223 Recipe Varget

[bearstatearmory.com]

I'm reloading 223 for the first time for my AR 55gr FMJ, not sure what OAL to go with or powder charge? I know it's a very popular combo so I'm hoping to figure out what you are using.

Yes, I looked at my Lyman manual and got one "recipe" and looked at the Hodgdon website and got a different load and OAL, I know to start at the minimum and work my way up etc.

Thanks in advance.

[shooterbill]

I like 26.5gr of Varget for my AR. OAL depends on the bullet your using. If it has a cannelure, I usually set my dies to crimp in the middle of it. Make a dummy round and see if it chambers.

[GeoffLinder]

OAL for 55gr anywhere from 2.220" to 2.245. As stated above, if there is a cannelure, seat so case mouth is in middle of cannelure as long as OAL is in above range.

Varget under a 55gr is anywhere from 25-26.5 gr. Start at 24.6gr and work it up carefully.

I generally don't use Varget for 55gr because it is too bulky, too expensive and being a stick type powder it can be tough to get consistent charges from a powder measure, I reserve it for match grade 69 and 77gr bullets.

WW748 is my choice under a 55gr. Cheap and meters very well compared to Varget because it is ball type powder. WW748 will be in the 27gr range for a 55gr.

[SouthCoastTargets]

i have a lb of varget that i have not used yet because i didnt realize when i bough it that it was a stick powder, my lee perfect powder measure does not like it and the charges are varying by up to 1 grain. i will save it for when i make up my next batch of match ammo and weigh each individual charge.

CFE 223 ftw, works great.

[ejhc11]

Hornady 7th Ed. for 55gr bullets/Varget
COL: 2.200" unless using Hornady V-Max 55gr bullet then 2.250"
Min: 22.8gr/2800fps
Max: 26.5gr/3200fps

[Colt562]

25.5 gr of varget with a OAL of 2.245

[707electrician]

I use 24gr with 69smks at mag length or with 80smks at .010 jump

[Darklyte27]

What kind of AR?
What kind of reloading stuff you have?
How accurate and precise do you want to be able to shoot?

[G38xOC]

25.3 of varget around 2.220 ish .. I dont try to get precision out ot 10.5 barrel .

[bearstatearmory.com]

What kind of AR?
What kind of reloading stuff you have?
How accurate and precise do you want to be able to shoot?

Thanks for the advise everybody. These are just plinking rounds but I'm just trying to set up my press with the best combo possible. I'm using a Dillon 650

[Hoop]

I would use a ball powder for a progressive. AA2230 works great with lighter bullets around 24grains.

[Full Clip]

TAC measures like a dream...

[Darklyte27]

oh ok, plinking ammo.

Dont use varget because thats a nicer powder than you need for plinking.
Get some cheaper stuff like ramshot tac, winchester 748, hodgdon 335

lot cheaper when you buy 8lb jugs, 1000rds of 55gr and wolf primers.

thats a great bang for the buck combo.

if you get serious and want accuracy use varget and other powders, then heavier bullets, match dies etc etc.

[bearstatearmory.com]

Thanks again for the opinions. I think for the time being I'm going to do 24 grains of varget at 2.220. On the next back I'm certainly going to look into a cheaper powder.