69gn SMK (.223 Rem) Where to start?

[Mick_762]

Not new to reloading, but I like to get real world answers.
with a 24” 1:8 twist barrel.

For up to 500m

What components would you suggest?
Happy for other suggestions of “available” projectiles - I have 400 odd 69gn SMK though to start with.
Powders on hand are 2206H, 2208 and 2209

Cases - I have ADI, but would not be adverse to getting 100x Lapua.

I dont have CCI BR4’s though.
Have RWS SR primers and Rem 7 1/2 SR primers.

yes, there are better calibres around for the shorts - but I want to improve my wind reading shortfalls.

Thanks in Advance!!

[OuttaAmmo]

I used 2208 powder.
From memory my loads were doing a bit over 3000fps from a 26” barrel.

[Malcolm Hill]

Hi David. By all means use up your 69 gn Sierra's to get started. They will work fine out to 500 metres but having an 8 twist barrel allows you to use 80 gn projectiles that fare much better in the wind. Given that you have a 24 inch barrel I would expect 2206H powder to give better velocity than 2208 but you will have to test this for yourself. 2209 will be too slow for either weight projectile. Remington 7 1/2 primers will definitely work well at top velocity pressures as they have a thicker cup to resist piercing, not sure about the RWS ones. Any small rifle primer will work ok though but the thicker cup ones are good insurance against piercing if you are chasing top velocity (not an issue if you are only shooting out to 500 mts.) Any of the 80 gn projectiles work well it comes down to availability and pricing as to which ones to use, differences in performance only really show up past 8 or 900 yards. Regards Malcolm.

[Ras]

Just a word of caution I've seen 69gn projectiles explode down range after being fired in a 1:8 twist 30 in barrel as being too fast for them. This was factory loads from the NRAA.
Regards Richard

[oldman1967]

I have a stock standard Tikka T3 varmint .223 with 1/8 twist, 24 inch barrel that I've been shooting in club match's at 300 and 500 yards for several years. It's an absolute tack driver ( 0.3 moa)
using ADI brass, Rem 7.5 primers, 25 grains of 2208 and Berger 75 gr VLD's pushed 5 thou into the lands. Velocity is 2900 fps. No pressure signs in my rifle. I use the 75 gr Bergers because the free bore in the factory chamber is not enough to seat 80 grain projectiles without pushing them way past the shoulder/neck case junction. I found the Rem 7.5 primers work better than BR4's in the 223. Don't know exactly why but tighter groups with the Rem's. I use the BR4's in my 6x47 Lap and they work great in that. ADI brass works well but you have to anneal and prep them well including uniforming flash holes. Cheer's, Owen.

[BenW]

I have a bog standard tikka t3 lite which is an 8 twist. Been a while since I loaded up any 69s since I got the throat bored out for 80 grn pills. Don’t remember the charge but it was a stiff read near max of 06h but gave great accuracy in win brass and fed primers