Load Data for 65gr. GameKing, .223 AR

moose fat · June 9, 2007, 09:30 PM

Anyone know where I might find some data using IMR4064 and Varget? I have 4064 and am planning on getting Varget.

I have checked Lee, Speer and Loadbooks manuals and the IMR/Hogdon and Sierra websites. All I can find are for 63gr. and 68gr. I'm kinda sorta using the min data for the 68gr.(for starting loads) and staying 2 grs. below the max for the 63 grainers.

I just shot off some reloads using once fired, sized and trimmed PMC brass; 23.7 gr. IMR4064, CCI SmRP and crimped w/Lee factory crimp die, COAL@ 2.250". Good load, no over preasure signs and I whittled that 3" stick down pretty good at 100 yds.

I'm trying next, everythings the same, 24 gr. 4064. I'm developing a plinking/hunting load.

Suggestions, warnings? Thanks

mc223 · June 10, 2007, 12:17 AM

Please read carefully. My most accurate and proven load in my AR for the 69g MK is 25.3g Varget. The 65g GK is very close in weight and design. Reduce the Varget load by 10% and start working up. As a lighter bullet reference I use 26g of Varget with a 60g V-Max. Also very accurate. Bet you find a load right in the middle of the 2 above that will be very good.
I have not used 4064, and do not know any of it's characteristics. The above methodology should get you to a safe starting point.

Ironworker · June 10, 2007, 01:34 AM

My Colt H-Bar with 1 in 9 twist.I can get MOA with 52 and 55 gr bullets. 60 gr open right up. 69 suck .(All loads tested at 100yds. Varget for 52 and 55 is to slow. So far Bench Mark has proven to be the best.

HSMITH · June 11, 2007, 01:20 PM

Varget in my AR likes to be run hard. The harder I push it the better it shoots, obviously I don't keep going but I do shoot top end loads. Most others I know shooting Varget in an AR are running near or at the top of the data to get best performance and reliable cycling.

moose fat · June 12, 2007, 03:52 AM

I'm getting Varget because, in its literature/spec sheet, it is resistant to temp. changes. Specifically the cold temps below 0 deg.F.

I'm shooting a standard, target grade Bushmaster H-BBL 20", w/1:9" twist.

Shot my reloads w/24 grs. of 4064. I'm getting there. I'll have to see how my rifle shots nearing the max powder grain wt. Still a rookie at reloading, searching for "the load".

Bearwolf · July 4, 2007, 09:12 PM

I had the same question, except with IMR4064 sooo I gave Sierra an email and here's what they had to say.

Try the 65 SBT's in your .223 with IMR-4064 starting at 22.6 grs.
up thru a top of 26.1 grs. OAL for this one is 2.260".
Paul

Hope this helps.

fourrobert13 · July 5, 2007, 12:22 AM

Check Hodgdon's website, they have load data on their site for the bullet and powders you want to use.

Edit: My bad, I just checked after I posted, and the data isn't on their website.

moose fat · July 6, 2007, 05:02 AM

Thanks Bearwolf, oh yeah e-mails.

Welcome to the forum.

castnblast · July 7, 2007, 03:06 PM

hey guys, all the extruded powders Hodgdon makes in their extreme serries are highly resistant to temperature extremes. Varget, Benchmark, h4895, etc....there's many more. go to www.hodgdon.com. click on reloading data and go to town. Do a search under their extreme powders. pretty interesting data. I've switched to it after having issues with consistancy in my 22-250. I've been using Benchmark in my 55 gr. sierra bt's. They don't have data for a bullet heavier than that for the '250, but I have not checked 223. Varget or 4895 would be good choices to look at, and they should have the data. if not, call them and they'll get it to you. I've had excellent conversations with their tech people over there.

