Tikka 223 73 vs 75 vs 80 eldm

[Alpha Echo]

75 gr ELDM recipes

Tikka Varmint
25.0 gr Varget
R-P brass
CCI400 primer
1.915” BTO
2927 fps
Carlos

Different Varmint
23.5 gr Benchmark
1.940” BTO
2915 fps
Kyle


You’ll need longer magazines. I use Ascension Industries.




P

Which size insert for the BTO comparator? Or alternatively, what COL?

 

[Pharmseller]

Which size insert for the BTO comparator? Or alternatively, what COL?

Carlos COL is 2.451”, Kyle is 2.474”.





P

 

[Alpha Echo]

Carlos COL is 2.451”, Kyle is 2.474”.





P

Thanks @Pharmseller ! Super helpful, and plenty of room in the Ascencion mags, which I've started running as well!

 

[Pharmseller]

The charges are max, so work up to it.




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[Bowfinn]

75 gr ELDM recipes

Tikka Varmint
25.0 gr Varget
R-P brass
CCI400 primer
1.915” BTO
2927 fps
Carlos

Different Varmint
23.5 gr Benchmark
1.940” BTO
2915 fps
Kyle


You’ll need longer magazines. I use Ascension Industries.




P

I’m planning on working up to one of these loads. If I remember right you shoot these in different rifles, do you recommend one of these over the other?

Another powder I have locally is 4895 if anyone has input on that.

I’ve got a few ascension mags on your recommendation, and so far they have been nice.

 

[Castle Rock]

I’m planning on working up to one of these loads. If I remember right you shoot these in different rifles, do you recommend one of these over the other?

Another powder I have locally is 4895 if anyone has input on that.

I’ve got a few ascension mags on your recommendation, and so far they have been nice.

4895 is the best powder for heavies in the 223 in my experience
24.3 gn with 80s from Berger and Hornady
Varget is way too crunchy

 

[Bowfinn]

4895 is the best powder for heavies in the 223 in my experience
24.3 gn with 80s from Berger and Hornady
Varget is way too crunchy

Do you load to 2.26?
Is Varget still crunchy if loaded long?

 

[flyinsquirel]

25g of Varget @ 2.410 coal had just the slightest bit of crunch for me with a 75. If you run em at the lengths Pharm posted I’d wager no crunch at all. You’ll need a aftermarket mag either way. I am using Ascension mags as well.

 

[Pharmseller]

I’m planning on working up to one of these loads. If I remember right you shoot these in different rifles, do you recommend one of these over the other?

Another powder I have locally is 4895 if anyone has input on that.

I’ve got a few ascension mags on your recommendation, and so far they have been nice.

No crunch with Varget loaded long.

One stainless Varmint and a Superlite (both 1-8”) like the Varget load, another stainless Varmint and a stainless T3 like the Benchmark load.

Try the load you have the most powder for. The velocities are very similar.



P

 

[Bowfinn]

No crunch with Varget loaded long.

One stainless Varmint and a Superlite (both 1-8”) like the Varget load, another stainless Varmint and a stainless T3 like the Benchmark load.

Try the load you have the most powder for. The velocities are very similar.



P

Thanks!
I’m New to reloading, so I’ll have to buy the powder I choose. I have good access to all of the mentioned powders. If Varget isn’t crunching when loaded long I think I’ll try that first.
Out of curiosity how far off the lands are you with the Varget load?

 

[Pharmseller]

Thanks!
I’m New to reloading, so I’ll have to buy the powder I choose. I have good access to all of the mentioned powders. If Varget isn’t crunching when loaded long I think I’ll try that first.
Out of curiosity how far off the lands are you with the Varget load?

0.04” or so.




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[Jamie930]

I have been using the 75 AMAX for my 600 yd load for High Power for years.
I loaded them .003-.005 off the lands. Definitely not fitting in a AR mag.
H4895 is my favorite powder to but good luck finding it. Looks like CFE223 or Winchester StaBall match might be a good replacement.
The 75 eld do a much better job of bucking the wind at distance

 

[Axlrod]

I have been using the 75 AMAX for my 600 yd load for High Power for years.
I loaded them .003-.005 off the lands. Definitely not fitting in a AR mag.
H4895 is my favorite powder to but good luck finding it. Looks like CFE223 or Winchester StaBall match might be a good replacement.
The 75 eld do a much better job of bucking the wind at distance

H4895 has been in stock for a month or so at Hodgdon, Powder Valley etc.