Hello, I figured I'd start a thread to show off group sizes and share reloading data for the .223, specifically in a bolt action.

Here's some of the group sizes I got out of my first round of reloading with Benchmark powder. I tried different bullets, weights, charges and seating depths. The info is marked on the target. All rounds were shot at 100 yards to see how they preform. Once it gets a little warmer out I'll do 200 yard testing and possibly 300,400,500 and 600 yard testing.

The rifle is a Savage 12FV recently rebarreled to .223 REM. Glass is Nikon Buckmaster 6x18x40. Rings are low Burris XTR. Base Ken Farrel 0 MOA. Stock is a B&C durramax. Action Glass bedded. Barrel is a Adams and Bennet. Trigger set to 1.5 lbs.

[img width=600 height=450]http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/DennisH87/0326001051a-1.jpg[/img]
[img width=600 height=450]http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/DennisH87/FamilyPhoto1-1.jpg[/img]
[img width=337 height=450]http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/DennisH87/0925001651.jpg[/img]
[img width=600 height=450]http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/DennisH87/0925001653.jpg[/img]
[img width=600 height=450]http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/DennisH87/0925001652b.jpg[/img]
[img width=600 height=450]http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/DennisH87/0925001652a.jpg[/img]
[img width=600 height=450]http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/DennisH87/0925001652.jpg[/img]
The bullet hole to the right of this group is a known flyer.
[img width=600 height=450]http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/DennisH87/0925001651a.jpg[/img]

Not the best groups but this is only a start. I plan on tuning the 52gr SMK so that is it truly a one hole group. They also need to be seated slightly deeper because they will not feed through the magazine. Once that is accomplished I will try them out on some ground hogs.