new load without moly in 223 using varget

[atek3]

moving away from moly. I've loaded the last of my moly coated bullets and once I run out I'd like to start shooting nekkid bullets. My current load is processed LC brass, WLR primer, 69 gr. moly'd Sierra MatchKing, and 23.4 gr of varget loaded to a OAL of 2.240 inch. My question is, when I start shooting non-moly what is a good charge of varget to start with? 23.4 gr was picked because it gave the smallest group during the workup. However, the difference between the smallest group and the largest group was so small, I really don't feel like working up this new load, I'd just like to take a safe load (no 25 gr. compressed loads thank you very much), check for pressure signs and basic (<1 MOA) accuracy and shoot.

Thanks,
atek3

PS hey Steve, does Handloading for Competition have a load like the one I've described?

 

[dakotasin]

i didn't have much luck w/ varget in the 223 for either moly or naked bullets. i eventually settled on h-322 w/ sierra mk's. very accurate load, generates good velocity, and is a real burden to prairie dogs.

i just couldn't get enough varget in the case to make it shoot well... just when accuracy started coming around, i simply ran out of case capacity.

and, yeah, you should start your development over. moly bullets behave quite differently from non-moly. typically, naked bullets will generate more pressure sooner than moly. although if you'll be using varget, i seriously doubt you could blow yourself up, but your accuracy sweet spot will probably be lighter than it was for moly.