Starting load for a .223

[Toyoda]

20" CBI 1-9 twist on a stevens action
I have 50gr nosler ballistic tip varmint bullets ( #39522)
Winchester brass and IMR4198, Winchester small rifle primers.

Nosler shows 21gr as a max load, my load manual shows 22 (but with a different bullet-same weight)

What would be a good starting load (19gr?) and any idea how much jump these bullets like (coal is 2.8705)?

[M.O.A.]

19 will be ok and all bullets and guns are diffrent on jump some like no jump some like alot. you just have to try diffrent loads and see what your rifle likes ;D

[Toyoda]

That's what I figured, just trying to be cheap on the development/sight in. At least its alot cheaper than my .308 and 270wsm.

[Toyoda]

All good till I realize I didn't buy a pilot for my case trimmer. :'(

Would it be wrong of me to load a few and sight the gun in?

[darkker]

Without getting into a specific tailoring of a load, Lee's recommendation of 1/32" jump has always been a very good load in all my guns.

1/32" = 0.03125"

P.S.
I assume that COL you listed, is for YOUR gun, not just what the book says?

[Toyoda]

col is for my gun with this bullet.

[gotcha]

Here' my load. 21.0 grs IMR-4198, Fed # 210M, .030" OTL, Nos 50gr B-tip. Chrono's 3100 + FPS / w/ 26" bbl. Hate the 4198 for powder metering..... Love the 4198 for accuracy (bug holes). I used Lake city '09 brass & didn't trim til after 1st firing. Have yet to refine this load w/ subtle change in seating depth or powder chg. ............ I'm not a benchrester but a varmint hunter & it shoots well enough for my purpose. Have had excellent luck in the past w/A-2230 & this bullet just couldn't get it to shoot in this bbl ???

[Toyoda]

Sweet. I will try the .030 OTL and start from there.

[Toyoda]

Not a bad start.
5@100

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=618436&stc=1&d=1315174411

[gotcha]

Not bad! Let it free recoil in the bags..... Breathe.......dead steady....... squeeze. ;D looks like the load has potential. Try @ .028" OTL & .032" OTL just for giggles.

[Toyoda]

Should I adjust the jump or the load?
I was going to try 21gr (starting was 20) and see where it went.

[gotcha]

I see what you mean ;) Yes, come up a 1/2 gr @ a time............(Some here would recommend 2 or 3 tenths gr steps.) And that's O.K. too. Max loads for this bullet/powder in three manuals are 22.0 gr or 22.2 grs.............. When I tested this load I came up from 19.5 grs in 1/2 gr. increments to 21.5 gr. ( never loaded the max load). If you change powder chg or seating depth, change only one thing at a time. With a little tweaking I'm pretty sure you'll find a "bug holer" w/ this boolit & powder. As you make friends w/ yur new rifle you'll naturally shoot tighter too ;D Keep on keep'in on, Dale....................... Lets see those itty bitty groups !

[birdie]

My best loads for my .223 lrpv are loaded to sierra loading manual recommended o.a.l. It shoots very well. I have tried many settings off the lands but I always end up with this huge jump of about .075. This works well in this cartridge but maybe not in others. My 22-250 likes one load at .003 and another load given to me by a fellow member at .050. Go figure.

[jsthntn247]

Try 25.0 grains of Varget just kissing the lands. One ragged hole in most guns I've tried it for.