If it doesn't function, it doesn't work.
I wouldn't be so in love with a load that I would tolerate a malfunctioning gun. You might as well trade it in for a bolt action.
A big +1 to Montanaman's observation. The .223 is such a forgiving cartridge that you hear lots of people say that load development didn't do a whole lot for them - they got many loads that shoot the same and the development was a waste of time.
If that 70RDF doesn't shoot with 24.5gr of Varget, I'd conclude that it doesn't shoot.
I built up the loads using three powders, besides 2520 I tried RL 15 and CFE 223, I fired three groups with each powder,RL 15 and CFE 223 both averaged .963, 2520 averaged .816, CFE shot the tightest group at .378 but the two other groups showed signs of vertical stringing, all the 2520 groups were nice three leaf clovers. Going into Reno tomorrow to pick up some of the new 72 gr eld bullets, may pick up a pound of AR comp or Varget, I have never tried either powder.
