Crimping for .223

[qwman68]

Like all the other wise gentlemen have stated, get a Lee FCD and gentley, gentley crimp any bullet you want cannelure or not. Gentlely. I crimp all my .223 semi auto ammo. Never had a problem. When I crimp I feel like Im getting even pressure on all the bullets which aids in consistency and therefore accuracy.

While .223 isnt my first choice for deer hunting (well sometimes it is) Like others have said shot placement is key. I use the Sierra Gameking 65gr bullet and it has put plenty of meat in the freezer. There are plenty of good bullets for hunting just look around online. I have been wanting to try some of those Barnes 62gr. I bet those puppies are sure nuff deadly. Partitions, Winchester PP, all work fine Im sure. Im just partial to Sierra because they are excellent bullets for the price.

[AABEAR]

Originally Posted by woodstock Thanks, that is exactly what I was hoping to hear. One more question. I am planning to load .223 and .243. Would Varget or Benchmark powder be suitable for both? Or maybe H4198? Any recommendations?

The 243 likes A slow powder! I have used diffrent burn rate but have found that any of the 4350 powders does a very good job 3100 will do a good job also. GOOD LUCK

[magnomark]

Originally Posted by AABEAR The 243 likes A slow powder! I have used diffrent burn rate but have found that any of the 4350 powders does a very good job 3100 will do a good job also. GOOD LUCK

From the sierra manual for 223,and 243.....Imr's 3031,4895,4064,4320,and H335 will work for just about all bullet weights in both calibers.Respectable velocities also!

[51colt]

IMR 4064 is my go to powder i load 223rem, 7.5x55 and 7.62x54R very accurate in all three. IMR 4350 works well with 8x56R.
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[Indyarms]

I PERSONALLY prefer to load either VARGET or 8208XBR in my 223 loads. Both have shown me exceptional accuracy, and the 8208 meters better than most stick powders as its a VERY SHORT granule... it is also totally unaffected by temperature. Your loads at 10 degrees F. will shoot same point of impact as the same load shot at 90 Degrees F. Thats its claim to fame...
A new powder by Hodgdon/IMR/WIN. is their CFE223 it eliminates copper fouling, and is designed to keep it gone. Also as the name implies... its designed to shoot WELL when loaded in the .223 rem!!

[51colt]

I would like to try Varget and CFE223. Varget is a good all round powder for a lot of people. IMR 4064 has been working very well for me. I have a post war M44 and a M39 that like 308 Dia 165gr bullets. I was testing some new Mini loads last week with 4064 and 52g bullets. This is a pick of 15 rounds i loaded of three diferrent loads @ 100yd with my 197 Mini14
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