.223 questions
- Thread starter MattB000
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MarinePride
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I've used Varget in my Howa 1500, 22" barrel, and I could never get the velocity I wanted with it. I was using Hornady 55 gr. FMJBT bullets. Average velocity was just over 3100 fps with a compressed charge. This is less than the reloading manuals print, but I'm sure the 22" barrel was the reason. Using 55 gr. bullets, case capacity is maxed out with Varget.
In a gas gun, the velocity is about 200-300 fps less due to the gas system and shorter barrel.
In a gas gun, the velocity is about 200-300 fps less due to the gas system and shorter barrel.
GooseGestapo
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My experience with Varget was IDENTICAL to MarinePride's.
I've never used N133.
I use either RL-15 @ 27.5gr (near full case) for 3,250fps from 20"bbl or 26.9gr of BL-C2 for about 3,200fps w/55gr bullets. (24" bbl gets about 100fps more, my 18.5" bbl Rem M7 identical to maybe 50fps less). Either of these give top accuracy and near max velocity in all guns I've tried them in.
I've used H335, H4895, IMR3031, H322 and others in .223 but prefer the two mentioned above.
H and Imr4198 have given good performance is some guns, but is not as fast or consistent as the RL15 or BLC2.
If I were to load a high volumn of .223 I'd probably use some WC-846 surplus powder.
I've never used N133.
I use either RL-15 @ 27.5gr (near full case) for 3,250fps from 20"bbl or 26.9gr of BL-C2 for about 3,200fps w/55gr bullets. (24" bbl gets about 100fps more, my 18.5" bbl Rem M7 identical to maybe 50fps less). Either of these give top accuracy and near max velocity in all guns I've tried them in.
I've used H335, H4895, IMR3031, H322 and others in .223 but prefer the two mentioned above.
H and Imr4198 have given good performance is some guns, but is not as fast or consistent as the RL15 or BLC2.
If I were to load a high volumn of .223 I'd probably use some WC-846 surplus powder.
Lennyjoe
Member
I've tried Varget and didn't care for it. My buddy who reloads is using Varget in his 20" Bushie AR. I use it for 22-250.
For 55gr FMJ's out of my Oly I use H-335. Meters great and gives excellent groups.
For 55gr FMJ's out of my Oly I use H-335. Meters great and gives excellent groups.
redneck2
Member
I get incredible performance with Varget in my Bushie Varminter with Nosler 50 BT's. May be due to the longer barrel.
I have a friend that shoots HP at Perry. He and his fellow shooters swear by Varget. Doesn't mean that it's "best", just means that it works in a lot of situations.
FWIW...there is an article in Handloader this month about inherently accurate cartridges, and the .223 was one of the first listed. From all the posts here in the past, I suspect there are a lot of powder/bullet combos that work well.
I have a friend that shoots HP at Perry. He and his fellow shooters swear by Varget. Doesn't mean that it's "best", just means that it works in a lot of situations.
FWIW...there is an article in Handloader this month about inherently accurate cartridges, and the .223 was one of the first listed. From all the posts here in the past, I suspect there are a lot of powder/bullet combos that work well.
BsChoy
Member
Varget worked fine for me until I went to winny brass as the primer pockets blew out of my fed caes. I averaged 3100 fps with 60 vmax and 26.2 of varget. If Varget or RE15 don't pan out I'm going to try BL(c)2 as it appears really close to TAC and since nobody sells ramshot within 100 miles of me BL(C)2 it is.
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