Thread: 223 on deer

Tried out some new loads through the .223 yesterday. Tikka t3x with 20" barrel and DPT suppressor. 25gn of 2208 with the 73gn ELDM gives me an average or 2760 fps. 25grains is a full case, OALL is 59.2 mm which is 0.3mm off the lands. Using a 61mm waters mag.
tried 2206h for the first time. same OALL with the 73gn ELDM.
24gn- 2860 fps
24.5gn- 2910fps
25gn- 2950fps

There was a gradual increase in primer cratering but even at 25gn it looked acceptable.
I may drop back to the 24.5gn load just to be on the safe side.

All these loads shot to the same POI and were grouped well under the inch at 100 m
with all 9 shots 3x3 test loads.
So at this point even with a change in the chamber to give a longer throat for longer OALL I would be surprised if I could beat the 2206H

Out of interest I also tried some CFE223.
24.5gn- 2712fps
25gn- 2800fps
25.5- 2850fps

No pressure signs and no primer cratering even at the 25.5gn load. So I think this powder shows some promise. Even though the 25.5gn is up around book max I will be trying 26gn and 26.5gn next range day. CFE is a very fine grain powder so no issues with case capacity which I like.