223 loaders please

[JDGray]

I worked up a load for my RRA Predator Pursuit, with a 1-8 twist, and was trying to zero my scope today with it. Much to my disbelive, was the first 3 shots I took at the top left bull. The bench was at 60yrds, and took three shots with some Win fmj 55gr loads, that shot good in my other upper. I was shocked at the group I then shot three rds of the worked up load for this upper at the bottom bulls, and adjusted my windage. Why such a drastic difference? The load that shot good is 60gr Siera Varminters, over 24gr H335, 2.250 OAL. All I can say is the Win 55gr bullets, dont like this new barrel. They shot better out of the 1-9 twist barrel. I didn't think 1-8 was to fast for the 55grainers, but I'm not shooting any more of them. I did put 14 rds into the second target at 100yrds, and was somewhat pleased. I need some sand bags to steady the gun better, even with the bipod, the rear still needed better support, as I couldnt hold er still

 

[L_10_shooter]

I have heard that winchester 55gr bullets are not as quality of a bullet as hornaday 55gr FMJBT. I personally use 24.5 gr H335 under a 55gr FMJBT montana gold bullet with better than factory ammo groups. little over an inch at 100 yards RRA barrel.

 

[johnmcl]

JD,

That is a mystery target group. I've shot 55 FMJ out of two Bushmasters for several years. Now I admit I'm shooting over a heavier load of H335 than you are. My load is 25.3 gr of H335 with the same OAL as yours. My group at 50 looks like your group at 60.

Have you considered increasing the powder load and re-firing? My thoughts are that a 1/8 should be fine for a 55gr load.

Please report back with your results,

 

[NCsmitty]

I've never been able to get the Win 55 FMJ to shoot well in any 22 centerfire. The lead cores are not evenly distributed.
They're ok for plinking loads.
As you found out, brand name HP give you the accuracy that you seek.

NCsmitty

 

[Frankl03]

I use Hornady 55 gr FMJBT over 24.8 grains H335 and my best groups are about 2 inches at 100 yards with some smaller. My best is about an inch. I use the same oal.

 

[243winxb]

Different Bullet Types

The base of the bullet is the most important factor for accuracy after bullet diameter. The flat based/Boatail bullets,fully covered by copper jacket, will alway be more accurate than the exposed lead base FMJBT bullet. Just the way it is.

 

[JDGray]

I will try the Win 55gr, with a little more powder. I have 200 of these loaded for the upper I traded, and figured they would shoot as good in this new upper. Another thing I just remembered was the Win55s were loaded on my turret, with my LeePro Auto Disc, and the Sieras were all hand weighed loads. My powder measure may be the issue. I was loading a batch one day, and ran my measure out of powder, being my first rifle cartridge, I was amazed at how fast the measure emptied. I pulled about 15 bullets, untill I was satisfied my remaining cartridges were fully charged, maybe some were a little light Anyways, thanks for the suggestions

 

[nicholst55]

Next time you load some of those Winchester 55 grain FMJ bullets, take a look at the bases of the bullets. Line say, 10 of them up, and take a close look. You'll see the lead core ending in 10 different locations on the 10 different bullets. That is far more likely to be a cause of sloppy groups than a different powder measure is - especially at only 60 yards.

As someone said earlier, those bullets are okay for plinking. When you want best accuracy, use a better bullet.

 

[Walkalong]

Next time you load some of those Winchester 55 grain FMJ bullets, take a look at the bases of the bullets. Line say, 10 of them up, and take a close look. You'll see the lead core ending in 10 different locations on the 10 different bullets.

Ditto.

 

[Ky Larry]

I have an old two-tone Ruger-77V in .223. I've found thet the Rem and Hornady 55gr FMJBTshoot much better than the Win. I've also found that in my rifle, AA-2230 and AA-2460 give me the best accuracy. YMMV. Good luck.