AR 15 precision target and varmint load

[SamT1]

So I’m fixing to start working on a load for precision varmint hunting and target shooting with 223/5.56 AR15. 1:8 twist. 18” barrel. I shoot as far as 800 yards. I’ve never reloaded 223 before now. I have some dies and a good stock of 50 grain V-max that I used to use in 22-250 to red mist prairie dogs when I lived up north.

I’m thinking something like a 60 grain V-max? Any other suggestions? Do I need to go heavier for the higher BC?

What’s some good powders to use? I have a pound or 2 of pretty much everything there is.

 

[someguy2800]

Try a Hornady 75 grain bthp over varget

 

[Blue68f100]

For precision target or varmint it's going to be a challenge at 800 yrds. Wind just blows these light bullets around pretty good. Your main restriction will be magazine length (2.260") on the heavier bullets. The wind moves the heavier bullet less but has more time to effect it. A fast moving bullet gets there quicker but is moved easily. My experience with the 1:8 Wylde chamber is stick to bullets in the 62-69grt for the most accuracy. The 69gr HPBT MK by Sierra have been my go to bullets for the faster twist barrel. I have a 1:10 twist that loves the lighter 52gr bullets. Varget is what I used for all the heavy pills, but Tac has been surprising good too. I normally use Tac on the light pills.

For really long range you may want to look at the new 224 Valkyre round. It's designed to run a the AR-15 platform. Has about 20% more case volume and can handle the long high BC bullets with no problem. It pushes the same weight bullets a couple of hundred ft/sec over the 223R. I'm building one to see how it compares to the 6.5 CM AR.

 

[Dwb1957]

I've had good results with a-2230 and a-2460 with 50 and 55 gr bullets for varmint shooting. These two ball powders meter so good always come out spot on out of a powder measure. I get outstanding accuracy out of my heavy barrel varmint/target bolt gun with a-2230 and Berger 52gr target bullets. Around 25 grs of either powder with 55grs pills and the right oal has worked good out of several different rifles for me.

 

[JimKirk]

Take a look at the Hornady 53 grain V-Max .... Fairly high B.C. For a light bullet ...

800 yards is out my area ....

 

[Allen One1]

75 grain Hornady BTHP over CFE223
Successful to 750 yards.

 

[someguy2800]

The wheels fall off the lighter bullets and wind drift is a real problem at extended ranges. The 75-77 grain bullets really reach out there for such a small cartridge.

 

[farmerboy78]

77gr nosler cc over 23.6gr tac in reworked lc brass

 

[2ndtimer]

If you are on a budget, you might try some of these:
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply....ameter-62-grain-bthp-with-cannelure-500-count
We have shot them out past 400 yards with decent accuracy and they worked just fine on a 200 yard coyote. I load them with either TAC, or IMR-8208XBR.

 

[Dudedog]

I like TAC, shoots well for me and meters well.
Might not be the most accurate but I don't want to have to weigh every charge practice ammo so good metering is important to me.

 

[greg_r]

I shoot the 52 grain Speer hollow point out of my 20" 1:8 223 Wylde. Varget powder. Great for whistle pigs. Pink Mist.

Shoot the same bullet out of the 22-250 and the 22 Nosler. My shots seldom exceed 500 - 600 yards though, and most are somewhat closer.

If I were going to shoot 800 yards though, I would likely move to a 77 grain bullet in the 223. Honestly I would likely take the advice offered earlier and get me a Valkyrie and shoot a 90 grain pill.

 

[Random 8]

Your best bet will be a 75-77 gr BTHP loaded to mag length over 24ish grains of Varget, VN140, H4895 or R15. Refer to Hornady service rifle data. These are the "standard" service rifle load in the 5.56 or .223 Wylde chambers commonly used effectively to 600 yards in this game. Accuracy is relative. I've been able to bullseye coyotes to 700 or so in moderate and consistent wind with this combo, I'm shooting the Hornady 75 over 23.5 Varget, and it is an effective high power competition load to 600 yards. This bullet also expands well even at extended ranges, but is not explosive as the Vmax or lighter HPs are. You can improve performance slightly at the extreme ranges with the 75 Hornady ELD or the Berger or Sierra 80 grain pills, but they will have to be single loaded. Don't get hung up on maximizing muzzle velocity. It is nearly moot at these ranges with high BC bullets so long as you are getting near top end. Favor the powder you get the best accuracy with. You really are pushing the .223 round past it's ideal capabilities past 500 yards. If you'll be doing a lot of long shooting, consider the 6 or 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[SamT1]

Thanks for the help guys. I’m a hornady fan so I’ll probbaly order some of their 75’s to try out. Load them to mag length and about 3/4 to max load to start with.

