Success? Or...

[wanderinwalker]

Today I finally got to test some .223 loads using Varget. For a bullet I am using the 69gr Sierra Matchking, primers are WSR.

In MY rifle the sweet spot seems to be 24.5gr of Varget. This gives 2610fps/mv and an average group of 1.5" off of sandbags at 100 yards (if you allow me to discount a flier; about 2" with it). I did not shoot my other load of 24gr 748 to see if the accuracy was similar. But I do know that going beyond 24.5gr of either Varget or 748 makes my Armalite pattern like a shotgun. (Well, okay, not that bad, but over 2".)

Suffice it to say, I'm not sure yet if I truly made any gains other than about 60fps. Thoughts?

 

[Steve Smith]

Try changing primers. Rem 7 1/2

 

[dakotasin]

i've done quite a bit of load work for 223, and while varget and rl-15 did fair, neither was real good... you might consider trying a faster powder - i've had best luck w/ h-322. i've never worked w/ 748, so i don't know where it falls in burn rate...

 

[Steve Smith]

RL-15 and Varget should work VERY well with a 69 SMK. Another good powder is N140.


Really, try changing primers. Amazing what it can do.

 

[wanderinwalker]

I may indeed try switching primers at some point. First off, though, I am planning on moving out to 200 yards to do my testing with the Armalite and the match bullets. I have noticed that 100 yard groups don't always translate at farther points. So we'll see. Hopefully I will have more results by Monday or Tuesday evening.

FWIW, I am planning on doing the test shooting from prone on the mat, like practicing for slow-fire. And 200 yards is the most I can get out of my range on practice time. 300 yards requires a closure and range directors.

 

[Sunray]

Out of what rifle? An AR-15 or a real Armalite rifle? I'd keep looking for a better load. Match grade bullets should do better than 1.5". Change powders. Velocity means diddly if the group isn't tiny.

 

[wanderinwalker]

Sunray,

It is an AR-15, a full-setup National Match Service rifle. Heavy, stainless barrel, free-float handgaurd, et. al. The reason I want the velocity is that I want to minimize wind-drift at the 300 yard line. Currently I am only capable of holding about 1.5-2 MOA prone on a good day, average is more like 2.5-ish. On a breezy day, when my shots aren't on call it's usually windage. I know, I should get better at reading wind, but I've seen even the "big-boys" and experienced shooters missing windage. I am looking for every advantage I can get.

 

[Steve Smith]

Ok, now I know more...good info to know.

Going faster is good for Highpower, and if you aren't piercing those Win primers you are probably way safe. I had to switch to 7 1/2s just so I wouldn't pierce primers. You should be able to get much smaller groups with that gun. Try sticking a scope on top and try again. No offense but I'm wondering if it's just you.

2.5 MOA at 300 isn't bad but practice will get you smaller. Unless you miss the wind you should be close to cleaning that target every time when you get better. I know my gun holds about .6 to .7 MOA all the way out to 600, and yours oughtta too, assuming it is from a good maker. Besides the Win primer that I don't trust, there's nothing wrong with your load...it oughtta just work. I can't help but wonder about the nut behind the trigger. It is often the culprit. Again, no offense! Have another good shooter to try it.

 

[wanderinwalker]

I can't help but wonder about the nut behind the trigger. It is often the culprit. Again, no offense!

LOL!! Thanks, you just made my day! That's great. I can now go to work happy. And no, no offense taken, for you speak the truth sir. As for finding a better shooter to try it, well, ummm... I'm the best one I can get ahold of until Highpower season starts back up here in April!

The primers look normal, and I do not see any other abnormal signs on the brass. I think I may load up another 20 or so of that 24.5gr Varget load and try it out again. Again, thanks for making my day, and no offense taken.