223 Loads

[roosiebull]

What are a couple top powders to look for right now for loading 77gr tmk’s? I saw a couple pounds of 4895 but didn’t recall if that was one of the normal powders

Have some tac, and will keep an eye out for lever, what are a couple other reliably good powders to look for? I have very limited options close to me, and hate paying the price for online hazmat fees, so when I’m out of town and see powders, I’d like to get a supply on hand… I’m sure we aren’t too far away from our next ammo/ reloading supply hoarding event and I want to get some supplies so I can keep shooting

 

[LiveFire]

Depending on platform/OAL varget, aa2520, imr8208xbr, SW Precision rifle, winchester staball match has about replaced 8208 for me. There are actually a lot of available good powders for 223/556 and 77s. If in an ar15 with OAL restrictions, aa2520 and staball match are my go to.

 

[BigStick]

Lever' is simply king,when talking good bullets. Lapua brass is king.

Citing generic load "particulars" is an impossibility,less the mechanics of said platform.

RPM/Throat Geometry/COAL Latitude are that which fully control such things.

Given a clean sheet of paper,to maximize said chambering,I want 7" and an 88 ELD Smooch at 2.575". 90 A-Tips rate a conversation of their own,but most won't dabble that direction. OBVIOUSLY bolt gun specific,due COAL.

I've zero interest,in barrels longer than 21",if only because I suffer more than a few.

.0025" neck clearance suits me,because I live/play in "weather" and flog upon wares without mercy. It's not asking much of Lapua,to return to .003" constriction...............

 

[FLS]

77 SMK
24.5 TAC
LC Brass
BR4
2.26”
2750 out of a 1-8 18” AR

77 SMK
24.5 TAC
Lapua Brass
BR4
2.26”
2840 out of a 1-8 24” Tikka CTR

 

[doverpack12]

I have a good load with 77 TMK loaded for my 18” barrel AR 223 Wylde.
10 shots at an inch or just over.
AR Comp in nosler brass and BR4, 2580 fps

I’m planning to try for a bit more velocity with lever this winter. I run out of velocity at 350-400 yards

That bullet sure did a number on a whitetail doe I shot this year.

 

[Sadler]

Tikka 223 cut down the 16”
25gr N540
2.41 OAL
Norma Brass
CCI 400 primers
77 TMKs
TBAC ultra 9
2800 FPS

30 round group…

 

[sveltri]

Tikka 223 cut down the 16”
25gr N540
2.41 OAL
Norma Brass
CCI 400 primers
77 TMKs
TBAC ultra 9
2800 FPS

30 round group…
View attachment 626375

Great group! I keep seeing guys load the 77 at 2.4+ inches, with the hornady tool I consistently get a jam COAL of 2.353”. I must just have a short throat in my Tikka Varmint.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Rem700 tactical(I know, im a heathen)
1 in 9 twist 20 inch barrel
69smks
23.7 xbr
2650
1/2 MOA to 500

 

[Sadler]

Great group! I keep seeing guys load the 77 at 2.4+ inches, with the hornady tool I consistently get a jam COAL of 2.353”. I must just have a short throat in my Tikka Varmint.

I had my throat extended a bit so I could load the TMKs long. I probably should have added that

 

[JBradley500]

Obligatory disclaimer: I am not recommending this load. Just stating my info.

77tmk
24.0 varget
CCI 450
2.26 coal
Shoulder bumped .002" under fired length
2,550 fps from 16" AR. Haven't chronoed them through the Tikka yet. Maybe get another 100fps or so. They shoot good though.

 

[BLJ]

I really like my RAR’s, but I’ll have to admit that I’m a little envious of the Tikka guys COAL.
The velocity that you guys are getting from a 16”-18” barrel are impressive.

 

[BLJ]

IMR3031 is a solid choice in the .223.

My “universal” load:
23.3 grains IMR3031
Nosler 60 BTV
LC brass
WSR primer

MOA or better in about anything chambered in 223. Shoots 2600fps in my 12.5” AR and has killed literally truckloads of deer.

Agreed. I have put 4 pounds of it through my 24” .223 bolt gun. It was only powder I found in stock near me that I could use during Covid and was pleasantly surprised.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Has the IMR 3031 been temp stable for you guys?

 

[83cj-7]

It can be a bit sensitive but I’ve used worse powders. I’ve used that load in temps from 30 degrees to 100+ and it has been fine. I did have a much hotter load worked up that pierced a primer on a 100 degree day. That said, the load was probably too hot anyhow.

 

[WestTN2288]

Watching…

I’ll add to the group though, I’ve had GREAT success with 25-26 gr Lever with 73-77 SMK, TMK, and eld-m. My go-to is 25.5 for all of those. Accuracy seems to be best at 25.5-26, but I start getting noticeably worse ejector marks after 25.5. My measure is sitting at 25.5 Lever right now…

For 62gr bullets, I’ve got all the way to 29gr with gold dots and had good luck. 29.5 shot okay but load was starting to get compressed, so I quit with that.

All loads from ARs

 

[AlpineCarpetbagger]

I had my throat extended a bit so I could load the TMKs long. I probably should have added that

Do you know what kind of reamer was used? The smith threading my barrel has a 0.125”throated .223 reamer on hand that he said was “good for 88 ELD-M”, but he didn’t specify at what COAL.

 

[Sadler]

Do you know what kind of reamer was used? The smith threading my barrel has a 0.125”throated .223 reamer on hand that he said was “good for 88 ELD-M”, but he didn’t specify at what COAL.

I don’t but unknown munitions did it and if you call them I’m sure they’ll tell you.

 

[AlpineCarpetbagger]

I don’t but unknown munitions did it and if you call them I’m sure they’ll tell you.

Thank you. They have always been helpful.