I would like to work up some handloads for my AR15 .223 Bushmaster Varminter 1 in 9 twist, 24 inch barrel. Would appreciate your sharing any of your favorite handloads for all bullet weight ranges. Especially interested in maximizing accuracy for varmint, tactical or match purposes. Let me know how the loads have performed in your rifle. Thanks.
.223 AR loads
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
If you need brass, Midway has a sale on grade 1 .223 once fired brass. $33.95/1000 plus shipping. My box is all Lake City with Nato headstamp. I reload mainly for my Mini-14 and use 25grns of IMR4895 with a 55gr bullet for plinking.
For varmits, I use 24.5grns of BL-C2 with 50grn bullets in my No.3 single shot. Accuracy will vary but these are starting loads. My Mini gets 2-3 in groups at 100 yards and I'm still working on the No.3.
For varmits, I use 24.5grns of BL-C2 with 50grn bullets in my No.3 single shot. Accuracy will vary but these are starting loads. My Mini gets 2-3 in groups at 100 yards and I'm still working on the No.3.
Doc-
Check this against published load data and the listed OAL's but I've been using Sierra 55Gr BTSP's with 24.5Gr Win 748 for close in stuff (under 300yds) a good 5 round group at 100 is usually under .75" in my 20" Bushy.
Another good bullet is the 69Gr BTHP, heavier and more stable for some more reach out and touch. I just haven't yet found a loading I like enough to list.
Matt
:usa:
Check this against published load data and the listed OAL's but I've been using Sierra 55Gr BTSP's with 24.5Gr Win 748 for close in stuff (under 300yds) a good 5 round group at 100 is usually under .75" in my 20" Bushy.
Another good bullet is the 69Gr BTHP, heavier and more stable for some more reach out and touch. I just haven't yet found a loading I like enough to list.
Matt
:usa:
I have been using Hornady 68gr hpbt with fed small rifle primers and 22.3 grains of Accurate 2230 with great results at 100 yds. BM Varminter 24" barrel with dime to quarter groups. :sniper:
Trying to find some info on WCC844 surplus powder, anyone reloaded using this stuff?
Trying to find some info on WCC844 surplus powder, anyone reloaded using this stuff?
In a 1:9 bbl, try the Sierra 69gr MatchKing @ 2.245" OAL over 25.0 gr WW 748, or 24.5gr Varget
For varminting out to 350, try a Sierra 55gr Varminter SP or GameKing HP @ 2.225" OAL over 27-28 gr WW 748
Pick a primer, pick a case, it's still gonna go to the same place
These loadings should be reduced by 10-15% and worked up carefully for your rifle.
Regards,
For varminting out to 350, try a Sierra 55gr Varminter SP or GameKing HP @ 2.225" OAL over 27-28 gr WW 748
Pick a primer, pick a case, it's still gonna go to the same place
These loadings should be reduced by 10-15% and worked up carefully for your rifle.
Regards,
I have used AR's 69 MK/25.0 WW-748 load since the bullets hit the market, and they just drive tacks--even in Mini-14s. Once "secret" to success with ball powders like 748 is to use W-W primers with them--these apparently have an aluminum oxide additive in the primer mix that does good things with ball powders. As always, work the load up in YOUR rifle from 10% below.
Joined
·
3 Posts
I use 23.5 grains of Accurate 2015 with a 52 hpbt sierra match bullet. this load is somewhat slow, so if you need a little more speed it could be worked up. Check your manual. Another good load for me in my 1-9 is 24 grains of Hodgdons H335 with the same 52 grain bullet. IMR/Hodgdon 4895 is another posibility. Kerwin
Although not that much of a problem in mini's or bolt actioons, but since we are talking AR's, and since they utilize a free-floating firing pin, new Winchester primers tend to slam-fire after the bolt is released. They are aware of this problem, as the cup is quite soft.
One good tip is to use Rem 7 1/2 primers--benchrest primers for a good price (less than Fed Gold Medal)
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
