I just got to working up loads for my wife’s .223 Rem. I am shooting 52gr AMAX with IMR 3031. The following pictures are the groups I shot today. I really only have two questions, 1. what is causing the vertical stringing and 2. would you be happy with the one labeled 24.6gr or should I continue to do load development.

Re-shoot all the groups and see if you get the same result. You may really learn something with a larger sample size.

24.5 of 3031 with 55gr sierra is my load.

Probably that light a load is not burning efficiently. Try changing powder (isn't getting that long sticked 3031 into that small hole a PITA?). Try AA 2230 or H335. Work up to 26 gr of AA2230 or 26.5 gr of H335 with that or any other 52 - 55 gr bullet.

Larry Gibson

How much time are you giving between shots? Your groups are typical of barrel heat causing the shot to shot patterns to walk. The 24.2, 24.3 and 24.7 loads are alomost like you're shoot 2 differnt groups. You did not say what kind of rifle. Are the first shots low and walking upward as you progress?

I was giving it a few minutes between shots, though it was a hot day. I let the gun rest 7 or 8 minutes or so after each 5 shot group. I am shooting a Factory Remington 700sps in 223 Rem (sporter barrel), with a McMillian stock and jewell trigger. I went out shooting this morning with the same loads, giving it more time between shots. I still get a bit of vertical stringing, with the first 3 shots touching (1/5 inch groups) and the final 2 drifting. Should I abandon testing in 5 shot groups and go with 3 shots?

quote:

Should I abandon testing in 5 shot groups and go with 3 shots?

Not really. But, if your walking up has any consistancy at all, give it more time to cool.

believe it or not....I really don't see conclusive evidence of vertical stringing....

Shoot several more groups to confirm it.

Further....BL(C)-2 is a powder to try....and the V-max bullets in either 50 or 55 grains are superb bullets.....but Berger also make great bullets as well. IMO they are the best.

I think using several different powders will change your mind about the actual groups you're getting.

I don't let my barrel cool might be ok for shooting targets.

But if one plans on shooting p dogs or gopfers. You well be shooting them with a hot barrel.

I have shot many lbs of Bal-c 2 im my 223s works well.

I sometimes will put a wet towel over the barrel. I read a few years ago about using bottled gas to cool a barrel. I think I also read about some S. African shooters pouring ice water through the bore. When the PD shooting gets hot and heavy, I switch rifles.

I remember now. They were using an enema bag.

quote:

I think I also read about some S. African shooters pouring ice water through the bore.

I have done this many times while shooting "dogs" in South Dakota.....it works quite well....just run a bore mop through it to dry it a bit prior to resuming the barrage!

quote:

Originally posted by thecanadian:
I just got to working up loads for my wife’s .223 Rem. I am shooting 52gr AMAX with IMR 3031. The following pictures are the groups I shot today. I really only have two questions, 1. what is causing the vertical stringing and 2. would you be happy with the one labeled 24.6gr or should I continue to do load development.

The 24.6 gr. load looks promising but you need to load some more up and see if that load consistently shoots that well.

It appears you are working up in 0.1 grain increments; you must be the very compulsive type. You could save yourself time, powder and bullets by working up in 0.3 grain increments and shooting 3 shot groups. Once you think you have the load where you want it you can play around with loads on either side of it and 5 shot groups.

As far as letting the barrel cool goes, unless you're shooting so much and so fast the barrel gets hot to touch, there shouldn't be much change in group size or position unless there is a defect in the gun.