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Old February 5, 2011, 04:37 PM   #1
gregjc9
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More 223 test results!

I think I'm getting closer to what my AR (RRA AR, 20" 1:8 barrel) likes.

The first target had 3 loads tested. All groups were 5 rounds each. The loads were per Sierra's manual, bullet was 69gr SMK HPBT, 2.260 COAL, with H335 powder @ 100yds. Groups were shot round-robin. I've very pleased with the 2nd load (looks like 4 rounds, but 2 are in same hole).

21.2gr = .64"
22.5gr = .44" <<< new go-to load
23.8gr = .78"


The second target had 11 loads tested. All groups were 5 rounds each. The loads were per Hodgen's web site. Hodgen only gave a range of 21.0 - 23.0 for this bullet, so I tested in increments of .2gr. Bullet was 75gr Hornady HPBT, 2.250 COAL, with H335 powder @ 100yds. Groups were not shot round-robin.

The 4th group was odd, 5 rounds stacked up vertically (2 in same hole). I may test this load again, maybe I didnt get behind the scope consistenly on each round.

21.0gr = 1.07"
21.2gr = 1.31"
21.4gr = 1.88"
21.6gr = .99"
21.8gr = 1.10"
22.0gr = 1.04"
22.2gr = 1.63"
22.4gr = 1.63"
22.6gr = 1.75"
22.8gr = 1.60"
23.0gr = 2.03"

All in all, for my purposes of punching paper @100yds, the 69gr SMK HPBT with H335 worked quite well. If I were shooting at longer distances, the 75gr bullet would most likely have performed better, but 100 yds probably doesnt give it time to stabalize (go to "sleep"). Plus my COALs were within the limits for shooting from a mag.
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Old February 6, 2011, 04:03 AM   #2
LloydXmas250
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Commented on your other thread about vertical stringing before I found this one. You have definitely dialed in the sweet spot on the 69gr load. That .44" group is better than my best of .567"

I've been wanting to try that exact round and now even more. Next you should load more of that best group and shoot more of just it to see if you can improve and even take it out to 200 or 300 yds. Keep the results coming. You're motivating me to try and beat you. Of course you have the 20" bbl. I'm just working with a mil spec 16" barrel. I need the excuse to even stand a chance. Haha. Keep at it.
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Old February 6, 2011, 08:51 AM   #3
gregjc9
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Thanks Lloyd, I appreciate yours and everyone's input. Unfortunately, I dont have access to anything past 100yds. Maybe one of these days ....
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Old February 6, 2011, 08:54 AM   #4
DiscoRacing
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Lookn good Greg....

... if ya get this way... we have a 200yd and 400yd
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Old February 6, 2011, 08:57 AM   #5
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Thanks for the offer!!
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Old February 6, 2011, 11:15 AM   #6
LloydXmas250
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No open desert or fields? What can be really fun is setting upmmetal at distance and listening for the ping. You don't get group sizes but it's rewarding and can be pretty challenging if set up at a nice distance.
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Old February 6, 2011, 01:27 PM   #7
gregjc9
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Quote:
No open desert or fields?

In Northern Va ????? I wished...
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Old February 7, 2011, 01:33 AM   #8
LloydXmas250
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Missed your location. Out here in CA we have crappy gun laws but nice deserts to shoot in. Dry lake beds offer large target areas. A group of guys I know are going to go out and shoot a mile. I'd love to go with but lack the firepower.
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Old February 7, 2011, 01:44 AM   #9
BDS-THR
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Lloyd, have you considered the Saiga chambered for .308? Been getting around 1.5" shot groups at 100 yards with factory rounds and consistently hitting steel targets out to 200 yards.

Looking to test shot consistency out to 300-600 yards with hand loads on next range trip.
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Old February 7, 2011, 10:59 AM   #10
LloydXmas250
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I'd love to get a bolt .308 or .338 for long distance shooting but I don't have the budget yet. My AR can reach 300 yds easily. I'm going to try 500 next time I'm out.
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