Hi!
I am interested in loading .223 Rem. cartridges for my Tikka T3 Varminter (1-8 twist) bolt-action rifle. My main interest is in long-range (500yd+) target shooting and varmint/small game hunting. The rifle is a proven 1/2MOA gun using 62gr. factory ammo, so I have no concerns that the gun is up to it if I do my part.
I'm looking at bullet weights of between 69gr. and 80gr only.

2 questions:

#1 - What powder(s) would best suit these loading adventures? I'd like to keep the powder selections to 3 or fewer.

#2 - What loads and particular bullets have others on this forum found to be exceptional in terms of accuracy and/or hunting performance?

Thanks!

I own a Savage 110FP in 223. I have never used the 80 grain SMKs. However my 69 grain load for SMKs is 25.5 of WW748 or 24.5 grains of Varget. My 77 grain Nosler Custom Competition load is 24.5 grains of Varget (still developing for this bullet). Depending on your twist, the 80 grain may be too heavy. I have not hunted with this rifle. Use normal reloading practices ie. work up to these loads.
Peter.

I would start with Varget and 75 or 80 gr Amax or a heavy matchking.

I have one of those T-3s in blue. 1-8. It shoots 3/4 moa with the 68 Hornady match bullets and Varget. I'm shooting the Privi 75s at 1 moa with Varget too, but they are 1 moa bullets. I'm sure better bullets would do better too. Standard Winchester small rifle primers, all loaded mag length.

Having a fast twist 223 in a factory Savage, I can tell ya, that any of the bullets from 68 grain Hornadys to 80 grain A Maxes or 80 grain matrch bullets ALL work well for accuracy and velocity...

The powders that give the most accuracy/velocity combos have been fueled by IMR 4895, IMR 4064, W 748, BLC2 , AA 2520, H 380 and the best for last: Varget!

Sierra's 60 grain HP and Hornady's 60 grain V Max are also great perfomers for long distance...

for game: 60, 75 and 80 grain V Maxes... 70 grain SMP Speer, the new Barnes bullets are supposedly great also, but i haven't had the pleasure of using them yet..

any of the various match bullets will all work well...

Try about 25 grains of VV 540 with the 75 or 80 AMAX and work up to perhaps 26 gr.. Seat them 10-20 thousands off the lands and enjoy. 540 will give you another 150 fps and is very accurate. 24.5 of RE-15 or VV 140 is also a good load

For up to 800 yards I was happy with 69gr sierra
HPBT MK and about 24.1gr BM 2 (Benchmark) win cases,prob. cci br primers.

VV N140
VV N540
VV N150
Varget
RL 12
H-4895 / IMR-4895
IMR 4064

All are tried and true

This is pushing the .223 close to maz. I refrain from using ball powders when working this close since they are a little more heat sensitive.

If you would like I'll be glad to E-Mail you my data.PM me your E-address. roger

bartsche - PM sent. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Gaillo:
bartsche - PM sent. Thanks!

Data sent X E-Mail 4 14/08 5:30 pdst. roger

For across the course matches I had a model 70 built for me with a Kreiger 1-7.5 twist and shoot 62's at 200 yards, 77gr at 300 yds and at 600 yards use 80 grainers, all Sierra bullets. Most of the shoots were at Camp Smith in Peekskill, NY. Outstanding performance from the bullets and Winchester 70 with a composite stock.