Been trying to find the magic load for my second Savage Model 10 in 223 that would give tack driving accuracy for the last few months. Went through lots of different bullets and powder and primers. Tried Nosler 70 and 77 grain CC that I had to load deep so that they would chamber cleanly. They shot ok but not what I'm looking for. Tried Hornady 75 gr ELD-Match that gives 1/4 MOA accuracy out of my other 223 with no luck. Went through an assortment of 55 and 60 grain tipped bullets with no luck.
Finally bit the bullet (no pun intended) and bought a box of Sierra 77 gr Tipped Match Kings. MAGIC happened. Those bullets have a short ogive that allows me to load into the lands if I want to and still have magazine room left! Using 21.8 gr of Alliant AR-Comp over CCI-450 primers and 0.025 off the lands gives me .480 MOA consistently! Now I just need to run those past my chronograph and load the ballistics into my Kestrel and I will be ready for rock chuck season with another rifle!
Almost forgot, both rifles have McGowan 26 inch varmint barrels in 8 twist.
WooHoo.