Do you really need to approach max load for good groups?

[boyguan]

Rra match 223 upper
Sierra match king hpbt 69 grain with varget powder

I did a load work up and my Lyman book calls for 23.4 min and 26 max

I got a great group at 23.8. I would say .5 moa at 100 yards. I shot a bunch more above and grouping only opened up. I don't have a chronograph so I can't check velocity. Should I even continue up?

Attached are a few picture

Added a few more of larger groups

[Redemption]

The short answer is in most cases no. The long answer is that under specific circumstances with certain calibers with certain weapons under certain range conditions a hotter round can result in a quantifiable improvement.

It is however not a black and white kind of deal.

[phdo]

Why would you? You found a recipe that works and requires less powder. I wouldn't want to load them hot. Also less wear on the gun too.

[Redemption]

Why would you? You found a recipe that works and requires less powder. I wouldn't want to load them hot. Also less wear on the gun too.

What he said

[JackEllis]

Find yourself a ballistics calculator. Plug in numbers for your current load using the manufacturer's data, and then plug in data for hotter loads. If you're shooting at maybe 300 yards or less, the difference in bullet drop is unlikely to be that significant

For me, accuracy is more important and when I get a load that's within an inch, improving it is probably more about the shooter than the powder charge.

[boyguan]

Here are some other photos of other loads. Is it safe to assume I found my recipe?

[bruce381]

yes run with it and use a baseline if you ever want to stray

[stevec223]

That might be the best varget can do in your gun... Try H-335 or tac and see if you can get closer to max to get more velocity or accuracy.... Thats the reloading game to me,,, always searching for something better... Cheers...

[rm1911]

For me, accuracy is more important and when I get a load that's within an inch, improving it is probably more about the shooter than the powder charge.

This.

When I was developing loads for my garands and my deer rifle many years ago, I found out that the garand duplicating load which is also very accurate out of it (47-48 grains imr4895 and a 150) would shoot 1 moa in my sporterized 03A3.

Many years later, same load also shoots 1moa in my son's marlin X7L. I chrono'd the rounds recently. For 2779 fps average.

There are hotter powders. 4350 for sure will get me another 100+ fps. Probably more. What do I care. The deer and pigs aren't gonna care. Well, they actually will care. But it will be for a very brief instant.

Velocity is overrated. Accuracy always rules the day. I know if I underthrow the charge and trickle it up to exactly the weight on my digi scale, and a little more diligent and deliberate with case prep and loads steps, then I can tighten those up even more.

And the truth is that 100fps either way will make no difference.

[JackEllis]

I just took a loot at your photos. If it was MY rifle, I'd stick with the 23.8 grain load. I'd also give up my first born for groups like that.

[highpower790]

Reach out a little.try 24.7 from a 20" barrel velocity should be 2800 fps with a 77,slightly less with a 80.

[boyguan]

I just took a loot at your photos. If it was MY rifle, I'd stick with the 23.8 grain load. I'd also give up my first born for groups like that.

Thanks. Not bad for a lower priced upper.

I need to get a new trigger as this crappy psa one has no consistency

[boyguan]

Reach out a little.try 24.7 from a 20" barrel velocity should be 2800 fps with a 77,slightly less with a 80.

This is coming from from my ar magazine so 2.26 is the max. Oal I can do

My friend had some horandy 77 I believe and it was suppose to be loaded to over 2.27. It doesn't even fit in the 223 box

[OpenSightsOnly]

This is coming from from my ar magazine so 2.26 is the max. Oal I can do

My friend had some horandy 77 I believe and it was suppose to be loaded to over 2.27. It doesn't even fit in the 223 box

The 75 grain or 77 grain HPBT from Hornady, Sierra, Berger, or Nosler are meant to be loaded to a magazine length of 2.25" or 2.26"

When I used to load 69 SMK, magazine length, I used 24 grains of H4895. For RL15 or Varget, I used 24.5 grains.

These were tested using a WOA A2 upper.

[jimmykan]

I believe it has to do with barrel harmonics: at 23.7 grains, you have found an accuracy node for how your barrel vibrates. The accuracy nodes will change if you change the barrel harmonics, e.g. shorten the barrel, re-contour the barrel, or attach a muzzle device.

I recently got a new NSS-Criterion Remage barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor, 26" Varmint contour. Shooting 140 grain bullets, I found an accuracy node right away at 46.0 grains of H4831.

After I had the barrel threaded and muzzle brake installed, the 46.0 grain load then shot poorly, and I had to work up a load again.

The new accuracy node is 45.2 grains of the same powder. I am losing about 40 fps, but I would rather shoot 2730 fps into 0.5" groups than 2770 fps into 1.5" groups.

Some barrel have more than one accuracy node. I would choose the faster node as long as the pressure is not above maximum.