WHOOPIE! Hooray! Finally....

[mugsie]

I finally managed it. I found the perfect combination for my Savage 223. 69g HPBT (I'm using Nossler but I suspect any 69g HPBT would be fine), 25.5g Varget and CCI 400 small rifle primers (I also suspect any small rifle primers would work just as well).

I trimmed my brass using a Possum Hollow trimmer, chucked in a drill press. All I need do is move the cartridge up into the cavity and wha-la, it's trimmed off the shoulder. Previous I was using a Lee trimmer but it was too much work on my hands and fingers, even cucked in my drill press. The Possum Hollow is like a mini Giraud trimmer but approx $350 cheaper! So what if I need to chamfer and deburr seperately? Do you know how many components I can buy for $350?! Anyway the COL is 2.235 and tonight I was drilling constant sub MOA at 100 yards. 30 rounds down range in 5 shot groupings and virtually all were sub MOA (of course I managed to crank some off target but that was me and I knew it each and every time). Rifle was on a bipod, a cheap Harris knock, off but it did exactly what a Harris would do, held my rifle steady every time.

I enjoyed myself tonight. It's been a difficult task finding the right components to do this consistantly, but I'm now confident I have the right combination.

Oh, for what it's worth - I did get some expert advise and guidance from THR - thanks everyone! WHOOPEE!

 

[EHCRain10]

the most important thing is that you enjoyed yourself
but congrats on the new load

 

[karnaaj]

Might get more response in the reloading forum.

 

[papajohn]

I don't think changing primers would make much difference, but changing bullets usually does, even if they're the same weight and style. Only one way to find out, though!

PJ

 

[wanderinwalker]

Congratulations! Good to hear you found the combo for your rifle and bullet and had a good time! That's important.

Unfortunately, you've found a load AR-15 shooters have known about for a LOOOOONG time. The trick is 25-26gr of Varget, add a 69gr Sierra or Nosler HPBT, seat to what will fit in your magazines (obviously different than with a boltie, we use 2.26" OAL 'cause that's as long as we can go), light 'er off with a Remington 7 1/2 or CCI-BR4 and enjoy your flight!

But anyway, congratulations and load up some more and stockpile it. That's a good load!

Edited: Changing primers can make a noticeable difference in some guns. My AR-15 definitely shoots these loads better with a BR4 vs. a CCI-400, but I don't always feel like paying for the good primers.