.223 Reloads

[sgreen3]

Got my Benchrest AR out today with my hand loads I made up for it after some initial sight in with some cheap stuff, the handloads produced outstanding groups ( the rifle is a far better shooter than I am). I used winchester brass, 25gr Varget powder, 69gr Sierra Matchking, CCi Primer. All shooting was done at 100yrds, bench rest, with bags.

Middle & top left target the rifle was shooting a little low, so got it brought up a little. Top right got it sighted in just about perfect with the crosshairs so I left it at that.

Bottom two targets I was playing around with my Mossberg Plinkster ( not bad grouping at 100 yrds with a cheap 4x Nc star scope

Here was the best group of the day, this is acually a 5 shot group in a 3/4" dia spread. , would have shot more but I ran out of ammo. But now I know why people use handloads for accuracy. Cant wait to get some more reloading supplies to make up some more, Im very happy with this load it performed very well. No signs of stress on the brass or anything, so I think this may be the go to load for this rifle. It has the best results thus far.

 

[Leo]

Bullets and barrels are everything. A good barrel needs good bullets to perform. I never had MatchKings let me down, I I used them in ,223, .264, .284 and .30 caliber. Nice target work.

 

[DRob]

The gun

The 3/4" group is easily 1 MOPD*. Looks like you've found a diet your AR enjoys. How about some more info on the gun. Barrel length, twist, profile? Scope? Got pix?

I've also had good results with SMKs but I'm talking about a 1:12 twist so 69s aren't on the menu. I shoot a lot of lighter VMax and BKs for their terminal performance on small critters and price. I just started playing with the 53 gr VMax Hornady uses in the new Superformance ammo. Looks promising.


*MOPD - Minute Of Prairie Dog.

 

[sgreen3]

Im very happy with the performance of the load. It took some trial an error, but it was worth it.

Here ya go DRob,

Specs:

ER Shaw Barrel 1:8 twist (.223/5.56)
DPMS Upper Reciver
J&T Charging Handle
J&T Bolt Carrier
Surplus Arms Lower
Spikes LPK
DPMS Panther Grip
Magpul PRS Stock
Bushnell 4x14x40
Millett Angle-Loc AR15 Rings
National Match Free Float Handgaurd

 

[mac45]

Nice looking group, and a nice looking rifle!

 

[ISP 5353]

NIce rifle and good shooting! If you are only shooting 100 yards, try some 52 grain SMKs. I have had great luck at short range with them out of my Krieger barrel. It is a 1-8 also. Good luck!

 

[sgreen3]

I may give that a try, thanks for the info.

 

[Classic]

I think it takes a great rifle and a great marksman to produce groups like those. Great work on the hand-loading as well. I think there is reloading and there is hand-loading. Hand-loading is all about quality and consistency with a focus on the individual cartridge where reloading is more about acceptable production with a focus on the batch. Both have their benefits.