chasin another bullet for the 223.

[kmw1954]

This time last summer I was chasing 223 bullets in the 69gr weight to use for a match rifle. Got it down to the 69gr Sierra MK and the 69gr Barnes Match Burner and finally settled on the Sierra because it was available. Also the 69gr RMR that I had shot the year before didn't do well in the new barrel.

Once again I am in need to order supplies for the winter league and while going through leftovers I came across a box of Hornady 60gr VMAX I never opened. So I started loading them up. Used up TAC, A2460 and Benchmark. Worked up full ladders from start to max. The A2460 didn't perform as well as the other two. The TAC I had loaded a ladder previously and now loaded 6 samples of 3 each in .1gr graduations between what looked like an accuracy node and it repeated what the first rounds showed. This looks like it will shoot. The Benchmark looks like there are a couple wide nodes to play with.

 

[hdwhit]

I have used Hornady 60 grain spire point .224 bullets ever since I started loading 5.56. I'm not a precision shooter by any means, but the bullets have never disappointed me (well, except for the fact they can be expensive).

 

[ms6852]

I stopped buying all brands of .223/5.56 in different weights. My rock river arms only like one brand and a heavy one. The Hornady Superformance BTHP in 75gr. At 200 yards my 5 shot groups are about .659 with this round.

 

[kmw1954]

This is the results from yesterdays shoot. The center row is a load I shot previously and is an extension of that test and was shot first. Next up was the A2460 powder. There was not a lot of published data on that powder so I figured it wasn't a high performer but I have lots of this because the 69gr bullets shoot very well with it, so I figured I'd try it. Lastly was the Benchmark which I am going to explore more only thing is that I only have about 3# and it's hard to come by and now is very pricey.

Next if you look at the very first starting targets for each you will see a shot off the dot. that was the sighter. As stated the TAC was shot previously and the rifle was not reset so I expected to still be on target and was surprised to see the two shots so far off on #1 and #2. Then after the scope adjustment to see how much lower the A2460 was hitting. I then expected to see the Benchmark impacts rise again which they did.

I also have enough loaded to repeat this same test at 200yds and 300yds. to gain a better idea of what I am seeing. Lastly I believe the shot at 23.2 on the Benchmark was me dropping it.

 

[Shovel]

I've liked the Hornady 68 Gr match in a 1:7 twist 5.56 Colt H-Bar. The Sierras shoot well also (and were cheaper in the 500 round box), but as much as I like 'em, weren't as accurate in my rifle.