223 Rem Varmint / Target Pet Handloads

[jpwilly]

I have a DMPS 20 SS Bull Barrel rifle with 1-9" twist and a 223 Chamber. I've had decent sucess with a number of hand loads but I'm looking for the holy grail. I want to know what your best Target Varmint loads are. So far mine is 50gr V-Max with 26gr BLC2 and CCI 400 primers in LC brass.1/3" groups when I'm pulling the trigger straight.

 

[Schleprok62]

Well, funny I should come across this thread... I'm working up loads for my Olympic Arms K16 using 25.3gr H4895 with the 50gr V-Max Hornady's, F-C Brass, Federal #205 primers...

As soon as I get a nice calm day here... I'm planning to go to the range and see what these will do...

 

[FM12]

Up to 60 grain bullets or so, I use H335 powder. Have shot some groups in the .2s in a Rem hvy bbl M700, using a cheap 3-9 scope. And, I'm not really a good rifle shot.

 

[evan price]

25.5 Varget with 55 gr bullet.

 

[JollyWhiteGiant]

24.5 gr of H335 under a 55gr Nosler BT. with a CCI primer. Will hold under 1/2" all day if I will do my part.

 

[K3]

24.2gr IMR4895, 60gr VMax, 2.25 OAL (used to do 2.26), Rem or Win Brass, Fed SR Primer.

I get 2600fps out of a 16" barrel with 1x9 twist. I shot a 5/8" 5 round group at 100 yards this past weekend. Usually I do 3/4". My rifle has the stock 2 stage trigger, and it's kind of clunky. I've got a Chip McCormick that I'm planning to install. I'm thinking I'll be sub 1/2" after that.

Since most of my Varmint hunting is at night, ranges don't normally exceed 100 yards. Not counting the buck fever I got on a coyote at 200 yards one night a couple months ago, I haven't missed a critter yet with this load. I should have tried to coax that dog in closer, but for some reason, I got antsy and fired. Yanked the snot out of the trigger. Result was predictable.

I also have a 50gr VMax load that's a little hotter but just as accurate. Everything the same except the bullet weight and powder increased to 25.2gr IMR4895. I get about 2850fps out of the muzzle on this load.

 

[Hoosier Reloader]

I'm still searching for my best load, but my AR's (1-9 twist) love this one. Chamber: .223 Rem/5.56 NATO
Bullet: Sierra #1380 69 gr FMJHP.
Case: Win, LC or Rem brass.
Primer: WSR
Powder: 24 gr. Ramshot TAC
OAL: 2.250"

 

[jpwilly]

I love this stuff. Keep it comming!

 

[Hoosier Reloader]

The trigger makes a difference in shot placement. I have RRA NM triggers in both my AR's. There are several other good trigger mfgrs as, well as opinions, you may want to consider also.

 

[RevolverMan567]

50 nosler ballistic tip, 27 grians of win 748 and remington small rifle bench primers.

 

[jpwilly]

Hoosier, I too have the RRA NM trigger clean crisp break without breaking the bank! Nice trigger.

 

[John4me05]

I use 25.5gr of Varget with the 50 Vmax and get 1 holers...
Get the same with 26.5gr of Varget and a 40 Vmax

 

[GSPKurt]

Hornady 50 gr. VMax over 25.1 gr. of H322, CCI SR primer. 0.389" 5 shot group at 100 yards with a Stevens 200 rifle 1-9" twist.

 

[Tim Galyean]

50gr. VMax
27gr. of H4895
CCI SR

Shoots sub 1/2 groups out of my RRA 24" Varmint model.

 

[Clark]

35 gr Vmax moly 15 gr Blue Dot 3500 fps will shoot under 1/2" and over 100 rounds per hour.

Sadly, will not cycle an AR automatically, and must be manually cycled.

 

[Der Verge]

Posted somewhere else round here
Sierra 52gr BTHP pushed by 25.6gr of Benchmark, Rem Brass, CCI Benchrest primer, 2.205"



Does this all day long. 1:9" barrel on a Stevens 200. 0.245" CTC

 

[crow_sniper]

My bushmaster likes 25.5 varget witha 69 gr. sierra

 

[627PCFan]

Der Verge, your group size gives me heartburn

 

[NuJudge]

52gr SMK, 26.5gr 748, CCI primer, WRA case

Somewhat wind sensitive, but little teeny groups through every .223 AR I've shot it in. I've shot it mostly in 1:9, but also 1:8 and 1:7 barrels.

 

[MinnMooney]

0.33" groups by jpwilly

If you're getting 1/3" groups..... don't change your recipe. If that picture is the best one out of 20 groups, then start playing with loads otherwise I think you've found your "Holy Grail".