Thread: Reloading for .223

Originally Posted by planenutz

And what is your preferred powder load @25/08IMP ?

I'm using their 25.4grns of Action Rifle Powder and 69 TMK for 2953fps or 55grn Hornady SP and 26.7grns of the same powder but didn't run that over the Chrony yet.

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Originally Posted by Tahr

Rifles sure can be different. I use the 69grn Sierra Tipped Match for bunnies and the odd deer. I pour in more 2206H than people on this thread do for 55grn and I get no pressure signs, little groups and 3040 fps. 20" barrel. They are a damned good bullet but a bit spendy.

Ive never found a bullet thats better than sierras, cheaper yes but more accurate or better at dropping things no. The 55 gr bt hp with a hole in the end the size of lake taupo is a case in point target accurate and penetrates deeply, after inital scepticism Im happy to shoot reds out to 200 with it in still conditions. Ive recovered a couple of perfect half inch mushrooms from under the skin on the off side

thats how I feel about speer.....

I see most guys are using 50-55gr. I have a 14" 1:7 twist and factory 75gr BTHP have been pretty accurate. Hunting bullets are pretty slim in that weight. Has anyone had experience with heavier bullets and hand loads in .223?

Originally Posted by chris-b

I see most guys are using 50-55gr. I have a 14" 1:7 twist and factory 75gr BTHP have been pretty accurate. Hunting bullets are pretty slim in that weight. Has anyone had experience with heavier bullets and hand loads in .223?

Try freedom ammo online They do hunting rounds at that gr

[QUOTE=chris
The problem with shorter barrelled AR carbines is not so much the bullet weights or powder load, you just can't really get around the loss of velocity due to the shorter barrels. They're a lightweight pill/load to start with relying on velocity and for hunting you just have to work within its capabilities <200-250m and light game.

what are the sika hunters using in their 223's?

I've shot ALOT of Sika with 55 gr Sierras!

The 63 gr Sierra also works wonders and even shot 4-5 sika with 55 gr v-max where the chest cavity was mush!

You 223 shooters need to experience the 6x45 and 75gr Sierra HP, such an awesome setup from rabbits to deer thingy's. @Seventenths, you still got the itch?

Yeah... still got the itch... still thinking about converting my L461 to that calibre as the barrel has been shot out so it will need replacing at some stage but for now it'll still kill critters... i still have those made up 6x45 rounds you sent me.

Still managing 2740fps av with 75gr factory out of the 14" barrel. That weight and witb the fast twist is giving about 3/4" groups on a very good day.
Biggest I'd shoot would be goats I think. Keen to see if I can match or better with hand loads for cheaper than hornady factory

Originally Posted by Seventenths

I've shot ALOT of Sika with 55 gr Sierras!

The 63 gr Sierra also works wonders and even shot 4-5 sika with 55 gr v-max where the chest cavity was mush!

I shot four reds with the 55gr vmax 2 weeks ago, highly rate them and wouldn't be scared to pop one through the lungs at 250, they would probably run but most calibres they do anyway.

Originally Posted by chris-b

I see most guys are using 50-55gr. I have a 14" 1:7 twist and factory 75gr BTHP have been pretty accurate. Hunting bullets are pretty slim in that weight. Has anyone had experience with heavier bullets and hand loads in .223?

Not with hand loads... yet. But my MVP Varmint with 75 gn Hornaday black is an absolute laser... will be hand loading soon and will look to copy that recipe... 24" 1:9 barrel

For speed barrel length is your friend, I understand belmonts test barrels are 26 inch, at least in 308 anyway.