Thread: 223 80gn challenges

Been sorting out the "new" barrel in my 223 - its a 1:8 that I had in another rifle and was set up for a particular 80gn Sierra load - 24.5 of 2208. It shot very well in the old action. Its now a 24" barreled "gong" and range gun, pretty much what anyone would call a "varmint rifle but in an adjustable stock.

When the barrel was refitted it wasn't possible for the gunsmith to throat the barrel, his reamer wouldn't fit - apparently Kriegers can be "tight".


So I have a COAL to "jam" of 2.420. I tried running loads of 24.5 Gns of 2208 at a COAL of 2.400 but they kept "pushing out" (due to the compressed charge I think) to a COAL closer to jam, and probably with varying lengths. And they didn't shoot that great, no surprise eh!

So - what to do next.

I could go to Winchester 748, it often goes pretty good in the 223 and enough will fit (with no compression) to get pretty close to 2208 velocity.

I could try and find some cases with a bit more capacity but from the data I see on Accurate Shooter.com I don't think I'll gain much.

Finding a 'Smith with the right reamer would also work, but its not my preferred choice (I've found mixing 'Smiths seldom works out . . . . )

Thoughts ??