Model 12 VLP-DBM .223 1:7 Twist Load Suggestions

[Doubs]

My new Model 12 VLP-DBM in .223 with a 1:7 twist will be delivered next week. I have 77 grain and 69 grain Nosler Custom Competition bullets and 69 grain Sierra Match King bullets.

If anyone has loaded any of these bullets and gotten good accuracy, please detail the load data; i.e., powder used, load weight, OAL or ogive - lands setting etc.

While I hope to have good results with the listed bullets, I also have other lighter bullets in 60, 55 and 52 grain weights. If anyone has had good results with lighter weights in the 1:7 twist, I'd appreciate the data for them.

I'm looking for a good starting point to work with.

[hamiltonkiler]

US Navy seals use a 77gn smk for a good reason in my opinion.
MK262 load clones are all over YouTube.


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[6mmBR_Shooter]

I have Bergers dedicated for real F Class matches, but use my cheaper Service Rifle loads for cheaper practice.

In my stock 7-twist FTR, 26.0gr of 2000MR under a 77gr Custom Comp, loaded at AR magazine length (2.26") with CCI 450 primers is consistently under 1/2MOA at 100 and holds about 2.5" at 300 yards on a good day. Velocity averages 2937fps, but in a 30" barrel. I've come very close to cleaning the 300yd target (just under 3") with that ammo in 30-shot groups during practice, so this generic SR load works well. I've even screwed around with it at 600, and while not accurate enough to win a match it still shoots well.

You may not be able to reach the lands with the 69s, but they are also very jump tolerant.

Your 7-twist is more than suitable for the 80s, if you're willing to single load them.

[Bill2905]

I got decent results with the 69 grain Sierra Match King in my 12FV 26" 1:9 twist barrel.

24.5 grains W748
OAL = 2.290 which was 0.020 off the lands
Velocity ~ 2900 fps

[charlie b]

I use 23.5gn of Varget with 77gn SMK's in my 22" barrel Axis. It shoots 1/2MOA if I am doing my part.

You should look at CFJunkie's posts about .223 load development. His favorite is the 77gn Tipped MK and he gets much better groups than I do.

But, these are both 1:9 twist barrels.

[Doubs]

Thanks to each of you for the data. Looks like I may have to buy different powder as what I have at the moment is RL-15, H-4895 and Shooters World Match Rifle. Match Rifle has a burn rate similar to RL-15.

I should have explained that I'll be shooting from the bench and loading singly. I plan to experiment with ogive-lands distance. My goal is 1/2 MOA 5 shot groups.

[JW]

You might try the h4895
I have seen good results with the 69 gr and under seirra.
I am not sure about the heavy bullets but I think you will need different powder to get the best out of them
Jack

[charlie b]

https://www.savageshooters.com/showthread.php?63914-First-results-with-new-12-FV-223

[6mmBR_Shooter]

You might try the h4895
I have seen good results with the 69 gr and under seirra.
I am not sure about the heavy bullets but I think you will need different powder to get the best out of them
Jack

Jack, H4895 is my primary powder for 223. When load testing after buying the FTR, H4895 outperformed Varget and 2000MR in group size with the 80 grainers. It will give you a velocity boost over RE15 and Varget.

If you already have RE-15 and H4895 I would give it a shot before buying something different. Ive been fortunate enough to find supremely accurate loads in 223, 6BR, and 308 with H4895. It's been my go to powder for match loads for the past couple years.

[Robinhood]

The 7 twist likes the 80 gr SMKs and the same weight class with bergers, maybe even the 90's.

R15 around 23.8 behind a 80smk can do 3/4''-1"" 10 shot groups at 300 if the shooter can hold it together that long with the 223 LRPV. your mileage may vary.

[Doubs]

Great information everyone and I thank you.

I have now loaded six each cartridges with the three different bullets and three different powders: RL-15, H-4895 and Shooters World Match Rifle. That's a total of 54 cartridges. The bullets are seated to about maximum length.

The rifle should be delivered Tuesday and I'll measure ogive - lands distance for each bullet. Then I can finish seating the bullets in the cases I've loaded to -.010" off the lands to begin. I'll then shoot two 3-shot groups with each powder/bullet weight combination and see what looks promising.

I have an EGW base, Warne rings and a Weaver 46X scope to put on the rifle. Our range is limited to 350 yards so that will be my maximum distance. My primary use will be bench rest at 100, 200 & 300 yards. This should be a fun project. It will also help me beat our current top shooter who has a left port Savage 12 LRPV with a 1:9 twist and shoots 69 grain bullets very accurately.

[6mmBR_Shooter]

The 7 twist likes the 80 gr SMKs and the same weight class with bergers, maybe even the 90's.

I would be surprised if the VLP throat is long enough for the 90s. In my gun it's certainly not.