223: How fast are you pushing 69s?

[Hschweers]

Just got back from my first range trip with the new weatherby .223. Bought 300 pieces of primed Norma brass, so figured I’d play around with some loads to get rid of those primers and form the brass.

Both published loads I referenced had 26.0 as the max for varget (compressed). I loaded up to 25.5 for this trip since I was running out of case capacity. I got 3060 out of this combo. Lyman’s manual states 2832 as the max velocity with 26.0 compressed. I saw no signs of pressure, and stayed .5gr under.

Just curious what y’all are comfortably pushing the 69 class bullets to. I wouldn’t be opposed to putting a touch more in my case as I saw nothing at 25.5, but the velocities have me concerned.

 

[sierracharlie338]

I’ve run them up to 2950ish with my bolt gun and no pressure signs but I have a stupid accurate load I stumbled on before I had a chrono that’s in the 2700s and shoots 2.5inch groups at 500

 

[Maidenfan539]

I've been running mine at 2790 with 8208XBR. They could be pushed faster but they shoot so well.

 

[Ramem7mm]

I have a load for 69 gr Hammers that are at 3,011 with virgin brass shot in a AI chamber. 2nd Fire shooting 69 TMK I am at 3,121. Both loads are with Varget near MAX load. Both loads are awesome.

 

[ddowning]

I had 68 grain hornadys between 3000 and 3050 out of a 26" barrel with 8208. Shot 4500 rounds that way with no problems.

 

[Vern400]

2950 with Benchmark and 69 SMK. Little if any pressure signs. 3005 with 65 SGKs. Both are shooters and ballistics are equal past 400 yds.
26 inch Savage tube. The Sweet spot was plenty fast to suit me.