First .223 loads, opinions

[Lumber_Jack]

So I fired 20 rounds, these are my first rifle loads of any kind.

.223
55grain pulled FMJ
25grains WC842
COAL 2.25"

Gun- Rock River 16" barrel
Vortex Strikefire red dot with 2x magnifier

Center bullseye at 50yd


Blue tape bullseye @ 50 yd



I noticed a few primers were flat. Not all, maybe 7 of 20. They are no signs of big primer flows it craters, just flattened. Should I back off the load a little?

[RED333]

If you are at the max I would back off a bit, if below the max, SHOOT THE MESS OUT OF THEM!!!

[Lumber_Jack]

I had a comment about the accuracy. You have to realize with a 2x red dot, some of that is me. I was just shooting off if a front sand bag. If I'm gonna really test the accuracy, I'll need some magnification and a good bench rest.

[Jonnin]

Opinion on what lol?    Considering how you shot them, they seem plenty accurate, but its hard to say under those conditions.   If they all went bang, were not overly powerful, and you can put a bunch of them in the same hole (and you did) then they seem to be fine.   Wouldnt be a bad idea to do the same shoot with PMC or something to compare, but IMHO you can make a few thousand of those and blast away.

[Troutburger]

You might be able to back off to about 23.5 grains and keep the same or equal accuracy. Benefit would make your powder stretch a bit further.

I've been using wc844 with 62gr.
Accuracy is almost identical between 22.5-23.5gr

[Lumber_Jack]

Opinion on what lol?

Mainly the flattened primers, and reasonableness of accuracy using a red dot.

[Lumber_Jack]

You might be able to back off to about 23.5 grains and keep the same or equal accuracy. Benefit would make your powder stretch a bit further.

I've been using wc844 with 62gr.
Accuracy is almost identical between 22.5-23.5gr

I had thought about trying that. This surplus powder varies between batches so I'm not sure where max is, but I could try going down some. Might have started on the high side of center. Load Data varies on this stiff

[Troutburger]

The max on wc844 was 24 gr with 62gr.
22gr start.

[Jonnin]

For sure go down with the charge, rather than up.  While a little stout they are not likely dangerously so, just extra wear on your gun and consume more powder per.

 

Again, more than fine accuracy --- I doubt you can improve it without a better optic or a way to mount the gun immobile.

[gregintenn]

Are you happy with it? I've never used a red dot sight, but would like better accuracy than that a 50 yards with standard sights. I wouldn't think you load to be dangerous.

[Lumber_Jack]

Are you happy with it? I've never used a red dot sight, but would like better accuracy than that a 50 yards with standard sights. I wouldn't think you load to be dangerous.

Yeah I'm pretty happy with it, 6 shots out if 10 were touching on the second round.

I will try to improve it anyway I can though. Which means maybe going down some. I will try the red dot again with a good bench rest when I can get one, or at least double sand bags. I would think If one expects better accuracy with irons, I should get better with the red dot.

[gregintenn]

I'm not saying I could do a lot better with irons, but can usually get a bit tighter group. Yours isn't bad at all, and I did not mean to imply that. I was stating that I have no idea what to expect from a red dot sight. Would they help improve accuracy over factory sights, or are they just quicker to aquire?

 

Personally, I would mount a scope, and use sandbags on a solid bench to check for maximum accuracy.

 

For instance, my Bushmaster will shoot just under an inch with a max load of IMR 4320 and a 55 grain Hornady FMJ, and a 4x Leupold mounted. With me shooting, open sights about double that group with the same ammo. These are at 100 yards.

 

I would like to try a dot sight at some point.

Edited March 29, 2013 by gregintenn

[Lumber_Jack]

No offense taken Greg. I'm not that much if an experienced shooter. So I don't think I could do much better with irons.

Red dots aren't magnified or are low magnification. Generally designed for close shooting and quick acquisition.

I have a 4x scope I'll use next time out Edited March 29, 2013 by Lumber_Jack

[Jonnin]

lot of competition pistol shooters use dots at up to 50 yards and can make amazing groups.   They are considered identical to iron if not magnified.  4x will tell you a LOT more though, scope is just easier to use for precision.

[R_Bert]

What primers are you using ?

[Lumber_Jack]

What primers are you using ?

I'm using Winchester. I assumed they were all pretty equal

Edited March 29, 2013 by Lumber_Jack

[Raoul]

looks good.

[R_Bert]

I'm using Winchester. I assumed they were all pretty equal

 

 

I see differences in flattening between brands and type on my .223 & .204. 

 

I have had pretty good luck on the Wolf/Tula & CCI primers, and especially using magnum or 223 primers (as compared to Federal 205, for instance).

 

So, play around a bit.

[Raoul]

I see differences in flattening between brands and type on my .223 & .204. 
 
I have had pretty good luck on the Wolf/Tula & CCI primers, and especially using magnum or 223 primers (as compared to Federal 205, for instance).
 
So, play around a bit.

A +1 on the Tula.

[Lumber_Jack]

I see differences in flattening between brands and type on my .223 & .204.

I have had pretty good luck on the Wolf/Tula & CCI primers, and especially using magnum or 223 primers (as compared to Federal 205, for instance).

So, play around a bit.

Is flattening a problem or just the first signs of over load?

I have 2000 of these so like the powder and bullets, this will e what I'm using for a while. Edited March 29, 2013 by Lumber_Jack

[vujade]

I'm using that powder also (wc844) and I'm also new to ARs/reloading 223.

 

I just got back from the range and cleaned the rifle. =)  so your thread was very timely.   I'm did some testing between 24.1 and 24.5; I'm going to settle on 24.5 which had some tighter samples.

 

I did test the lot for pressure.  I made loads from 23.0 all the way up to 25.5.  No pressure signs all the way to 25.5.  This is using 62 grain FMJs.

 

I'd suggest make a round of each and just firing them in sequence and look for signs of over pressure.  And then do an OWC or ladder test to finally find the sweet spot.  And then fine tune.

[Lumber_Jack]

I'm using that powder also (wc844) and I'm also new to ARs/reloading 223.

I just got back from the range and cleaned the rifle. =) so your thread was very timely. I'm did some testing between 24.1 and 24.5; I'm going to settle on 24.5 which had some tighter samples.

I did test the lot for pressure. I made loads from 23.0 all the way up to 25.5. No pressure signs all the way to 25.5. This is using 62 grain FMJs.

I'd suggest make a round of each and just firing them in sequence and look for signs of over pressure. And then do an OWC or ladder test to finally find the sweet spot. And then fine tune.

That's what I'm gonna do.

Back down to 24.5 or so and make some batches up to 25.5 or 26. Them do a series test. I was in a rush this morning, and just wanted to see if my loads would fire and feed.

[Garufa]

I'm using that powder also (wc844) and I'm also new to ARs/reloading 223.

 

LJ is using 842 if I'm not mistaken.  Different powder.

[Lumber_Jack]

I'm using that powder also (wc844) and I'm also new to ARs/reloading 223.

LJ is using 842 if I'm not mistaken. Different powder.

This is true, I missed that.

[vujade]

This is true, I missed that.

 

good catch.  that's 'similar to CFE223 I believe.  (I was debating using 842 vs 844)