Chronograph results, 223 reloads, 45acp Factory and reloads

[Patrick Graham]

All 45 acp from 5 inch Colt 1911

45acp UMC (Rem.) 230 gr FMJ Factory ammo
818, 819, 823, 821, 828

45acp, 230 gr FMJ, 5.6 gr WW231, WLP FC Brass
805, 811, 821, 802, 795

45acp, 230 gr FMJ, 5.0 gr WW231, WLP FC Brass
694, 713, 704, 729, 692

223, 27.1 gr Varget, 62 gr FMJ, WSR, LC Brass
3021, 3019, 2984, 3021, 3016
From 20" Colt 1 in 7

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Hi Patrick, I'm checking to see if you'd tried other loads /bullets in your .223 Colt and what you found that was promising. I have a 1~9"/.223 Remington Savage Mod 12. So far, except for the heavier bullets weights/longer length bullets, I'm getting results that are plumb embarassing(even short range 50~100yds) with 55 gr Hornady(@3050fps). I've used Varget, BenchMark, 3031, 4320 and a couple other powders w/the Speer 63gr. And the group size w/them gets down to .75" range. Inconsistency is consistent and I'm using all fired once LC cases and CCI 400 primers.
My older Colt black plastic rifles shot usually in the 10~15mm group size w/their 1~12"twist. I am right on the "packing edge" of shipping the Savage to EA Brown for a barrel change to 1~12'' version to allow a wider range of bullet weights, as only 63~68 gr'rs provide the mid~long range results I'm accustomed to, and their trajectory ain't enough better to encourage them
I bought the 1~9" twist to provide a mite better extended range characteristics and sacrificing the warp speed of the lighter bullets (since I shoot longer range for coyotes out here off the mesa's). Calving time is getting close and I ain't getting younger. Thanks, if you have the time to respond, ole blue

[Unclenick]

Oleblue,

It looks like that post is nine years old, so don't hold your breath. Mr. Graham's public profile shows no activity since June, 2005.

I know the folks at Savage. Ron Coburn (the CEO) is committed to accuracy. They will give your gun personal attention and change your barrel if it won't group 1.0" at 100 yards (their in-house criteria), so I would try that first if you can't get under 0.75" at 50 yards (I think that is what you are saying?). At 100 yards 0.75" would be considered good by most shooters. They use Federal Gold Medal cartridges for testing guns. Try a box of that before you declare defeat.

A couple of thoughts: I would try a match bullet. They are not "hunting" bullets, but will kill a yote. For that matter, they will kill enemy soldiers, too, as the 175 grain Sierra MatchKing (SMK) is loaded for the army's M118LR ammo, and the 77 grain SMK is in the AR ammo loaded for the Squad Designated Marksmen. Try the 53 grain flat base SMK for up to 200 yards. There is no point in fighting a bullet that your gun just doesn't like. I would also use a powder that is meant for lighter bullets. IMR4198 does very well in maximum loads for the .223. It produces some remarkable accuracy. You will probably end up in the 21-22 grains range with that. Try Reloader 10X. You will probably wind up in the 24-25 grains range with that. Use Federal Gold Medal GM205M primers (their benchrest primers; the other brands tend to be warmer which lessens the control the powder charge weight has over velocity).

If you want help with an organized approach to finding a peak accuracy load, first read Dan Newberry's site on optimum charge weight loads. He has also worked with Chris Long on Long's Optimum Barrel Time load development system. If you want help finding the data necessary for developing the OBT loads, PM me. Be prepared to measure barrel length (to inside edge of crown from face of closed bolt) and fired case length and water weight capacity. I have an Excel file in my file repository to help with that if you've never done it. The file will run in Excel or in the free Open Office Suite's spreadsheet program, Calc.