Reloading .223 for AR's

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2011 7:34 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

Guess I'm resurrecting this thread... I’m finally getting back around to working up an accurate varmint load for my DPMS Lo Pro. Based on what I’ve read here I ordered a Lee Factory Crimp die to finish up my loads. They’re sitting in the loading block waiting for the die to come in. My load consists of a Sierra 63 grain semi-pointed soft point over BL-C(2) powder. When I tried this load before (and had some problems due to a misadjusted crimp/seating die) I got a 5/8” group at 100 yards, off a bench. Now I’ve backed up a bit and am using the OCW method to see what it will tell me.

When I find a good load with the Sierra, assuming it’s not a MAX load, I’m going to try substituting the Winchester 64 grain Power Point. My goal is to have a varmint load and a defensive load that are very similar. My choice of the Power Point was made because of some testing I read about that rated it pretty highly for defensive use. Also my defensive .223s have 1-in-9” (AR) and 1-in-10” (Mini-14) twists so I’m figuring they might not stabilize anything a whole lot heavier.

I’ll update my results when I get some shooting done. Don’t hold your breath though, I’m “on call” two weekends out of three.

TRBLSHTR · Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:17 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

hey pumpkinslinger-from a guy with many mini's and ar's you can shoot 63 gn sierras till the cows come home-those will even group in some 1 in 12 twist barrels,69gr hpbt match(sierra),and 70gr speer in 1 in 10 mini's and 1 in 9ar's.My only difference is I still shoot "H"or IMR-4895.I have'nt transitioned to that ball powder stuff yet,and my bolt 223's like the old stick powder.I have heard some good stuff about varget tho. Very Happy

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 12:20 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

So, I went to the range yesterday with my daughter and a coworker to teach him to shoot a handgun. While there I planned to test my AR loads. To make a long story short we had a great day shooting .22s and 9mms and then I remembered that I'd left my test loads on my loading bench...

On a positive note my work schedule may change allowing more days off at the cost of 12 hour shifts. Hoping to be able to hit the range more often if/when that happens!

Ominivision1 · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 12:26 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

Pumpkin, you pulled a Vince.........almost.

slimjim · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:02 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

You should tie a string around your finger next time, Pkslinger!

Elvis · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 10:53 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

Pumpkinslinger if it makes you feel any better my buddy traveled up the country to go hunting with us 3 hours on road 2hrs off road. we got to our destination and he had a 12ga a.270wsm a .243 and a ruger 10/22 and he had 200 rounds of ammo for the .22 in his truck and 50 super duper accurate reloads for each deer rifle safely sitting on the bench at home...

Aloysius · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 2:46 am Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

SJ, do you suggest Pumpkin to wear a 'string'?
maybe that will ruin his 'loads'... Smile

slimjim · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 6:54 am Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

Ok, Aloys, don't folks in Belgium try strings around thier fingers to make sure they don't forget something? "Hey, why is their a string on my finger?"

Vince · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 7:00 am Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

I think I know the "string" Aloys is referring to Slim, and it ain't a string around his finger. Embarassed

Cheers, Vince

slimjim · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 8:02 am Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

Sometimes I'm too firearm/reloading centric. Can't believe I missed Aloys' perspective on humor!

Dawgdad · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

I will repeat this info in the 8208XBR thread but I shot a practice 50 round club match today with my WOA 1:7 match upper and shot my best score ever by a large margin using Hornday 75 BTHP's loaded to mag length ( 2.250") the powder was 23.2 grains of 8208 XBR

489-23X

All shooting at 200 yards on SR target.
slow prone 200-15X, Rapid Prone 97-1X, Rapid sitting 98-5X, Offhand 94-2X

I really like this powder.

Vince · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 8:31 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

Well done mate...that is a credible score and certainly one to be proud.

Cheers, Vince

Suzanne · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 8:24 am Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

Someone has to explain the scoring to me, I'm not familiar with the system and I keep seeing these scores and have no clue and I really wanna know.

Suz

Dawgdad · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 4:32 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

Really simple Suz, Each shot is worth a possible 10 points. The course of fire in this particular match was 50 shots. 10 standing unsupported(offhand), 10 rapid fire sitting from standing with a mandatory magazine change in 60 seconds, 10 rapid prone form standing with a magazine change in 70 seconds and 20 shots slow fire prone (20 minute time limit)

The bullet will hit the target inside one of the scoring rings or in the center in what is known as the X ring. X ring is worth 10 points same as the 10 ring but these are counted for use as a tie breaker if the scores are the same.

So a 489-23X means 489 out of 500 points with 23 of the 50 shots in the X ring.

Dawgdad · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 4:36 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading .223 for AR's

This is the type of target fired at at 200 yards.