Here are 2 targets using the same bullet. One with Benchmark and one with Varget. Benchmark is all over the place and Varget shows promise but I do not know what to pick. That is assuming shot 4 on the Varget target is my fault. What say you? Give up on Benchmark or try with smaller increments? Which ones to use with the Varget? miles

Distance?

DF

Not exactly sure. I had a ribbon at 100 yds but could not find it,but was close. Lines are 1/4 inch apart. miles

Hundred yds or so, you have a lot of random data, I don't see a pattern that one could use to make a conclusion.

DF

At what distance were the two ladder test shot at? Do you have the range to try to step the distance out another notch with same loads?

Yes, I can go quite a bit further, but I was wondering if I needed to quit the Benchmark and concentrate on the Varget, and maybe go in smaller increments. Not sure how to proceed without wasting a lot of time. I am thinking of just loading 5 each of the varget loads and seeing what they do. miles

You need to go at least 300 yds. to see obvious results with a ladder. If you can't do that, use an OCW test with both powders.

What were the powder increments you used? For .223 they should be .2 grains apart and you should try more than 5 loads.

Printed on the targets, .2 gr. increments. miles

Benchmark/223........like peas in a pod......good stuff...

seems Varget works better in the heaviers......

flat base 55's are old school with the newer 53 V's out there

I have a bunch of them in Pointed soft point and hollow point. I got a good deal on them before I got a bolt gun, and planned to shoot them in an AR. Just testing the waters. miles

Miles,

In my use of Benchmark, I found it worked the best with a full case...less than that and the groups opened up dramatically...

I remember my load for a 40 grainer was 28 grains of Benchmark...which is a tack driver out of my rifles...

Varget was sorta slow for anything but the heavier bullets in my opinion out of the 223...say 55 grains and up...

FWIW, JB in his Rifle Trouble-Shooting and Handloading book, has a section with successful loads for a number of rounds.

For the .223 he gives the following: Benchmark, 28 gr. for 40's, 26.5 gr. for 50's and 25 gr. for 55's.

DF

Loaded up some Benchmark in 24.9 and 25.0 yesterday, along with some in Varget, but can't the grainage. Will shoot to test when it quits raining, if the wind lets me. I have some other powders on hand, just thought that I would start here. miles

For the purpose of the ladder test most recomend a distance around 300 yards. If you need a larger target adjust accordingly. If you are able to chronograph the loads as well that will may be useful.

Wish you well!

I shoot mine at 400 yds. and start with a rifle that I know I can shoot sub inch, more like half inch. If you can't control variables to some extent, the data is worthless.

DF

If you think you blew a flyer with any of your ladder, you need to do it over.

Everything needs to be right for a ladder series, and I would presume the longer the range, the more obvious the outcome. But right now, it seems the Varget is the only series worth re-shooting.

Maybe I was using the wrong term. I was simply trying to find the loading node quickly. I am beginning to think that my rifle does not like these bullets, or maybe the powders that I am trying, and I need to switch. Nothing that I have tried has come anywhere close to what it shoots Winchester 55 gr. hollow point varmint factory rounds. I am going to look and see what other powders that I have on hand to try. miles

Miles,

have you disassembled one of the Win 55 HP rounds to see what type of powder they may be using?

you can get a potential idea and then cross reference the charge with a load manual, if you know what velocity you are getting...

that would come real close to duplicating the Win round...

I do that for other guys all the time and it works pretty good...

I'd try duplicating the MV of the factory round with a 55 HP Sierra and see what ya got.. it'll give you a point of reference..

John, I doubt that I could identify the powder but I do have a chronograph. Varget seems to shoot the best out of a full load, and I do mean full. Compressed even. miles

Yes, Miles, that's been my experience with Varget as well, it seems to hit the "compressed" range under 55s as well as lighter bullets. Varget does, however, really rock and roll under 60 grainers, my most accurate 223 loads have been either 60 grain VMs or 62 grain mystery SPs I once got from a big pull-down of a "bargain" ammo offer. I have no clue what those bullets were, but over Varget, they SHOT.
Frankly, I had better results with H-4895 with bullets less than 60 grains, that or TAC which is awful close to H335, the former bionic powder for 223 and 55 grainers. You know, from the Stone Age of varminting?

Since I have had little luck with the 55 grain Hornady SP with the powders that I have on hand, and I will be going to Little Rock either Monday or Tuesday, what powders would I need to buy to get the best odds of something working. Please list them in order of preference as I probably have to choose from available powders and not be able to get exactly what I want. I plan on buying at least 2 different kinds, if I can. I was really hoping Benchmark would work but it did not, and Varget was the best but was not as good as I hoped. I know the rifle will shoot but I don't know if it will shoot with this bullet. Thanks for any and all help. miles

Not sure what your twist rate is with the rifle you are working with though you may wish to consider another bullet as well.

As for powder the following Nosler load data may offer some hints to a direction you may want to try next. http://www.nosler.com/nosler-load-data/223-remington/

Going to commit herasy on my end, but IME if benchark doesnt work well with 55's, try 335.
Got any?

Paperwork says 1 in 9.

No, but will look for some. miles

TAC is also a good one to try. My experience is TAC is like 335 without the mysteries.

The mysteries associated with 335 is the reason I usually don't recommend the powder. Unfortunately I still keep a few pounds around for 55's.