Need some advice on my 223 load development

[damndave]

Ok guys. I need some input here.

On a good day I generally shoot around .5 if not better with my 308 R700. The other day I went out and started developing some loads for my RRA Predator Pursuit 223. Groups were all over the place to say the least.

Should I start all over again or do you see a load that has potential out of these?

All loads were with 69gr SMK, mixed brass, Remington 7 1/2 primers and Varget. Numbers over the target are center to center group size and how many grains of Varget. All loaded to 2.25 OAL avg (was getting .010 variance in OAL due to inconsistant bullet lengths, ogive measurement was consistant).

ASR. 100 yrd target, 80 degrees, no wind. Benched, bipod and rear sand bag.

I have to say, it was not a good shooting day.

[1lostinspace]

are you using sand bags?

[damndave]

are you using sand bags?

Bipod front, sand bag rear.

[Jonathan Doe]

I used RRA 24" Varmint upper and 77 grain Berger bullets with Vih N140 powder and shot this (5 shots at 100 yards):



Maybe you can experiment with your load a little more, by changing components, or seating depth.

[Bongos]

At first I'm thinking 1:7 twist, but when I looked up the specs, it's a 1:8 twist. That is horrible for 1:8 twist, 25.3gr was what I use to get 3/4"...

[damndave]

At first I'm thinking 1:7 twist, but when I looked up the specs, it's a 1:8 twist. That is horrible for 1:8 twist, 25.3gr was what I use to get 3/4"...

Yea RRA Predator Pursuit 20" 1:8. And yes, this is GOD AWFUL!

[1lostinspace]

Yea RRA Predator Pursuit 20" 1:8. And yes, this is GOD AWFUL!

Have you shot other bullets through it?

[damndave]

Have you shot other bullets through it?

Just some 62gr PRVI (non match). Only used that to zero at 50 yrds, then went with my loads. Those grouped around 1" at 50yrds, but wasn't really trying for grouping accuracy.

[1lostinspace]

Just some 62gr PRVI (non match). Only used that to zero at 50 yrds, then went with my loads. Those grouped around 1" at 50yrds, but wasn't really trying for grouping accuracy.

what kind of trigger? I like this load 27C varget 60gr Vmax CCI 400 winchester trim 1.750" COL 2.25"

[FX-05 Xiuhcoatl]

Try Hornady Match Bullets 68 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail, they are more consistent than smk

[1lostinspace]

a weird thing that happens to me is that Ill get about an inch group at 100 .75" at 200 and 1.5" at 300
'

[Hoop]

Try again with same headstamp brass. Mixed brass will do that.

[damndave]

what kind of trigger? I like this load 27C varget 60gr Vmax CCI 400 winchester trim 1.750" COL 2.25"

Geissele SSA trigger

Try Hornady Match Bullets 68 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail, they are more consistent than smk

I was going to try some of those as well. Also the 60gr V-Max and 75gr A-max. I realized from my 308 loading that the A-max is much more consistent in length.

Try again with same headstamp brass. Mixed brass will do that.

This is something I was thinking as well.

[theduece]

all brass trimmed to length prior to loading? start with the simple things if all charges were way out of wack with none showing dramatically better than others I'm thinking its not just the rounds????

[Bongos]

With a 1:8, my best groups starts with 40gr VMAX to 60gr VMAX, less than .5"