Mag Primers with AA 2230 in 223?

[Welding Rod]

I have been working on some loads with AA 2230 (a fine ball powder) behind Hornady 55 grain soft points, using CCI small rifle primers. 2.200 coal.

Shooting ten round groups I found 23.5 grains to be the most accurate charge weight in one of my ARs. However I consistently get random flyers. Flyers may end up any where in relation to the main group. Generally 4 rounds in about 3/4 moa and 1 blowing things out to 1.5 - 2 moa. It is not consistently happening on a certain round fired, ie the first round, but it is pretty consistently happening with about 20 % of the rounds fired.

Isnt me or my technique, I can call my shots quite well and can shoot 3/4 moa with factory match ammo.

My loading technique is solid and my charge weights are very uniform. I uniform my primer pockets ( since I use a progressive press) and can feel the primers seating uniformly.

Those bullets have a pretty good rep for decent accuracy.

Is it likely that I may need a magnum primer? I can't recall ever seeing published load data for 223 / aa2230 using anything but standard primers.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have used CCi400, Remington 7-1/2 and CCI41 primers with 55 grain bullets and AA2230 in 223 Remington ammunition and I cannot say I have ever experienced fliers that you mentioned even with 55 gran FMJ bullets.

My XR-100 bolt rifle was a bit flaky until I replaced the trigger and free floated the barrel. My long, heavy barrel AR with a free floating hand guard is consistent.

Sometimes just a change in primer can improve the consistency of a load.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It used to be common practice to use magnum primers with ball powders for rifle ammo but today's ball powders are not as hard to ignite as the the older ball powders. If you're getting flyers there's noting wrong with trying a magnum strength primer to try and prevent the flyers. CCI #41 and Remington 7-1/2 primers are both magnum strength along with the SRP marked magnum. Like I said, can't hurt to try them...

(I type way too slow lol)

 

[MrWesson]

From what i've read mag primers barely affect or dont affect loads at all.

I'd take a look at the oal and crimp those are the usual culprits.

 

[Otto]

With the amount of information you've provided all anyone can offer is guesses to your issue.

What type of rifle...bolt, AR?
Barrel twist?
Is it scoped?
At what distance is the target?
Mixed brass?
Has anyone else shot the rifle to confirm that it isn't operator error?

Switching to magnum primers is probably the last thing I would try, if at all.

 

[kwg020]

I think 23.5 is a little light. I generally load 25 grains with 55 grain bullets. I have loaded some 24grain rounds with 55 FMJ bullets but I prefer 55 grain V-Max's and 25 grains of 2230. These are with Remington 7 1/2 primers. I don't see where mag primers are going to change much. kwg

 

[steve4102]

You can try a Mag Primer and see if it helps. I use Rem 7 1/2 which is a Mag primer in my 223 with 2230.

I would also suggest you try a better bullet. Nothing wrong with the Hornady 55gr SP, cept it is not a match grade bullet. Test your 2230 standard primer with a Sierra Match, Hornady A-Max or something similar and see if the fliers clear up.

 

[steve4102]

I think 23.5 is a little light. I generally load 25 grains with 55 grain bullets. I have loaded some 24grain rounds with 55 FMJ bullets but I prefer 55 grain V-Max's and 25 grains of 2230. These are with Remington 7 1/2 primers. I don't see where mag primers are going to change much. kwg

Your Rem 7 1/2 are Mag Primers.

 

[kerreckt]

I load 25gr when using AA2230 and X-Terminator ( same powder) with 55gr. bullets. I have never used mag primers with this load. I get good accuracy with no fliers. I shoot these from a Vanguard (1:12) and Savage (1:9). I get slightly better accuracy from the Savage. My Vanguard shoots 45gr. bullets most accurately.

 

[Welding Rod]

With the amount of information you've provided all anyone can offer is guesses to your issue.

What type of rifle...bolt, AR?
Barrel twist?
Is it scoped?
At what distance is the target?
Mixed brass?
Has anyone else shot the rifle to confirm that it isn't operator error?

Switching to magnum primers is probably the last thing I would try, if at all.

Thanks guys.

Otto - This is with two different ARs, a BCM 20" gov w/ 1:7 twist and a RRA SS HBAR 20" w/ 1:8 twist. Both floated, both scoped w/ Leupold Mark 4 4.5 - 14, parallex adjusted correctly for no reticle movement on target, shot at 100 yards. Both shot prone using a bipod.

Brass is all once fired Hornady, shot in my guns, trimmed and sized the same at the same time.

I shot both guns, confirming that it isn't operator error.

The RRA is more accurate than the BCM, normally shooting groups half as big or smaller with most ammo used, but both guns show the same flyier issue with these particular handloads.