.223 loads- wth?

[madkiwi]

I have started loading up some .223 for my AR-15 based varmint rifle. The results to date have been discouraging- weird almost.

On the weekend I took out some loads to the range and did some test firing.

Batch #1
Winchester brass
Winchester primers
BL-C(2) 24.4 gn
Hornady Match #2278 BTHP 68gn

2 x 3 shot groups. Spread was >3" at 100 yds both groups.

Batch #2
LC brass
Winchester primers
BL-C(2) 25.6 gn
Generic FMJ-BT with cannelure 55 gn

3 shot group- 0.625".

Barrel is a Wilson air gauged stainless steel bull barrel, 1:8 twist.

I would have expected the heavy Hornady bullets with Winchester brass to be an awesome group. Instead, the bullets I loaded up for "plinking" turn out to be the steller performers. WTH?

Anyone know what I should be looking at changing to get better results out of the expensive Hornady bullets? Different powder?

Thanks.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I've never used Ball-C (2) powder in .223, but I've had fantastic results with Winchester 748 and Hodgdon's H-335, though I only load 52 and 55 grain bullets for my .223's. You might give one of those powders a try and see if your groups improve.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[243winxb]

3 shot group- 0.625".

Not a good test of accuracy. Many thing could make a difference. Try switching brass between loads, see what happens.

 

[rcmodel]

The only thing I can think of is:

Your load is about a mid-power level and is giving about 2,650 - 2,700 velocity.

Perhaps it is not going fast enough to stabilize in your 1/8 barrel.

I would bump it up at least 1 or 2 more grains and see if the groups get smaller.

rcmodel

 

[243winxb]

http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammunition/st223_120606/index.html both links have good info/data http://www.6mmbr.com/223Rem.html

 

[Galil5.56]

That chart on pp2 of the shooting times link is a MESS... Not only misaligned, but I'd love to see a 64 grain bullet get 3928 fps in a .223... Nice proofreading.

 

[snuffy]

Expecting a miracle?¿

From the tone of your post, I get that you're surprised a super accurate load wasn't the result of your first attempt?

I suspect that with the right load, your match barrel will shoot some nice groups.

Quote:
3 shot group- 0.625".
Not a good test of accuracy. Many thing could make a difference. Try switching brass between loads, see what happens.

+1!! One 3 shot group proves almost nothing. The minimum I shoot is 5 shot groups, even that is only a little better.

Whenever someone comes on a forum like this, we all assume that the groups was shot by someone who is a good consistent shooter. He's shooting off a solid bench, with either a tripod front rest and sandbags in the rear, or at least a bipod. Also that he's using a good scope. If none of those were present, you're kidding yourself that you proved anything.

 

[skinewmexico]

Try loading about 25 rounds, and vary the charge every 5 rounds, by .3 or so, up to the max. Then see which one shoots best.

 

[kennedy]

I am gettin 1.5 in 10 shots groups with varget and m193 bullets, good enough for plinking for me

 

[jhansman]

Give H335 a try. Those results cry out for trials with another powder.

 

[Bullet]

Barrel is a Wilson air gauged stainless steel bull barrel, 1:8 twist.

I have the same barrel. Mine likes VV N140 with Moly 77gr SMK's. 1-2 inch groups at 330 yards.

 

[NCsmitty]

I believe rcmodel may be on the right track. Ball C2 powder is a good powder designed specifically for the 5.56. Max load on the Hodgden site is 26.5 gr. for 68-70 gr. bullets. Bump your original load up gradually as others here have said. It should be a good combination. If not, then change components as others have suggested. Trial and testing will sort it out. Don't get discouraged.

NCsmitty

 

[gtmerkley]

You can buy the cheap stuff pull the bullet and hand load its like buying primed brass.

 

[Bullet]

gtmerkley

Do you ever say anything except -

You said it!

 

[okeybug]

Don't get discouraged. Some loads don't shoot very well, others do. Keep working at it. What your doing is collecting negative evidence. Thomas Edison first coined that phrase. He said negative evidence was important because it's like a road map. When something doesn't prove productive, note it and don't go down that street again. Sooner or later you will find a primer or powder load that looks good. Start tweaking that load. Good luck from an old science teacher. Remember, reloading is a science so you must work like a scientist.

 

[gtmerkley]

sorry about the You said it! a
"friend" of mine got on hear and really messed me up my aplogy's
I'm now in the process of fixing all the posts.