.223 Reloading

[NUNZIO33]

I,m just getting started reloading .223. Using Varget 25.0 gr. for 55gr V max bullets. Any suggestions.

[Loader9]

A lot of the guys have had great luck with Varget, I'm not one of them. I use Accurates 2230 with a 55 gr Sierra HPBT. I'm loading 25.0 grs of it, it's a max load, and all of my 223's and several others will shoot this load 3/4" and most shoot it tighter at under 1/2". It's just one of those loads that seems to shoot in almost any 223 you stick it in.
In regards to the Varget, you are under the minimum load. I'd suggest starting at 25.5 and working up. A max load is 27.5 grs and is a compressed load. In case you don't have it, here's the link to the Hodgdon reloading data website:
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

Might as well throw in Accurates website too:
http://www.accuratepowder.com/loadda...dard_22cal.htm

Best of luck and enjoy the experience.

[UGH]

I use 24 grains of Varget with a 60 grain VMAX along with a Rem 7 1/2 primer. This load has been very accurate for me in my ( key word MY ) Rem 700p with a 1 in 9 twist. What works in my rifle may be totally different in yours.
Get yourself an OAL gage and learn how to use it to figure out how close to the lands to seat the bullet to get the best accuracy for your rifle until you reach the level you seek. If you like the 55 VMAX I would make up 20 rounds of a given powder making 5 at then minimum charge increase .5 grains or so and the the one that is most accurate I wound then tweak the OAL until you get the best accuracy. Thats what I do and have had good results.

[scsov509]

I,m just getting started reloading .223. Using Varget 25.0 gr. for 55gr V max bullets. Any suggestions.

What rifle and what application? I've had good results with Varget for benchrest shooting, but I've never had it meter too well since it's an extruded powder. So I only use Varget for benchrest shooting when I'm going to manually drop every charge. For my AR where I'm loading more quantity on a progressive, I've found that H335, TAC, or W748 are better suited to my needs. I really is going to depend though on what rifle you are using and what your purposes are in the round.

[wpcexpert]

I use Benchmark for my hunting rounds. So far it is a consistent accurate powder. I'm going to start loading it in my Ar also, just not as much powder. BL(C)2 was an excellent powder for the progressive press. Not extruded and meters very well.

Hunting bullets are 50gr V-max.
Plinging bullets are 55gr varmint nightmares from Midsouth

[L Puckett]

I use Varget for loads with 60 grn bullets and up, for below 60 grns I prefer Benchmark or H335.

LP

[NUNZIO33]

Thanks for all the help, any thoughts on primers? I,m currently using CCI 400 small rifle.

[ForneyRider]

I have AA2230, RE15 and Varget for .223.

I have 50gr,55gr BlitzKing,60gr,63gr, and 69gr Sierras and 50gr V-Max. Local range got flooded and had a sale. I may try and pick up some 60gr Nosler Partition and Ballistic Tip. Also some Midsouth, Midway or other bulk plinkers(SS109).

I usually try some commercial loads, then find load data that matches. The AA load data does not match the velocity of the Hornady ammmunition in similar bullet sizes. Varget should be right there with Hornady info. RE 15 should work well for the larger bullets 69gr-90gr.

Varget is flexible in that it works in a lot of calibers. I have used it in .223, .22-250, Rem. 7mm Mag, and 375H&H. But it is getting hard to find and expensive. It is pretty easy to do powder drops, although not as easy as ball powder. Varget is part of Hodgdon's Extreme powder line and is supposed to be less temperature sensitive than other powders.

I plan on using the AA2230 (original military .223 powder, now imported by Western Powders) for my plinker and light bullet charges, RE 15 for the 69gr powders and Varget to compare.

I have CCI primers and some Federal 205. CCI will be my plinker/hunter loads, and Federal 205 will be for my target loads. I've read a lot of good things with the Remington 7.5, they also seem to be the cheapest BR primer.

I have mixed brass, but read Remington yields the best accuracy in .223. So the target ammo gets Remington.

You didn't mention rifle type or barrel twist.

[Posit]

I use 25.8g Varget and Fed Primers with 55g Vmax, 1-9" twist Tikka. I tried CCI primers - difficult to tell the difference at 100 yds, but decided the Fed was marginally better.

[frank505]

most of the guys I shoot High Power with are using varget in their across the course loads with 75 to 80 grain bullets. I still shoot my M1A and 4895.

[stingrr]

26.5 gr of varget behind a 55 gr hornady v max worked best for me in my 20" barrelled AR.

[wpcexpert]

Thanks for all the help, any thoughts on primers? I,m currently using CCI 400 small rifle

The proper response to that question is...What ever your reloading manual says to use.

My response: I use magnums in reloads for accuracy or for hunting.
I use regulars in those that do not matter as much.

[welder05]

26.4 Varget. 55gr Hornady V Max Moly. Remington 6 1/2 Primers. Savage 12VSSS.

[D'bear]

21g IMR 3031 with 55gr FMJBT. Shoots MOA in my Ruger#1V.