Interpreting the results (Finding my .223 load)

[BamaPSE]

I got some .223 loading done today and did some shooting and I think I am on the right track but wanted to checkin with you guys here to verify. I loaded 3 different charges with 52gr. SMK's and H335. My loads were 25.5gr.- 26.2gr.- 26.9gr and here is a picture. It looks to me like the last 26.9gr load starting to merge out of the node a bit. With my other two loads, they were hitting in the some spot and I think my next step is to load a couple new charges between 25.5 and 26.2grs. I have my bullets jumped .010 off the lands which is where I have found other SMK's to shoot best, or at least around there so that is where I started. Here is a picture of the target with the labeled loads. Thanks for any/ all advice. The gun was my Savage model 12FV with B&C medalist, steel pillar bedded, polished trigger with .040 spring pulling at about 2lbs and vortex viper 6.5-20x50mm glass.

[1shot]

very impressive groups all around but the 25.5 jumped out at me as the best group

[Gunnyart]

Pretty good. Is this a 100 yard target? Do you have chronograph data? What were the wind conditions? I would suggest with the nice bit of kit you have, there is room for improvement.

[Matteo]

They are all good. Go kill something.

[BamaPSE]

Thanks guys! Looking to get under .25 on this one. Its definitely possible. Think I will take some jumps between 25.5 and 26.2 and see what she does. It was 100yrds and the wind was fairly still but had some 5-10mph gusts. I don't have a chrono but showed a tiny bit of primer cratering at the 26.9 charge so I was getting to the hotter end of things.

[Tommyh]

i thought i heard Savage's werent that good

[Gunnyart]

Sounds like your on the right track. I think 1/4" is definitely possible. You might need to borrow a chrony to do it though.

[Cajun Blake]

25.5 grs kissing the lands , then increase powder charge to 25.8 grs kissing

[BamaPSE]

25.5 grs kissing the lands , then increase powder charge to 25.8 grs kissing

I've got 2 loads made already at 25.7 and 25.9 at .010 off then I will give that a give if I don't get my .25" mark

[Matteo]

You can doooo it!

[Matteo]

Tips that might help squeeze that group.

Deburr the inside flash hole on all brass.

Use same make of brass.

Weigh brass after prep and group with similar weight brass.

Weigh bullets and group with similar weight bullets.

Now that you brass is fire formed to your gun, only neck size the brass.

Once you have determined your best load, load the same load with different primers. (Some are more consistent. I like Federal 100 Small Rifle Match primers)

Once you determine the best primer for you, Try the same load with different powders pushing similar velocities. ( this is where the chrony might help)

Then load what you find to be the best load with Game kings for hunting and shoot some animals.

[dustoffer]

I start with one powder charge that is maybe 5% under book max for the bullet being used, then load 3 w/bullet kissing, 3 w/bullet ,005" off, 3 .020" off, 3 .035" off and head to the range. 1 round down range into the berm (not one of the groups of 3) and then I shoot my groups. One thing important is a good bench, front and rear rest, and I'm not talking about a rolled-up sleeping bag or blanket off the truck hood.

Don't shoot fast - 1-2 minutes between shots in cool weather, longer in hot weather, and when done, look at the groups. Of the 4 groups, you should have 1 or 2 that show promise (or might be there). I go back to the reloading bench, and do 3 that are .005" closer, 3 that are the same, and 3 that are farther, back to the range and repeat. By this time, if you have no bedding, scope, or shooter problems, should be there or very close. Can tinker +/- .002 if you really want. After you get to this point and are satisfied with groups, try a +/- .1 gr and .2 gr on propellant. Back to the range. I've seldom had to change either propellant or bullet using this method, but if you've got nothing promising at this point, change bullet or propellant, but not both, and start back at the beginning.

Note: can't use a micrometer or dial caliper for measuring length--bullet tips vary greatly. You need a comparator and dial caliper for this.

Lengthy procedure, but this is half the fun of doing it--it's like super tuning your bow.

[jkg2003]

subscribed...just started the research on loading!!! Good Luck

[Cajun Blake]

one of my 223 groups

[Matteo]

one of my 223 groups

Is that from a Savage 12fv too?