223 velocity

[Steve 2141]

Hi all.

Just spent the day working up a load for my 223, and was wondering what velocity you all are getting from your setups? i running 80gr noslers maddco 8” twist

Cheers

[saum2]

You don't mention anything about your set up so, what we list may be irrelevant because a lot of things come into play. Barrel lenght, powder, brass etc.
I get 3100f/s
Geoff

[Seddo]

I've had mine up to 3070fps with 2206H and 80gr amax, 28" 8 twist Lilja, but it wasnt the most accurate load.

[Peterla]

Steve, As most people know every rifle is different.

But here is what I get out of my 223s both with 30inch krieger barrels.

2940 fps with 2208 and nosler 80g and a light load but really accurate 2820 with BM2 and 80g nosler

They work really well back to 600 but can struggle with wind conditions at 800 and 900 yards.

[Steve 2141]

Krakey, barrel length is 26”, 0.080” free bore, 0.252 neck, stolle atlas action, 0.068” firing pin, lapua brass blue box, federal primers, 0.0025” nk clearence


Peteria & Seddo, very intresting, I could quite easily get it cracking at your higher velocities also with poor accuracy, wide velocity spread and vertical, I also finally settled with BM2 and 2820ftps, every time I experimented with a compressed load it seemed to experience erratic ignition, with the odd primer in the group showing signs of pressure and cratering

Peteria, running at 2820ftps do you need to fls or can you get away with just neck sizing?

thanks

[Brad Y]

Prime example of accuracy nodes with match bullets. Not many people winning across the country in big matches would be pushing much over 3050 and I reckon most would be in either 2820 or 2930 territory. That velocity bracket just works. I personally don't think it's worth pursuing velocity at the expense of accuracy. FS has the issue of getting to 1000yds but if your serious about it you run a 30 inch bit of pipe.

[Seddo]

My original 8 twist shot the best at 2905fps with 80gr amax on the last batch of 2206H I had. I have tried the same load (23.8gr) with my new tub of powder and they printed a lot higher on the target so the velocity is up. I haven't had time to work up the load with the new powder and its not on the top of my list as I still have some loaded rounds for it.

In my new Stiller 223 I have only fired about 60 rounds but there were 2 good groups at 300 yards. the lower one was 23.9gr and the higher was around 24.4gr. Hopefully I will get time to sort out both my 223 loads before Christmas.

[saum2]

Steve, with a 26" barrel you will struggle with a decent high velocity. You may be wise as suggested to find good accuracy and not worry about velocity.

Mine; 30" barrel, ADI brass, 2206H. CCI primers. The load is somewhat hot with 25gns but it tack holes the spotter and good for 1000yds. You will struggle beyond 700yds with a short barrel set up, pressure signs will tell you when you have gone far enough with testing loads. Just find accuracy and enjoy.
Geoff

[saum2]

Steve,
I only neck size with a small base die. neck is .248 and I only use Sierra's in .223. Noslers & A-Max didn't work for me. Might be worth a try using Sierras with more 2206H or BM2.
Geoff

[Peterla]

Krakey, barrel length is 26”, 0.080” free bore, 0.252 neck, stolle atlas action, 0.068” firing pin, lapua brass blue box, federal primers, 0.0025” nk clearence


Peteria & Seddo, very intresting, I could quite easily get it cracking at your higher velocities also with poor accuracy, wide velocity spread and vertical, I also finally settled with BM2 and 2820ftps, every time I experimented with a compressed load it seemed to experience erratic ignition, with the odd primer in the group showing signs of pressure and cratering

Peteria, running at 2820ftps do you need to fls or can you get away with just neck sizing?

thanks

Hi Steve,

I only neck size up to about 6 reloads. Then just bump the shoulder back about 2 thou and neck size again.

Ladder test found these nodes and I was happy with the speed.

I have a long throat so the projectiles sit out a far way to allow for the powder with a non compressed load.

As always shoot your rifle at a node and do not wory too much about the speed.

I have found a 20-30 fts spread did not cause to many short range issues back to 700 yards.

Peter