I am working up some loads for a Ruger #1 .223 caliber with a 6 - 18 scope. Starting loads are with 50 gr and 55 gr bullets and H322 and Winchester 748 powders in a range of weights. I know every gun has a preferred load but I am starting with what worked best in my Remington BDL .223 cal rifle, a gun I foolishly gave to one of my sons.


There is a box of Hornady 80 gr A-MAX #22832 bullets but my several manuals do not list a load for this weight of bullet. If anyone have a recommended load or range that I can start with it will be tried. This weight might be too much for the .223 caliber.

Thanks.

You are going to need at least a 1/8 twist to shoot those loooooong amax's. Does your #1 have that fast of a twist?

Close, the twist is 1 in 9.

a 1/9 will typically only stabalize up to about a 69gr bullet....you can try them, but I"d start at 25 yards. You might be hitting the paper sideways.

These are bullets my older son tried in the afore mentioned Remington. He had that tumbling result.

I'll stick to around 50gr and 55gr as these always worked for me in other guns in the past.

Thanks.

What do you plan to hunt with the rifle ?
the 52 gr TSX will shoot well and take a Whitetail if placed behind the shoulder.

Here's the top few powders suggested by Quickload. Start low and work up.

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 61000 psi, or 420 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 110 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
IMR 4895                           108.7     22.6     1.47    2848    98.4    61000    6922   1.109  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 3031                           110.0     21.4     1.39    2844   100.0    60433    6264   1.105  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-17                 110.0     24.0     1.56    2843    97.5    60981    7028   1.096  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 748                     101.1     22.7     1.47    2841    99.6    61000    6595   1.101  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon BL-C2                      103.6     23.6     1.53    2840    99.1    61000    6807   1.109  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203B                         110.0     22.9     1.48    2832    98.3    60873    6824   1.112  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-15                 109.4     22.8     1.48    2830    97.8    61000    6834   1.111  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2520                      106.6     22.9     1.48    2821    99.9    61000    6421   1.118  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4895                      105.5     22.0     1.42    2820    98.7    61000    6689   1.114  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2495                      110.0     21.7     1.40    2818   100.0    60575    6176   1.140  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2206H                       105.7     22.0     1.43    2811    98.2    61000    6682   1.116  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot TAC                         99.7     22.2     1.44    2802    99.2    61000    6497   1.113  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H335                        96.0     21.8     1.41    2798   100.0    61000    6268   1.113  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N540                    108.7     22.9     1.48    2797   100.0    61000    6376   1.116  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 202                          106.5     21.8     1.41    2797   100.0    61000    6257   1.117  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380                       110.0     23.4     1.52    2794    96.1    60137    6761   1.124  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H322                       101.8     20.6     1.33    2792   100.0    61000    6058   1.110  ! Near Maximum !

I asked Ruger what the rate of twist was on this rifle, and subsequently found their web site listing showing 1/9 twist. I just received a response from them indicating the twist is 1/12.

They both came from Ruger and cannot both be right. What gives?

The box of 80 gr bullets is a one off and perhaps it would be best to just set them aside and stick with 55 gr and 55 gr bullet that I am familiar with.

Thaske for the advice.

GF, that's what I would do.
If I felt comfortable it was a 1/9, and I wanted a long sleek match bullet, I'd try some 69 grainers, either NCC, or if they make them, SMK's. Other wise, in a 1/12 I wouldn't go above a 60gr partition. For something accurate and explosive look at the 52gr SMK's. They are hard to beat in a good .223. For hunting I'd load the 60gr partitions.

I've posted my load here:
http://forums.accuratereloadin...2511043/m/9891085871

If you prefer hornady, or just have the components, Humbargers load looks like a real winner as well. If you try the GMX, stick tot he 55's, with the 70's you will run into the same problem predicted with the Amax.

How long is your barrel? An 80 grain could stabilize in a 1-9 if driven fast enough. I use a 1-7 in my AR service rifle and others use 1-8 with 80 grains. Shoot them and see how they do. I shoot up to 24.5 RL15 under an 80 grain Matchking with Rem 7 1/2s in LC brass. This used to be the AMU team load and is pretty warm in an AR.

You can verify the twist with a cleaning rod and a tight patch...

i use the 80 gr sierra in an 8" twist barrel, but it is in a 22/250ai. i think you'll need a 7" in 223

What MJS said. 1-8" minimum twist rate. Those 80's will shoot good if the barrel is throated correctly, but honestly, one need not look farther than the 75 Hornady BTHP or the 77 Sierra for a "load and go shoot" bullet. They just hammer all the way out to 600. I've shot a bunch of 198's and 199's/200 at 600 yds with each of them in an AR Service rifle. The dropped points were my fault for not picking up a wind change or a small misalignment in the sights. I'll get me a 200 one of these days.
For your purposes, don't waste the 80's in your gun. They will just tumble.

This rifle with a 24 " barrel should be ideal for deer although for the most part it will be used for target shooting.

Thanks for the information folks.