778 dia group at 150yads with 6 shots.
Steady crosswind of 10mph per weather channel with a occasional gust.

After hearing the less then stellar results  from other forum members, I'm more the pleased with the out come.
Well be going back this week for more fun.

[OR-E-Gun Bill]

Good shooting wcf3030!   

Neck size only on the next reloads?

Bill

[nomosendero]

Very good & better than one could expect from a Handi with this wt. bullet. The A-Max is longer & I doubt you could get results this good with that bullet. Good shooting.

[quickdtoo]

Congrats, nice shooting!!

Tim

[wcf3030]

Thanks for the encouragement fellas !!

I've no doubt that I could load too long of a bullet in my 1-9 twist barrel and that this could be the outside limit of that, but there is that nagging little voice (you know the one) that just wants me to try anyhow.

As for neck sizing, I most likely buy a neck sizing die.
I've felt that it has made a improvement with my 30-30 plus less work at the bench.  

[LaOtto222]

Very nice shooting A poor mans neck sizer is a full length sizer backed off a full turn, just enough not to bump back the shoulder. I have had excellent results with a Lee Neck Sizing Collet Die. They can be bought separately or in a set; Lee Deluxe Die Set. The set is in the $25 - $27 range.  No lube is required and it does a good job of centering the neck. 

[wcf3030]

Thanks I'll try both!!

[PHATINJUN]

wcf3030 is that a typo 3.400 oal first post. Kurt

[wcf3030]

wcf3030 is that a typo 3.400 oal first post. Kurt

Nope thats just how long that big honking bullet is
Stuck out the barrel in fact.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll change it.

[dw06]

+1 What Laotto222 said,I've used the full length sizing die to neck size for years.So much that instead of readjusting die I use washers between die and press.A washer about as thick as a dime works great and saves allot of time and can be used all dies you have.
Thats good shooting with the 75gr hornadys,never thought they would do that well in the handi.

[PHATINJUN]

just thought that seemed alful long as I have been playing with my 223 using 69g match king they are shooting great in my 1-9 bull anybody out there got 10 or 12 80-90 grainers they will sell me? I would like to try some of the real heavy ones but don't want to buy a box of 50 Kurt