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I reload .223 as follows (this works in my rifle, don't know about anyone else's):

Brass: Lapua
Primer: CCI 400
Powder: VihtaVuori N140: 25.0grs
Bullet: Sierra 69 gr

Average speed: 2811 ft/s

The image is a three shot group at 100 yards.

Also, worth looking here:

https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-da ... artridge=7

dromia wrote:Bin the Lee manual and use the Vihtavuori data for their powder.

Lee just copy data from other sources, don't pressure test and usually use the lowest loads to play safe with their "volume system".

This!

LL

steve853 wrote:He’s loading for fox at 150-200 yards, so I imagine he’ll be using Sierra Blitzking 55 grain heads. The federal powershok he is replacing quotes 3240 FPS, but he has a shortened barrel with a moderator, so I don’t know what he gets. He was mainly concerned with safety, he just bought a Lee kit which included a manual, and there’s so much information on 223 it was confusing him.

He is not using 55-grain heads he is using 55-grain bullets. The head is the base of the case.

Alpha1 wrote:

steve853 wrote:He’s loading for fox at 150-200 yards, so I imagine he’ll be using Sierra Blitzking 55 grain heads. The federal powershok he is replacing quotes 3240 FPS, but he has a shortened barrel with a moderator, so I don’t know what he gets. He was mainly concerned with safety, he just bought a Lee kit which included a manual, and there’s so much information on 223 it was confusing him.

He is not using 55-grain heads he is using 55-grain bullets. The head is the base of the case.

Just be grateful he didn't say 55g pills

Geek wrote:I reload .223 as follows (this works in my rifle, don't know about anyone else's):

Brass: Lapua
Primer: CCI 400
Powder: VihtaVuori N140: 25.0grs
Bullet: Sierra 69 gr

Average speed: 2811 ft/s

The image is a three shot group at 100 yards.

Also, worth looking here:

https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-da ... artridge=7

I'm not saying it's a bad group, because it looks good.... but just what are you measuring there? The smallest distance between 2 shots?

Groups are generally measured by the outermost limits of the group, not an arbitrary point between 2 shots.

As I said, I'm not saying it's bad, it still looks like a cracking group, but photos like that are what make me struggle to believe anyones "groups claims" on the internet.

As it happens, I also use the exact same recipe in my R700 - 2874ft/s average on a 20 degree day.

Alpha1 wrote:He is not using 55-grain heads he is using 55-grain bullets. The head is the base of the case.

Speed doesn’t equate to accuracy, the most accurate nodes in load developing are often found below maximum velocity
Shooting below 6-800yrds/ mtrs ignore velocity and look for consistency and accuracy, only when your pushing the ballistic limits of what your shooting is it worth considering the velocity attained

What is the twist rate of the rifle... a lot of the Lee manuals use a 1 in 12 twist for their .223 loads.. bullet weight ?
I have a Savage 1 in 9 twist... shoots 75gn well... numerous Vit loads.. not rocket science.

Mike95

Mike95 wrote:What is the twist rate of the rifle... a lot of the Lee manuals use a 1 in 12 twist for their .223 loads.. bullet weight ?
I have a Savage 1 in 9 twist... shoots 75gn well... numerous Vit loads.. not rocket science.

Mike95

He shoots a Howa, I think he said 1in 8 or 9 twist, and he has the barrel shortened to 18”. He’s loading Sierra Gamekings at 55 grain I think