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Old February 26, 2012, 09:27 PM   #1
Arrowhead
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223. help?

Just tried my first reloads and found a few problems. My 53gr Vmax loads all shot extremely well. My 75gr hpbt hornady bullets would not group? The rifle being used is a RRA 18" upper with a 1 in 8 twist match barrel. Any suggestions?
BTW I am loading with BLC2 and CCI mag primers
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Old February 26, 2012, 09:35 PM   #2
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The great thing about reloading is the fun experimenting.

You probably need a slower powder with the heavier bullets.
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Old February 26, 2012, 09:39 PM   #3
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Ok, when you say you "shot your first reloads" does that mean you did a ladder charge workup? Did an OCW workup? Could be your rifle doesn't like BLC2 under 75gr bullets. I've used IMR4064 under 68gr HPBTs and 2000-MR under 75gr HPBTs, but I have a 20" 1:7 twist.

Your primers should be fine, so try playing with the powder charge and seating depth to see if that helps.

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Old February 27, 2012, 01:07 PM   #4
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I was loading them in .5 grain increments. I have some Varget I might try, should I switch to a standard primer?
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Old February 27, 2012, 01:16 PM   #5
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Why are you using mag primers? Are you working to specific loads from a manual that requires them, or are you doing it just because you think there might be some value? Usually, unless a manual specifically calls for them, regular primers are fine.
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Old February 27, 2012, 02:10 PM   #6
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I had problems getting my 223 bolt gun to shoot well. I finally found a load with AA2230 and Sierra 65 grain GK's that shoots wonderfully. I had less than desired accuracy with various bullets over H335, IMR4064, and Varget, though I plan to try the powders again soon with some smaller bullets.
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Old February 27, 2012, 02:49 PM   #7
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Quote:
My 75gr hpbt hornady bullets would not group?
Why are you using Bolt Action bullets for an AR? Are you shooting then one at a time, if you are using the correct OAL for this bullet it WILL NOT fit in your mags.

I get excellent resuts with these bullets, but out of a bolt action Savage Model 10 with a 1:9 twist. If loaded to the correct OAL your AR will be a single shot rifle.

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Old February 27, 2012, 03:25 PM   #8
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75 gr hpbt will work just fine in AR mags. The military uses 77 gr SMKs in the mk262 load which was designed for an M4. I've shot close to 1000 rounds using 75 gr bullets through my AR without a single problem.
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Old February 27, 2012, 03:30 PM   #9
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I would say try the Varget with them, and work up in .3 grain increments. Use Dan Newberry's OCW system when working up the loads. I have had good results with 77 grain HPBT Hornady Match bullets using Reloader 15, Varget is so close to Re15 it would probably work just as well.
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Old February 27, 2012, 03:57 PM   #10
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The bullets are designed for a service rifle in my Hornady manual, loaded to mag-length.
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Old February 27, 2012, 04:00 PM   #11
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The 75 grainers, and the Hornady HPBT will work just fine loaded to mag length in an AR rifle. Buffalo Bore uses the 75 grainers in thier Ultimate Sniper ammo I think. It might be the 77 grainers. Either way several reviewers liked the way they perfomed in thier AR platform rifles.

Again I will recomend trying the Varget since you already have some.
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