I have a 308 I shoot allot, I just bought the 223 so I can shoot cheaper. So it’ll definitely be a fair weather gun.

 

[Varminterror]

77 or 69 SMK. Never had as good of luck with the 75 Hornady BTHP.

REALLY enjoying the 73 ELD over the last year. Fantastic bullet. Not as forgiving as the 77 SMK, but still a very easy bullet to load.

 

[GooseGestapo]

My 600yd load for CMP-service/EIC Rifle is the Sierra 80gr MatchKings over 23.0gr H4895 in select/processed LC ‘11 brass with CCI 41 srp, seated to 2.555” oal. This is a single load only round.
For 200/300yd I’m using the Hornady 75gr BTHP ($155/1000) over 24.0gr H4895 at 2.25” oal.

I tried the MidSouth 62gr BTHP Hornady bullet. My lot # appears to be blems with a double struck cannelure. They shoot about 2moa... worse than most 55gr fmj.
I’m shooting these from a RRA National Match AR15 with Wilson 20” 1/8” Wilde chamber.

 

[Random 8]

Thanks for the help guys. I’m a hornady fan so I’ll probbaly order some of their 75’s to try out. Load them to mag length and about 3/4 to max load to start with.

I have a 308 I shoot allot, I just bought the 223 so I can shoot cheaper. So it’ll definitely be a fair weather gun.

I think you'll be happy with the Hornady's. They didn't used to get a lot of love in the competition community, but the scores speak volumes and they are cheap. I used to shoot them over the course to 600 and shot respectable scores. I now shoot them only for the 200 and 300 yard stages, the 75 ELD for 600. I believe this bullet shaves a point or 2 and adds an X to my scores, but as above, it must be single loaded. I've shot several of 300 yard cleans (2 MOA 10 ring) and cleaned the tougher MR 63 300 yard target and the much tougher 300m international target with the H75BTHP. Every rifle is it's own physics equation, but if yours likes them, shoot with confidence. Think of .223 heavies like .308 150-168 grain. Powders in the same burn range are appropriate.

 

[mxjunky78]

24.7gr of XBR8208 and a 55gr Nosler Varmageddon flat base tipped has been a tack driver for me in my 18” AR.

 

[Laphroaig]

I just started loading the Horn 75 BTHP. I had 3 boxes of them in my cabinet, and decided to use them for 300 yd. HP competition in my AR. I've only used them in 2 matches, but am very pleased with the results. I put them over a relatively mellow load of Varget.

As was mentioned, they are generally sold for 0.17 to 0.18 ea., maybe less if you buy in bulk. That's about the cheapest match quality bullet you can get. If you want to reach out to 800, you'll need something a little heavier, like those.

 

[SamT1]

I passed by a gun shop that’s got as good as any LGS has of loading supplies, they had some 80gr MatchKings. $21 a box so I got one to try out. Next time I’m in Abilene I’ll try one there that may have some heavy hornadys I can try for cheaper.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Long Range Load - These loads must be single loaded and DO NOT Decrease the Overall Length it is best to get yourself a Hornady OAL guage and use it to determine what your OAL should be for your rifle. I have found the 80gr Sierra's and 75grAmax from Hornady like to bejumped about .15. It is never as easy as duplicating someone elses load in your rifle and can be dangerous in trying so.

I agree with the 80gr Matchkings for sure, over 24gr of reloader15 with a COAL of 2.455. You may want to get youself a original Bob Sled also for single loading http://www.originalbobsled.com/SemiAutoSleds.aspx.

I have also had good luck with single loading Hornady 75gr Amax over 23.5gr Varget COAL 2.390.

Generic Accurate Short to Medium Range Load - Loaded To Magazine Length
Anything 100 to 400 yards I have had good luck with 60grVmax it is my generic load for taking to the range or putting on varmints. http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=6123 shows 3 different loads depending upon the powder I have on hand.

 

[Toprudder]

I started playing with 8208 powder recently, and yesterday I took out another batch of test loads to try. With Hornady 75bthp bullets, I had my first 5 shot group under 1/2” at 100yds, 4 of them were in one hole. I went just a little above max published charge, but there were no high pressure signs at all. I had a ladder load using the same powder with Hornady 55sp that also looked promising.

 

[AABEN]

I like Accurate 2200 19.0 with Sierra HPBT MK 69 GR that round is very good in to of my AR,S.