Always learning from you good folks here, I developed a load for my .223 Re. using 50 Gn. ZMax bullets; 26.0 Gn. Varget, Norma brass and Remington 7 1/2 BR primers.Around .25" at 100 yards, 2.200" COAL. So I loaded a small amount using that COAL; also a few at 2.2150" and a few at 2.220".

The 2.2200 COAL not only tightened the group to .1795" today's session (only 3 round group- don't get too excited) at 100 yards, BUT it apparently lowered the point of impact from approx. 1.5" high at 100 yards to almost exactly 1".

Curious mind wants to know; Why?

My thought train (which might be way off the track) is that since the case is VERY full at 26.0 Gn Varget, bumping the COAL out lessened the pressure somewhat- thus reducing velocity somewhat?

What say you who have knowledge in this area?

I don't know what the freebore of my gun is. I suspect it's relatively long; it's approx. 1992 vintage OEM Savage bull barrell 26". It's one HECK of an accurate gun but, as MANY of us do, I'm trying to get all I can in the accuracy / consistency arena.

Thanks so much for your insights.

Brian