Benchmark in 223rem

awaveritt · March 3, 2009, 10:27 PM

I'm gathering components to start loading for a CZ 527 American in 223 Rem. The rifle is still in law-away so I have a little time to scratch my head over it.

Of course I can't find any danged primers. But I have a lb. of Benchmark, a box of Sierra 52gr. HPBT Match bullets, abox of 50 Nosler 60 gr. Partitions and 100 once-fired Federal cases.

Any pet loads out there with these bullets and Benchmark powder? The Sierra manual I consulted doesn't seem to memtion Benchmark. Looks like around 25grains or so is maximum and it's close to H335 on the relative burn chart.

Also, when I do locate primers, do I need regular or magnum for Benchmark?

I have experience loading for 270 Win, 30-30, and 38/9mm but this will be my first varmint/benchrest type cartridge. Really looking forward to it and thanks for any suggestions you may have.

crowbeaner · March 3, 2009, 10:45 PM

You can access the Hodgdon site for online data using Benchmark and all their other powders. www.hodgdonpowder.com. CB.

A_Gamehog · March 3, 2009, 10:57 PM

That determines what loads you want to try next.

awaveritt · March 3, 2009, 11:15 PM

My CZ will have a 1:12 twist. It is the sporter weight 21 inch barrel. So the Nosler and similar 60 grain bullets should probably be the heaviest, if I understand the twist issue correctly ? ? ?
I mainly plan to do informal bench rest shooting and the occasional hog/deer/coyote hunt - that was my thinking when I purchased the Noslers.

**Unclenick** · March 3, 2009, 11:38 PM

You will only need standard primers. The benchresters have shown that the weakest primer that does the job will give the best accuracy, provided you get the powder charge adjusted correctly. For Benchmark, being a stick powder, you will find weak primers are just fine. I like the Federal 205M's are very good if you get the load worked up properly.

I like the 4198's (either IMR or H) best in .223 for accuracy with the lighter bullets, but Benchmark should give you a good load. I also like the flat base 53 grains Sierra better than the 52 grain boattail for up to 200 yards. It seems to be easier to find an accurate load with it.

Twist mostly affects the length of the bullet you can stabilize. For a given bullet length and twist rate, heavier is more stable than light and faster is more stable than slow.

A_Gamehog · March 4, 2009, 10:04 PM

My .223 will not shoot the 60 gr. Noslers, I stop with 55's and use the really light bullets in 34-45 class.

awaveritt · March 4, 2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

My .223 will not shoot the 60 gr. Noslers

What twist does your barrel have? What kind of group size do you get?

A_Gamehog · March 4, 2009, 11:48 PM

It has the 1:12 twist.. never did group to my satisfaction with anything over 55 grains. I tried lower loads and 4198, h322, h335, w748,Benchmark, BL-C(2), AA2230 and Tac, my standard stock with and without Mag primers no luck. 50 are great 55's are max.

The 22-250, 1:14 is pretty much the same bullets, nothing over 55's work for me.

Groups of about 4-6 " @ 200 yards....with 60 Gr. Nosler partitions in the .233 with 1 :12 twist. Some bigger!

223 shooter · March 5, 2009, 06:49 AM

Benchmark has given me great results with the 52 grain Sierra in my 1 in 12" twist .223s. Also H335. VV N-133 performed extremely well too for the first time out.

awaveritt · March 5, 2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Benchmark has given me great results with the 52 grain Sierra in my 1 in 12" twist .223s.

May I ask if you use standard or magnum primers with benchmark?

223 shooter · March 5, 2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

May I ask if you use standard or magnum primers with benchmark?

Remington 7 1/2 which is listed on the box as a BENCH REST PRIMER.

March 3, 2009, 10:27 PM	#1
awaveritt Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 259	Benchmark in 223rem I'm gathering components to start loading for a CZ 527 American in 223 Rem. The rifle is still in law-away so I have a little time to scratch my head over it. Of course I can't find any danged primers. But I have a lb. of Benchmark, a box of Sierra 52gr. HPBT Match bullets, abox of 50 Nosler 60 gr. Partitions and 100 once-fired Federal cases. Any pet loads out there with these bullets and Benchmark powder? The Sierra manual I consulted doesn't seem to memtion Benchmark. Looks like around 25grains or so is maximum and it's close to H335 on the relative burn chart. Also, when I do locate primers, do I need regular or magnum for Benchmark? I have experience loading for 270 Win, 30-30, and 38/9mm but this will be my first varmint/benchrest type cartridge. Really looking forward to it and thanks for any suggestions you may have.

March 3, 2009, 10:45 PM	#2
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	You can access the Hodgdon site for online data using Benchmark and all their other powders. www.hodgdonpowder.com. CB. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

March 3, 2009, 10:57 PM	#3
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	What is the twist rate in the gun in question? That determines what loads you want to try next. __________________ "Happiness is knowing the Barred Owl is Eating the Spotted Owl and environmentalists are watching Nature take it's course"

March 3, 2009, 11:38 PM	#5
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	You will only need standard primers. The benchresters have shown that the weakest primer that does the job will give the best accuracy, provided you get the powder charge adjusted correctly. For Benchmark, being a stick powder, you will find weak primers are just fine. I like the Federal 205M's are very good if you get the load worked up properly. I like the 4198's (either IMR or H) best in .223 for accuracy with the lighter bullets, but Benchmark should give you a good load. I also like the flat base 53 grains Sierra better than the 52 grain boattail for up to 200 yards. It seems to be easier to find an accurate load with it. Twist mostly affects the length of the bullet you can stabilize. For a given bullet length and twist rate, heavier is more stable than light and faster is more stable than slow. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

March 4, 2009, 10:04 PM	#6
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	The above post nailed it. My .223 will not shoot the 60 gr. Noslers, I stop with 55's and use the really light bullets in 34-45 class. __________________ "Happiness is knowing the Barred Owl is Eating the Spotted Owl and environmentalists are watching Nature take it's course"

March 3, 2009, 11:15 PM	#4
awaveritt Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 259	My CZ will have a 1:12 twist. It is the sporter weight 21 inch barrel. So the Nosler and similar 60 grain bullets should probably be the heaviest, if I understand the twist issue correctly ? ? ? I mainly plan to do informal bench rest shooting and the occasional hog/deer/coyote hunt - that was my thinking when I purchased the Noslers.

March 4, 2009, 11:48 PM	#8
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	Weatherby .223 It has the 1:12 twist.. never did group to my satisfaction with anything over 55 grains. I tried lower loads and 4198, h322, h335, w748,Benchmark, BL-C(2), AA2230 and Tac, my standard stock with and without Mag primers no luck. 50 are great 55's are max. The 22-250, 1:14 is pretty much the same bullets, nothing over 55's work for me. Groups of about 4-6 " @ 200 yards....with 60 Gr. Nosler partitions in the .233 with 1 :12 twist. Some bigger! __________________ "Happiness is knowing the Barred Owl is Eating the Spotted Owl and environmentalists are watching Nature take it's course" Last edited by A_Gamehog; March 5, 2009 at 12:00 AM.

March 5, 2009, 06:49 AM	#9
223 shooter Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Posts: 557	Benchmark has given me great results with the 52 grain Sierra in my 1 in 12" twist .223s. Also H335. VV N-133 performed extremely well too for the first time out.