Thread: 223 loading and trip to the range

Hi folks, I headed to the range to try a few different projectiles I had loaded up with what info I got off the forum from you good blokes and another couple who private messaged me with good advice.

I certainly don't rate myself much as a range shooter however I have had good success hunting so my results could well be shooter error but I did manage a couple of groups worthy of replicating to try some more.

All groups were shot at 100 meters.

First up a 5 shot group using 64gr sierra game changers, 25gr AR2206H, cci 450 primers and virgin Lapua brass.
I had a flyer to start but the next 4 shots were under an inch.



Next up was 73gr hornady ELDM's with 24gr of AR2206H, cci 450 primers and once fired Lapua brass. Three shot group just over an inch but as I say it could be a bit of shooter error.



And finally 62gr hornady SP, 25.5gr AR2206H, cci 450 primers and once fired Lapua brass. These are the same projectiles that I had great success on deer with factory hornady whitetail ammo which shot .80 of an inch factory.
I tried to replicate the load with exact measurements and took a stab at 2 different powder weights 25gr and 25.5gr with this target being the later.



As you can see very pleasing result. I'm not sure how to correctly measure but I measured middle of the hole, if you measure outside hole it's still under half inch which I'm happy with at 100 meters.

The 80gr ELDM's shot like shit, anyway a bit of a mixed day but think the shooter may have had something to do with the not so good groups.

Cheers Adam

Nice. Reloaders Supplies have those 62 grn Hornady in bulk. $30/100 I think.
They will do the business for you. I would be very happy at that.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Nice. Reloaders Supplies have those 62 grn Hornady in bulk. $30/100 I think.
They will do the business for you. I would be very happy at that.

Thanks @Tahr, I bought 500 for around $150 from gunworks so I fluked that

Good work on those 62gr SP's. You gotta try different powder charges before writing off the others.. See my last update on my 223 ES thread and the big variations in group sizes that just a couple tenths can make.

Those 80gr ELD-M's probably want a 1:7 twist!

Originally Posted by Pommy

Good work on those 62gr SP's. You gotta try different powder charges before writing off the others.. See my last update on my 223 ES thread and the big variations in group sizes that just a couple tenths can make.

Those 80gr ELD-M's probably want a 1:7 twist!

Thanks for that, I will check out your thread, I did read it but there may be some updates.

I am really happy with the SP's and stoaked at 6 round to find the load (total fluke).

I do think the 73gr ELDM's have plenty of merrit too and that's good advice to try tiny changes, thank you for that.

I can't get back to the range until after lambing so I will try some of those SP's on game in the mean time.

I also think you are right about the 80gr liking 1.7 twist, mine is 1.8 so I might look at trading the 80gr for 73gr or similar at some stage down the track.

Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag

Thanks for that, I will check out your thread, I did read it but there may be some updates.

I am really happy with the SP's and stoaked at 6 round to find the load (total fluke).

I do think the 73gr ELDM's have plenty of merrit too and that's good advice to try tiny changes, thank you for that.

I can't get back to the range until after lambing so I will try some of those SP's on game in the mean time.

I also think you are right about the 80gr liking 1.7 twist, mine is 1.8 so I might look at trading the 80gr for 73gr or similar at some stage down the track.

@gimps shoots them just fine from a 1:8

Originally Posted by Tahr

@gimps shoots them just fine from a 1:8

You are correct, he is using AR2208 so I guess I could buy some when it comes back on the market however some other projectiles are showing more promise so I may just play around with them.

Thanks for the info though @Tahr

poke 3 of them blue tip loads into paper next time you are out too...be VERY surprised if they arent grouping just as good.... great to see you have a load sorted.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

poke 3 of them blue tip loads into paper next time you are out too...be VERY surprised if they arent grouping just as good.... great to see you have a load sorted.

Thanks MD, you know its been so long since I have been out I clean forgot all about those missiles you gave me.

I will be sure to give them a go

1:8 twist shoots 80's ok but need to get them spinning with a decent charge. Heaps of options with 223, 69 & 77 tmk's seem easy to get to shoot well. Great hunting bullets just hard to find currently

This is the 80g ELDM once adjusted i shot that 3 shot group with my 1-8 18" Tikka .223 and tried them on goats over the weekend.
They are awesome on game shot a big Billy at 275 yards and he hit the deck and never moved.

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Originally Posted by 25/08 IMP

This is the 80g ELDM once adjusted i shot that 3 shot group with my 1-8 18" Tikka .223 and tried them on goats over the weekend.
They are awesome on game shot a big Billy at 275 yards and he hit the deck and never moved.

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What powder? And how much? Thats awesome, well done

Originally Posted by jackson21

1:8 twist shoots 80's ok but need to get them spinning with a decent charge. Heaps of options with 223, 69 & 77 tmk's seem easy to get to shoot well. Great hunting bullets just hard to find currently

Agree the 69gr TMK's showed real promise but have run out of them. I'm keen to try the 77gr TMK's when I can get my hands on some.

Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag

What powder? And how much? Thats awesome, well done

24.4 of 2206 but these are seated 20 thou off the lands so you need a modified mag

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Originally Posted by 25/08 IMP

24.4 of 2206 but these are seated 20 thou off the lands so you need a modified mag

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Thanks thats great info, I haven't measured my throat to see what distance my lands is.
I wonder if there is anyone around Oamaru who knows what they are doing that could measure my 223 for me?