Load Development for .223

[Kwikvette]

As some of you know, I stepped into the realm of reloading only a month ago.

These past few outings, I've taken what I learned and immediately applied it (quick learner?).

I've ran through 3 different loads, with another 2 pending to be fired.

So the loads began with Federal brass, 22.5gr, 23gr, and 23.5gr of RL15, 77gr SMK, CCI400 primers, all loaded to an OAL of 2.26 (within .0015" of each other).

I've taken notes of my 5-shot group sizes (total of 25 rounds per) for 100yds;

1st group consistently shot an average of 1.6" CTC

2nd group was just a hair under 1.6" CTC

3rd group shrunk down to a 1.3" CTC

As far as load development goes, how many different loads do you go through until you find one that breaks the sub 1" barrier?

I guess what I'm asking is, do some of you go by the your loading manual's starting point as suggested? Do you go straight to the max and back off a bit?

I've loaded another 100 rounds; 50 with LCI brass, CCI 41 primers, 77gr SMK, and 24gr of CFE223 and another batch of 50 with Remington brass, CCI400, 77gr SMK, and 24gr of RL15. All loaded to 2.259 (within .0015" of each other).

I shot some Black hills that I always have handy and from the first 3 groups to Black hills, I was consistently between .6"-.8"

My go-to manual is the Lyman 50th edition, as well as lightly taken advice posted online all over the place (to include our Sticky thread).

[Kwikvette]

I have a feeling that one of these may be the ticket, but we'll see how they work out -

[Divernhunter]

It is always good to also post what cartridge you are using. I will take it you are loading 223. But other times it can be a big difference.

[kcstott]

Experience tells me how close to start off max.
When I started reloading close to 30 years ago I started at it near the bottom and worked up from there. That said that’s a bunch of ammo and a lot of trips to the range. I don’t have time for that.

[Kwikvette]

It is always good to also post what cartridge you are using. I will take it you are loading 223. But other times it can be a big difference.

You are absolutely right; see I knew I forgot something

I'm reloading for .223 to start.

Will fix my thread title.

[OpenSightsOnly]

What is the barrel length and twist of your upper?

Have you shot the 24 grains of RL15 with 77 SMK? How did it prove?

I used to use that load out of my WOA A2 upper, and one of my go to loads. Then, I moved on to Varget, H4895, and 8208XBR.

[Kwikvette]

What is the barrel length and twist of your upper?

Have you shot the 24 grains of RL15 with 77 SMK? How did it prove?

I used to use that load out of my WOA A2 upper, and one of my go to loads. Then, I moved on to Varget, H4895, and 8208XBR.

18" Douglas barrel with 1:7 twist

The 2 loads with both 24gr of RL15 and 24gr of CFE223 have not been fired yet. Can't hit the range until the 12th.

[OpenSightsOnly]

Good, you have 1:7

24 grains (or up to 24.5 grains) of Varget or RL15 with 77 SMK is a standard load for NRA highpower or CMP Service Rifle competition.

Another good bullet is Hornady 75 grain BTHP with either 24 grains or 24.5 grains of Varget or RL15.

[17+1]

Should be shooting better with that barrel and bullet.

Are you using a scope or iron sights? Check to see if everything is tight on the sights and scope.

[Kwikvette]

I shot some Black hills that I always have handy and from the first 3 groups to Black hills, I was consistently between .6"-.8"

Should be shooting better with that barrel and bullet.

Are you using a scope or iron sights? Check to see if everything is tight on the sights and scope.

Nightforce NXS scope; as stated above when I go back to shooting Black Hills, my groups shrink in half.

Since I'm new to this, I'm going to assume that either A. my new load with 24gr will perform better or B. my rifle does not like RL15

[highpower790]

24.5gr of Varget,You will not out shoot it!

[Mac Attack]

I use a similar load for my service rifle - 24 grains Varget under a 77 grains BTHP Nosler in Remington case with CCI 400 primers. I use my 77s to shoot across the course - 200, 300 and 600 yard with enough success to shoot master class.

[17+1]

Nightforce NXS scope; as stated above when I go back to shooting Black Hills, my groups shrink in half.

Since I'm new to this, I'm going to assume that either A. my new load with 24gr will perform better or B. my rifle does not like RL15

Sorry, missed that.

I'd try varget. It always shoots great from my experience. Don't send too many of those 77's down range with that current load, seems to be a waste of expensive bullets.

[kcstott]

Powder has never made a difference in any of my loads. The only reason I change powder is for burn speed for the bullet I’m using. I try to find a load that works with imr 4895 and go with that.
You may find you need to seat your bullet out further to be closer to the lands. Do you have any idea how far off the lands you are at a 2.26” oal?
I know you want to mag feed but a 77 grain bullet was never meant to do that. And you may not be able to

[OpenSightsOnly]

I know you want to mag feed but a 77 grain bullet was never meant to do that. And you may not be able to

The 77 grain SMK is meant for mag-length ammo, 2.25" or 2.26".

Standard short-line bullet for folks who shoot XTC.

Same bullet for the Mk262 or Mk294 (moly) ammo.