Thread: The “you can’t go wrong” .223 load

Originally Posted by Ted6. 5

I was told 24gr of BM2.

Settled on 23.7gr being a 65gr sierra GK. Exceptional accuracy and killing power.

Yep Ted when I step up to the 65GK my load is 23.8 grains of BM2

65gr Sierra requires 24gr BM2 outta T3 8 Twist. Point. All dead.

24 - 25gr of bm2 seems very popular

Originally Posted by 199p

Belmont black shoots great in every 223 ive tryed it in and at .65c each when i last brought some its not worth reloading.

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Have heard that it’s really good stuff. I do enjoy loading my own though and the satisfaction and the tune-ability you get from handloads

For target work that may be true, my best hand load 26 gr 2206h and a 55 gr sierra gameking shoots .4 moa and the belmont .7. For hunting within the 223s ethical range the belmont is way accurate enough and not that much more expensive than the sierra projectiles alone.

+1 for bm2. Done well in the 3 223s I have used it in, with 55gr pills.

25 grs BM 2 / 55gr Hornady SP/WC good for me.

Originally Posted by Ted6. 5

I was told 24gr of BM2.

Settled on 23.7gr being a 65gr sierra GK. Exceptional accuracy and killing power.

sounds about right

My standard load has been as follows:

CCI 400 primers
26.6gr of Belmont's ARP 747 powder (its what they use in their factory loads... and its cheap!)
55gr Hornady SP pills P/N: 2226B (because they're cheap and because they're consistant at putting down game)
2.230" seating

Giving me outstanding grouping in my sons 22" Tikka and better than factory grouping in 2 other rifles that like them.

Just worked up a load for my new 5.56 Ruger Ranch Rifle in a Brownells MDT chassis.

25.5 gr 2208

69 gr Sierra Tipped MatchKing

Remington 7 1/2 primers

OAL 60.94 mm still miles away from the 5.56 lands using AI mags I used as little as possible of the bullet to support it in the case mouth, tried shorter groups opens up.

2670 fps in a 16" barrel.

SD 14.3 using ex military LC brass Lapua may improve this but its not a 600 yard plus so good enough for me.

One ragged hole at 100 yards.

Best groups loading one at a time when I use feeding from the mag the group opens just a little, it would appear the projectile is being rattled about in the case mouth loading from the mag no crimp.

The best AR load I had was 25 gr 2208 and 62 gr Barnes TSX mag length a tad expensive though.

Anyone used TMK"s on wallabies ?

As per the reloading book start low and work up as per the reloading guide.

Just my 2 cents worth. Mate has shot a few reds deer with factory 55 gr from hornady and federal.
Hinds and yearlings. At 170mtr diagonal cross chest shots have exited and let the animal run a ways. (until it paused at the bush edge and I smashed both shoulders out, wasted the hole front end)
Given you said only 1:12 twist you may be limited so it comes down to shot placement. My mate would normal neck shot.

I have been loading some 65gr Sierra Gamekings for my son with his 1:9 twist and they shoot really well. Have not shot any deer with them yet.
Z

So it seems just about any random load can be the magical one ( in YOUR rifle)...

Originally Posted by 6x47

So it seems just about any random load can be the magical one ( in YOUR rifle)...

Yep that about sums it up.
Most factory ammo is 55gr, most re loaders reload for price or to be different. ie 35 gr for exploding rabbits, 60-70 gr for goats/deer hunting.
Z

for deer my favourite load is now a 50grn ttsx...the terminal preformance is just too good to let go of. it makes the humble wee .223 a giant slayer,even the pig that I thought was about 80lb and turned out to be closer to 140lb and a boar to boot....didnt stand a chance,slipped round in behind his shoulder ,it pokked good sized hole through his internals and broke offside leg,he was very sick animal and going nowhere.shot another pig with same load...in spotlight this time at closer to 200 than 100 yards....through and through rib shot,did enough damage to internals to put it down fast....the preformance on deer is like a rem corloct .270 but damage is in opposite direction...eg more on nearside and less on farside.

you beat me to it Tahr...been searching for last hour for it LOL