I have seen a few posts of new reloaders such as myself, where a poster will ask which load is best for whatever rifle. Well we can always give them what load works best for us but the loader will miss out on the experience of working up a load. So this is how I work up a load, I am sure the veteran hand loaders can add even more information.
The data would be more complete if I owned a chronograph.
Bullet for all loads: .223 69 Grain Nosler BTHP
Case overall length for all loads: 2.26 in
Range: 50 yards outside, 40 degrees F
Data: Lyman 49th and Ramshot 4.4
Rifle: Bushmaster XM15, 16 in free floated 1/9 twist chrome lined barrel, stock trigger
Sight: Eotech 512 with 1 moa center dot
Position: bench with bags
First powder used was IMR 4895. Lyman shows a start of 22.5 and a max of 25.0
My loads used with group size in inches:
23 gr-2.81 in, 24 gr- extreme 5.26 avg 2.19 in, 25 gr-1.45 in
Next I used Reloader 15. Lyman shows a start of 23.4 and a max of 26.1
My loads used with group size in inches:
24.5 gr- extreme 4.04 avg 2.01 in, 25 gr-2.11 in, 25.5 gr-1.89 in
Last was Ramshot Tac. The Ramshot manual shows a start 21.6 max 24.0
My loads used with group size in inches:
22 gr-2.23 in, 23 gr- extreme 4.21 avg 1.09, 24 gr extreme 4.61 avg 2.37
So based on my groups I will be using 25 grains of IMR4895 for my regular loading of this bullet. Also remember to check for pressure signs when working up a load. With the Tac I noticed the lower charge was more accurate so that goes to show more powder does not always yield the desired results.
Had to throw in a pic of the rifle.
The data would be more complete if I owned a chronograph.
Bullet for all loads: .223 69 Grain Nosler BTHP
Case overall length for all loads: 2.26 in
Range: 50 yards outside, 40 degrees F
Data: Lyman 49th and Ramshot 4.4
Rifle: Bushmaster XM15, 16 in free floated 1/9 twist chrome lined barrel, stock trigger
Sight: Eotech 512 with 1 moa center dot
Position: bench with bags
First powder used was IMR 4895. Lyman shows a start of 22.5 and a max of 25.0
My loads used with group size in inches:
23 gr-2.81 in, 24 gr- extreme 5.26 avg 2.19 in, 25 gr-1.45 in
Next I used Reloader 15. Lyman shows a start of 23.4 and a max of 26.1
My loads used with group size in inches:
24.5 gr- extreme 4.04 avg 2.01 in, 25 gr-2.11 in, 25.5 gr-1.89 in
Last was Ramshot Tac. The Ramshot manual shows a start 21.6 max 24.0
My loads used with group size in inches:
22 gr-2.23 in, 23 gr- extreme 4.21 avg 1.09, 24 gr extreme 4.61 avg 2.37
So based on my groups I will be using 25 grains of IMR4895 for my regular loading of this bullet. Also remember to check for pressure signs when working up a load. With the Tac I noticed the lower charge was more accurate so that goes to show more powder does not always yield the desired results.
Had to throw in a pic of the rifle.
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