2 bullet brands, same rifle, wildly different results....

[Red_Dog_Leader]

Hi all,
Just started reloading for rifle, .223 with 1 in 12 twist, 200 Stevens.
Picked up from Kemps- Sierra manual, Sierra 55g spitzer blitz (#1345), Wolf SR, and H335 & H4895.

Once fired factory brass used to reload.

Loaded 3 rnds of varying weight increments from the manual. Total of 24 or so. Lo to Hi in chart, 2.250 COAL per manual.

Used the LEE collet die.

1st time out, out of 8 targets for each increment, only a few made it to the paper, some of the increments' didn't touch paper. 1 or 2 on the cardboard look a little keyholed.

Did some research, watched some online videos and determined that I probably wasn't applying enough neck tension. Adjusted to make sure inside ID was .222. Loaded up another 24 rnds, same powder weights
as before.

Also this 2nd time, loaded up w/once fired brass from same rifle Nosler 55g Ballistic tips w/ H335 and H4895.
Another batch of 24 at different weights, for each powder for the Noslers.

Again, with the Sierras, same results as the first batch I made. Only a few made it on the target, most didn't even hit the cardboard the target was on.

On the other hand, the Noslers grouped very well, all shots went where I aimed. Better groups of course with different load weights.

Even shot Win & Hornady factory rnds, they went where I wanted 'em to.

Now I know you have to experiment to find out what your gun likes, but the Sierras not even hitten close baffles me.

So, I guess my rifle hates Sierra's 55g, maybe try Sierras in a lowered weight? Hates that bullet type and try a different style of bullet?
Put even more neck tension on the Sierra's? Seat at different depth?

Or, maybe I'll just stay with the Noslers....just wondering if anybody's got a another take on this.

Thanks...

 

[rcmodel]

The Sierra Blitz bullets are very thin jacketed varmint bullets that first came out for the .222 Remington at around 2,800 - 2,900 FPS in a 1/14 barrel.

Although unlikely, you may be driving them hard enough in a 1/12 .223 with a less then perfectly smooth bore that they are suffering jacket failures and coming apart in flight.

Use a heavier constructed Sierra 55 grain like the Blitz-king and it will shoot them I betcha.

rc

 

[Red_Dog_Leader]

Thanks rc,

I just looked again at the targets i shot today and it does look like more of the lower weight charges did better at least hitten the target/cardboard than the higher charges...

Looking at my log and the manual I did start off a grain and a half above minimum. I'll try some at min and afew tenths above and see what happens next time. Sure dont want them to go to waste sitten on the shelve...

 

[BWB]

Hard to tell what's going on here, but your description is a classic failure to stablize scenario. 55's should be okay out of a 12" twist at normal velocity. Even so, check to see if it's really 12 and not 14. Also measure the Sierras and see if they're longer than the Noslers. If so, that might point to marginal stability problems. If that's what it is, increasing velocity (safely) might help with the Sierras.
The other possibility is that there is something seriously wrong with your barrel. I'd check that and actual twist rate first.

 

[flashhole]

Some guns are just finicky about what bullets they shoot. My Kimber 223 1:9 absolutely will not shoot a 55 grain bullet worth a hoot. 40 grainers make one hole, 63 grainers make one hole but 55 grainers look more like a shotgun pattern than a group.

 

[Ky Larry]

As has been stated many times before, every rifle is a study in ballistics unto its self. This is why reloading is such a facinating and frustrating hobby. Good luck.

 

[Runningman]

My 223 24" bolt gun does not care for Sierra Blitz bullets either. You might work with the Nosler B/T some more. In my notes I tried 5 different primers in the 223. Was surprised had how much of an effect primers had on group size in the 223. Mine seemed to prefer Remington 7 1/2 and Winchester SR primers by far. My 1 in 12 twist barrel also seems to really like 50 grain bullets compared to 55 grain bullets.