Your Top .223 Loads - Page 3

JW74 · January 14, 2008, 11:11 PM

I have a few new additions ot the thread. Both shot very well out of my 20" barrel Bushmaster Predator.

1:

55 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
Rem. 6-1/2 primers
25.5 grns Benchmark
OAL: 2.225"
3 shots = .316" @ 100 yards
Temp = 22 deg.

2: with attached picture

69 gr Sierra MatchKing
Rem. 6-1/2 primers
26 grns Benchmark
OAL: 2.233"
3 shots = .212" @ 100 yards
Temp = 29 deg.

This was a max load and the pressure was a little too high.

thebees · January 15, 2008, 02:15 AM

Thanks for the tips 629 Shooter. I can't decide whether to have my barrel setback and rechambered or go ahead and get a Shillen Barrel with a 9 or 10 twist. My bullet of choice if I could shoot em would be the Sierra 52gr matchking. Many years ago I had a 1 in 14 twist .222 in a Rem 721 or 722 (don't remember which) that shot 1/2 inch groups with the 52 gr matchking. The Rem. I have now might shoot them ok but I can't use them. With the 52 gr. barely stuck in the case it's still 1/2 inch from the rifling.
Does anyone know if there is any real advantage in the .223 Improved being as I gotta re-chamber anyway.
Beesley

Edward429451 · January 15, 2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Rem. 6-1/2 primers

Be careful!! Rem 6 1/2's are made for 22 Hornet only and you are in danger of blowing primers in .223 with them. They have a very thin cup.

I received this warning after posting a load with them also. I couldn't find 7 1/2's and thought what the hey. Keep searching for the 7 1/2's. I found some at Midway around Christmas.

snuffy · January 15, 2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Be careful!! Rem 6 1/2's are made for 22 Hornet only and you are in danger of blowing primers in .223 with them. They have a very thin cup.

+1! This mistake cost me a new bolt for my bushmaster. Primers were piercing, the flames escaping the hole in the primers cut into the bolt face.

JW74 check out your bolt face right around the FP hole, I hope you haven't damaged it yet.

JW74 · January 16, 2008, 12:03 AM

I had no idea that Rem 6-1/2 primers were not for a 223. I wish they would have told me this at the store before I bought 1000 of them. I told them I was loading for a 223 too. The one thing I have noticed is that on the occasional max load the primer has completely come out of the case. It has only happened 4 times out of about 400 rounds. I will check my bolt face as well. Thanks for the heads up!

Joe

Edward429451 · January 16, 2008, 10:29 AM

Yeah, thats the kind of thing you'd think they'd print right on the box.

I got lucky and had only bought 1 box of 100 and they were all starting loads.

Hope your bolt is ok.

January 15, 2008, 02:15 AM	#52
thebees Junior Member Join Date: August 11, 2006 Location: Just outside Dallas Posts: 11	Rem .223 varminter Thanks for the tips 629 Shooter. I can't decide whether to have my barrel setback and rechambered or go ahead and get a Shillen Barrel with a 9 or 10 twist. My bullet of choice if I could shoot em would be the Sierra 52gr matchking. Many years ago I had a 1 in 14 twist .222 in a Rem 721 or 722 (don't remember which) that shot 1/2 inch groups with the 52 gr matchking. The Rem. I have now might shoot them ok but I can't use them. With the 52 gr. barely stuck in the case it's still 1/2 inch from the rifling. Does anyone know if there is any real advantage in the .223 Improved being as I gotta re-chamber anyway. Beesley

January 16, 2008, 12:03 AM	#55
JW74 Member Join Date: September 5, 2007 Posts: 89	I had no idea that Rem 6-1/2 primers were not for a 223. I wish they would have told me this at the store before I bought 1000 of them. I told them I was loading for a 223 too. The one thing I have noticed is that on the occasional max load the primer has completely come out of the case. It has only happened 4 times out of about 400 rounds. I will check my bolt face as well. Thanks for the heads up! Joe

January 16, 2008, 10:29 AM	#56
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	Yeah, thats the kind of thing you'd think they'd print right on the box. I got lucky and had only bought 1 box of 100 and they were all starting loads. Hope your bolt is ok.