Reloading for a NEF 223. Need recipes...

[stiff neck]

I've seen a bunch of recipes here for NEF 223's.  But they're mostly scattered in random threads, not under one specific thread that's easy to locate with a search.  

What's a good load to start with?  They seem to prefer lighter bullets.  I want to shoot 50gr V-max bullets but I'm open to others too.  I'd like an accurate load for P-dogs and coyotes as well as punching paper.  Seems like these barrels can be picky with handloads, so help me get started.

I remember someone posting the recipe for the Winchester Varmint 45gr stuff, there was a magazine article on it a while back.  Anybody still have that link?  

Thanks!  Maybe somebody should start a sticky for this topic.

[bigjeepman]

stiff neck ...

First of all, I am a Nosler BT fan all the way. I have favorite loads in three different calibers that use the Nosler bullets. I have used VMax and Sierra bullets with good success but not the kind of accuracy I get with the Noslers.

I just bought my first NEF about ten days ago and I got the .223 in a bull barrel. I used Winchester White box ammo to help break in the barrel. I am now doing load testing with 50gr and 55gr Noslers. I think at this point that the 50gr will eventually win out but it is too early to tell. My third test load I used 25gr of H335 powder, WIN brass (trimmed to 1.750"), and CCI 400 primers. My OAL is 2.261." I shot a 5 shot group under MOA without any modifications to the rifle yet. This load looks promising.

Tomorrow, I will try loads with Varget and IMR4198 powders along with more test loads using H335.

[mitchell]

you already said the bullet (50 V-max) others are the 55 V-max ,nosler 55. powder is alway Bl-c2 and varget.
 my favored load is 27.5 of Bl-c2 and a 55 V-max but i never played with the 50's enough i'll bet they would of done better.

[rmtaylor]

50 gr Vmax and 28gr BL-C2

[Brokenrack]

Always reduce loads and work your way up!

But in my rifle these are not Hot

Mine likes:
Sierra 50gr SMP, neck sized Lapua brass, 21.5 gr of IMR4198, CCI 400 small rifle primer, Groups 1/2" sometimes better

Hornady 40gr V-max,  Neck sized Win brass, 12.1 gr Blue dot, CCI 400 small rifle primer,  shoots around an inch at 100

I am working on a 30gr Berger MEF load at present so far 27.5gr H322 has worked best so far using; NS Win brass, CCI br-4 primer, shoots around a half inch.
I'm up to 27.9gr (also shows promise) and will be trying two more .3 gr steps when weather and time permit.  It should do over 4,000fps.

[handirifle]

27gr og H335 behind a 40 Vmax gives me 3 shot groups I can cover with a dime.  Never tried the 50 or 55gr.

[AZ223]

50gr Nosler BT, 400 CCI primer, and 26gr Varget. Brass is mostly Winchester, from all the WhiteBox ammo I've purchased. Accurate and clean-burning.

[nofun1]

27.5 grains varget, 50 grain Vmax, CCi small rifle primer. this is my got to load for all my 223's. the 223 seems to be the easiest gun to find a load for there is much they wont shoot well. Good luck

[cattleskinner]

My rifle likes 50gr. V-max., Lake city brass(neck sized), 27.3gr. Varget, CCI BR-4 primers.  I seat the bullets about a bullet diameter into the brass.  Shoots under 1/2" @ 100yds if I do my part.  Good Shooting.

~~~Cattleskinner

[stiff neck]

Anybody have a good recipe for 40gr V-max bullets?

[quickdtoo]

Anybody have a good recipe for 40gr V-max bullets?

 :?

Hornady 40gr V-max,  Neck sized Win brass, 12.1 gr Blue dot, CCI 400 small rifle primer,  shoots around an inch at 100

 

27gr og H335 behind a 40 Vmax gives me 3 shot groups I can cover with a dime.  Never tried the 50 or 55gr.

[stiff neck]

Oops.   :oops:   Well, if it's worth posting once, it's worth posting again...  Thanks.

[Brokenrack]

Quick,

The 4,000 fps quote was for a 30 gr berger not the 40 V-Max.

[Brokenrack]

Also,
A note about Blue Dot!

When working up loads after 11gr or so make .3 gr increments not 1/2gr. these are reduced Velocity loads not nessicarily low pressure loads and in these types of High bulk powders 1/2 grain increments can make a huge difference in pressure.

BR

[bigjeepman]

az223 has the same recipe I tested this past week with the 50 gr Nosler BT, Win brass trimmed to 1.75", CCI 400 primers, and 26 gr of Varget. My last groups with this load had 5 holes touching in a vertical pattern. I started this load development at 25 gr and am working my way up. I'll let you know the progress with the Varget as I just got a 4 day weekend.

I think Mitchell also mentioned Varget and it is one of my favorite powders though it doesn't meter worth a darn. But, I guess that is why they make tricklers. Varget is very consistent with temperature changes and this is one reason I really stay with it when possible. I use it for my .243 coyote loads too with 2 different bullets.

[Donaldo]

Mine likes 27.0 to 28.0 W748 behind a 52 grain Sierra MK, CCI primer.

[borg1]

I posted this awhile back.

Here are the specs for the load: fire-formed, neck sized only winchester brass, OAL of 2.25", CCI 400 primers, 27 grains of Varget, and 40gr Sierra Varminter HP. The loading is 1 grain below the maximum loading suggested in the Lee manual.

The best group with this load so far is .31 CTC.  The average group size is ~0.75" at 100 yds.