[rozziboy18]

hi im new to thr and im hoping to get a little help. i just bought a howa m-1500 223. when i got it, it came as a scope combo, it had a nikko stirling 3-10 with side focus. i just ordered a new set off 223 dies to start loading off of and will be here thursday. im looking for a decent load for hunting, and at the range. as it sits it shoots a 1.5 inch group at 200 with black hills 52 gr match. bullets are unknow powder ect. and im hoping to do a little better.

questions:
whats the twist rate of the rifle
what powders
what bullets
what brass
what primers

any information will be helpfull!
thanks brandon

[rcmodel]

I believe Howa still uses 1/12 rifling in it's .223.

As such, you will be limited to bullets weighing 63 grains in a semi-pointed.
60 in a Spitzer SP.
Probably 55 in a plastic tip V-Max type bullet.

I would probably try Varget for an accuracy load.

Brass & primers is not real important as far as brand.

Just get enough of it from the same lot to last a while.

Here is a good intro on loading the .223.
http://www.6mmbr.com/223Rem.html


BTW: You might want to measure the rifling with a cleaning rod just to confirm 1/12.
*Mark the rod with a flap of tape near the handle.
*Using a tight patch, start it in the bore, then mark the rod at the receiver ring with a Sharpie.
*Push it through until the flap of tape makes one complete turn.
*Mark the rod again.
*Measure the distance between the marks.
*Whatever it measures in inches is the rifling twist rate.

rc