I just purchased a Savage 223 and have chosen the 69 grain bullet for my loadings, but have not decided on weather to use the Sierra or Nosler. Any advice on which bullet might offer up the best accuracy or which one has more bullet to barrel contact? Also, I am only going to use new brass and am wondering if there is any advantage to using the Lapua or Norma brass over Winchester or Remington for accuracy? I have chosen Varget as my powder of choice for all my loading. Thank's for any suggestions and or advice!

The Sierra 69gr. MK is pretty much the standard, however, by all means try the Nosler. I suggest that you standardize on your brass (I developed loads using Winchester brass) and then stick to it. I use around 24.5 grs. Varget as I recollect. For "F" class I trimmed all my brass to the same length, uniformed the primed pockets and deburred the flashhole.
Peter.

Thank's for the information Peter. How do you uniform all of the primer pockets? I've never done that before. I plan on trimming all of my cases to the same length, deburring the flashhole and using the same bullet. I am still undicded about which brass to choose for accuracy. I don't mind paying more - "If I get more". The only thing I want to leave to chance aftering loading my cases.....is me.

There is a tool you can get from Sinclair or others. Mine says "Whitetail Design and Engineering". Basically it is a cutter that cuts the primer pocket to a uniform depth.
Peter.

Thank's, I'll look into it.

So much depends upon your use of the rifle and your level of skill to determine the differences. I have shot the .223 for many years and would not have a problem using Lapua or Winchester brass, but IMI, R-P and Sako brass have also served me well in this caliber. I have not tried the Norma in this caliber. Lapua has been my first choice for a number of years, and you really don't need all that much unless you are going to be using it for Pdog shooting, and then the Winchester would suffice. You will see more difference by the attention you spend on the details when loading than you will from trying to purchase accuracy. The type of dies, and their concentricity as well as the amount of neck tension applied and seating depth choosen will seperate the groups from the bugholes. Bullets should be more of a concern for quality, and the pursuit of accuracy.

Those are my opinions!

Good shooting, and a great choice of cartridge.

Lapua brass , Norma , RWS , Hornady , Nosler are ALL top quality brass . Some may how ever have an edge if so ever so slight !. I've used and do use Winchester brass to develop loads , then use those findings in Lapua , RWS to get that extra if there is and most of the time there is !In my opinion Sierra Match King is just that " KING ". I know people will argue on that one !. On Hunting Nosler has never failed me , nor has Barnes or Sierra's Game King for that matter . One shot drop !. It's all about proper velocity weight expansion and retention . Paper is easy to kill . One ragged hole five shot group SIERRA !. Don't limit your self to ONE POWDER !. Some powders work better than others in certain guns . Boy do I know THAT !. I have an AR that punches .325 groups with BLC-2 !. So go figure !. 4198 or 4895 doesn't do it !. Nor does bench mark or Varget . In that particular gun . In a Sako bolt action H335 Varget 4198 work wonders , BLC-2 doesn't come close in that one . CZ likes 4895 & Bench Mark , H335 So go figure !. Experiment , fine tune enjoy the experience it's what it's all about . Building that 5 Shot ONE HOLE LOAD !...

I once thought I was wrong ! Only to find out I was mistaken !.

If it helps any, I had a Savage tactical in 223 that I played with many loads over many years and had my best accuracy results with bullets in the 60 to 62gr range. The Sierra 69gr match kings weren't bad but the 60gr Hornady v-max groups were half the size. So were Berger 60gr bullets.

Sorry- wanted to add that I never had much problem with Federal brass in my Savage. 5 shots at 100yds consistently .38-.50" out of a stock rifle all day long. I thought that was pretty impressive.