June 9, 2007, 09:30 PM	#1
moose fat Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2006 Location: Alaska, Yukon R. delta Posts: 421	Load Data for 65gr. GameKing, .223 AR Anyone know where I might find some data using IMR4064 and Varget? I have 4064 and am planning on getting Varget. I have checked Lee, Speer and Loadbooks manuals and the IMR/Hogdon and Sierra websites. All I can find are for 63gr. and 68gr. I'm kinda sorta using the min data for the 68gr.(for starting loads) and staying 2 grs. below the max for the 63 grainers. I just shot off some reloads using once fired, sized and trimmed PMC brass; 23.7 gr. IMR4064, CCI SmRP and crimped w/Lee factory crimp die, COAL@ 2.250". Good load, no over preasure signs and I whittled that 3" stick down pretty good at 100 yds. I'm trying next, everythings the same, 24 gr. 4064. I'm developing a plinking/hunting load. Suggestions, warnings? Thanks

June 10, 2007, 01:34 AM	#3
Ironworker Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2007 Location: Reno Nevada Posts: 116	AR-15 What is accurate My Colt H-Bar with 1 in 9 twist.I can get MOA with 52 and 55 gr bullets. 60 gr open right up. 69 suck .(All loads tested at 100yds. Varget for 52 and 55 is to slow. So far Bench Mark has proven to be the best.

July 5, 2007, 12:22 AM	#7
fourrobert13 Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: South West Ohio Posts: 336	Check Hodgdon's website, they have load data on their site for the bullet and powders you want to use. Edit: My bad, I just checked after I posted, and the data isn't on their website. __________________ Be aware of yourself and everything around you.

July 6, 2007, 05:02 AM	#8
moose fat Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2006 Location: Alaska, Yukon R. delta Posts: 421	Thanks Bearwolf, oh yeah e-mails. Welcome to the forum. Last edited by moose fat; July 7, 2007 at 11:07 PM.

July 7, 2007, 03:06 PM	#9
castnblast Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2006 Location: Corpus Christi TX Posts: 1,148	hey guys, all the extruded powders Hodgdon makes in their extreme serries are highly resistant to temperature extremes. Varget, Benchmark, h4895, etc....there's many more. go to www.hodgdon.com. click on reloading data and go to town. Do a search under their extreme powders. pretty interesting data. I've switched to it after having issues with consistancy in my 22-250. I've been using Benchmark in my 55 gr. sierra bt's. They don't have data for a bullet heavier than that for the '250, but I have not checked 223. Varget or 4895 would be good choices to look at, and they should have the data. if not, call them and they'll get it to you. I've had excellent conversations with their tech people over there. __________________ VEGETARIAN...old indian word for bad hunter

June 10, 2007, 12:17 AM	#2
mc223 Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2007 Location: n/w Wisconsin Posts: 365	Please read carefully. My most accurate and proven load in my AR for the 69g MK is 25.3g Varget. The 65g GK is very close in weight and design. Reduce the Varget load by 10% and start working up. As a lighter bullet reference I use 26g of Varget with a 60g V-Max. Also very accurate. Bet you find a load right in the middle of the 2 above that will be very good. I have not used 4064, and do not know any of it's characteristics. The above methodology should get you to a safe starting point.

June 11, 2007, 01:20 PM	#4
HSMITH Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2002 Posts: 2,019	Varget in my AR likes to be run hard. The harder I push it the better it shoots, obviously I don't keep going but I do shoot top end loads. Most others I know shooting Varget in an AR are running near or at the top of the data to get best performance and reliable cycling.

June 12, 2007, 03:52 AM	#5
moose fat Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2006 Location: Alaska, Yukon R. delta Posts: 421	I'm getting Varget because, in its literature/spec sheet, it is resistant to temp. changes. Specifically the cold temps below 0 deg.F. I'm shooting a standard, target grade Bushmaster H-BBL 20", w/1:9" twist. Shot my reloads w/24 grs. of 4064. I'm getting there. I'll have to see how my rifle shots nearing the max powder grain wt. Still a rookie at reloading, searching for "the load".

July 4, 2007, 09:12 PM	#6
Bearwolf Junior Member Join Date: November 18, 2006 Posts: 5	I had the same question, except with IMR4064 sooo I gave Sierra an email and here's what they had to say. Try the 65 SBT's in your .223 with IMR-4064 starting at 22.6 grs. up thru a top of 26.1 grs. OAL for this one is 2.260". Paul Hope this helps.