223 powder and bullet suggestions
- Thread starter cwall64
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Yep, they have been a little scarce if your looking for a specific brand. I have a few thousand small rifle on hand, but they are getting harder to find. I use CCI 400's and some Fed AR Match. Pistol primers dont seem to be as bad, as I can always get Winchester's.
You settle on bullets yet?
I also purchased 4 bullet types yesterday in 100 ct:
I also purchased some Hornady Match ammo in 68 grain and 75 grain just to have something to compare to (as well as a couple of 55 grain offerings).
I was looking for the SMK 77 grain but store didn't have them. Not married to any of those, but thought it was a decent sampling.
I did find some CCI #400, and will pickup today.
When I purchased the gun I also purchased a 500 count of American Eagle 55 grain FMJs, I do not know if those cases are good for reloading, but was hoping they would be...
And I ordered 1000 LC brass from Monmouth Brass (I know swag and size is needed and have the tools)!
I think I am set, or at least on my way...
And to think when I started reloading again after a 10 year break I swore to myself it was only for my old 10mm S&W since the ammo was so expensive - now doing 9mm, 40 S&W, 10mm, 45 ACP, and 223! I hope I do not start deer hunting again or I'll have to dust off those 30 year old RCBS rifle dies...
- Hornady 55 grain SP (2265)
- Hornady 65 grain BTHP (2278)
- Hornady 75 grain BTHP (2279)
- Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint 60 grain Spitzer (34992)
I also purchased some Hornady Match ammo in 68 grain and 75 grain just to have something to compare to (as well as a couple of 55 grain offerings).
I was looking for the SMK 77 grain but store didn't have them. Not married to any of those, but thought it was a decent sampling.
I did find some CCI #400, and will pickup today.
When I purchased the gun I also purchased a 500 count of American Eagle 55 grain FMJs, I do not know if those cases are good for reloading, but was hoping they would be...
And I ordered 1000 LC brass from Monmouth Brass (I know swag and size is needed and have the tools)!
I think I am set, or at least on my way...
And to think when I started reloading again after a 10 year break I swore to myself it was only for my old 10mm S&W since the ammo was so expensive - now doing 9mm, 40 S&W, 10mm, 45 ACP, and 223! I hope I do not start deer hunting again or I'll have to dust off those 30 year old RCBS rifle dies...
Looks like to got a pretty good selection. Id try to find a box of the 53gr Vmax as well. They are good stuff. If you can, try to get the 69gr Sierra TMK's. They are supposedly really nice.
The AE 55gr FMJs may or may not be loaded into Lake City cases. They could be in FC cases which work fine for blaster ammo. Either way, youll need to swage them.
ColoradoShooter77
Member
I use Nosler custom competition 69 grain HP's, they are cheaper than the Sierra's, but just as good.
savagemann
Member
Sounds like you have a great selection. I use pretty much all of those projectiles myself.
If, in your travels you happen to come across IMR 8208XBR, I highly suggest you add that to your selection of powders.
I have worked up some amazing loads using the 68gr and 75gr hornady BTHPs and the 8208.
Sub moa loads, just from dropping powder direct from a LEE PPM.
Have also had good sucess with H335 and the 55gr projos in the 25gr and slightly higher range. But work up slowly.
Those accuracy nodes in .223 can be pretty small with most powders.
If, in your travels you happen to come across IMR 8208XBR, I highly suggest you add that to your selection of powders.
I have worked up some amazing loads using the 68gr and 75gr hornady BTHPs and the 8208.
Sub moa loads, just from dropping powder direct from a LEE PPM.
Have also had good sucess with H335 and the 55gr projos in the 25gr and slightly higher range. But work up slowly.
Those accuracy nodes in .223 can be pretty small with most powders.
I saw that one (IMR 8208XBR) in two local places in the last couple of days, but figured since I already had 4 LBS of powder I better reload a few first before buying any more!
Got to go out and play with it today, love it... All shots where from 100 yards using a set of sand bags.
I think my gun likes the Hornady 75 grain BTHP (Hornady Match Ammo):
The Hornady 53 grain V-MAX (Hornady SuperPerformance Ammo) came in a close second, and I could have easily pulled the one shot:
Normal Hornady 55 grain FMJBT (Standard Hornady box ammo):
And last, but not least the American Eagle 55 grain plinking ammo (AE223J) used to sight it in with the last 3 shots after getting close enough to where I wanted it...
I think my gun likes the Hornady 75 grain BTHP (Hornady Match Ammo):
The Hornady 53 grain V-MAX (Hornady SuperPerformance Ammo) came in a close second, and I could have easily pulled the one shot:
Normal Hornady 55 grain FMJBT (Standard Hornady box ammo):
And last, but not least the American Eagle 55 grain plinking ammo (AE223J) used to sight it in with the last 3 shots after getting close enough to where I wanted it...
ColoradoShooter77
Member
I just loaded up 20 rounds of 50 grain HP bullets with 25 grains of IMR-8208 and 20 rounds of the same bullet with 26.2 grains H-4895. We'll see how they do tomorrow.
With the 69 grain Nosler HP's, my Mini-14 was doing 1.5" (5) shot groups at 100 yards. That's pretty stellar. I was also using the IMR-8208 with these as well. 23 grains.
With the 69 grain Nosler HP's, my Mini-14 was doing 1.5" (5) shot groups at 100 yards. That's pretty stellar. I was also using the IMR-8208 with these as well. 23 grains.
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