Looking for best loads using the 52 grain A-max in the 223. I have a 1:9" twist barrel.
Thanks
Elk

Easily the best load for mine was 24.5g N530. I get about 3340fps with that load. This load will group in the 3s or 4s.

Here is the latest group I shot recently at 200 yards. The top group (bottom a different bullet). 0.6 inch at 200 yards. Hornady brass.



Here is a target that I shot at 100 yards with the same load. Top 0.466, bottom 0.460. Bottom target (shot at right was from clean barrel, other 5 into 0.460)



Pick up some VV N530- I think you'll like it.

NICE! My local gun shop is a precision reloading mecca. They carry the Vihtavouri powder line. I'll see if they have some. I've already got some N560, N140 and N160 all of which are great performers.
Thanks
Elk

Kyreloader, what twist rate is your rifle?
Elk

Factory Remington 700 SPS Varmint, I think it is 1:12, but not totally sure. It definitely is a shooter though.

25g shot very well also, about 5s/6s at 3450, just thought that was a little too fast. (VV list 25g as max at 3253).

I love 530, hope your shop has some.

I've been using N135 and am very pleased with the results.

I run RL10x with moly 50's. It makes 3,440fps and outshot several other powders in .223rem. That gun is a 24" 700.

Thanks, I appreciate the info.
Elk

25 grains H 322, small pistol primer, 52 grain A max

No offense to Kyreloader, I expect better groups than that...

His show he has the potetial to put them in there, he just needs a better load.. while not bad, there are better...

No offense taken, but you know that there are better loads out there how?

N530 is the most accurate powder for the 52g Amax that I have tried including Benchmark, H335, TAC, H4198.

So the answer to the original poster's question, 24.5g N530 is the most accurate load that I have shot with this bullet/rifle combo.

Also, how do you know that this particular rifle will shoot better that 0.3 or 0.4 MOA?

Well KYR,

I just suggest you try the 25 grains of H 332, if you have access to any...VV powders are hard to get around here so admittedly I haven't tested them.. but I have tested a bunch of the others...

NOt knocking you groups my friend.. but If you rig has a good barrel on it, see how H 322 does, even if you have to borrow a couple of ounces of it from a buddy or something...

in 9 different bolt 223s'.. that load turned in better groups with that bullet and powder/charge, than anything else...across the board....

But you havent tried N530 correct?

Make you a deal, I will send you some N530 and you can send me some H322 and we can have a shoot off.

KyR:

Tell ya what, pm me an address.. and I'll send you some H 322...
I just ordered 8 lbs of it, so I can share little...

just to give you the opportunity to test it out some..

you don't have to prove to me that N530 isn't great powder.. I'd use it if it was locally available at decent prices.. but there are so many good powders for the old 223....anything made by the Finns is good stuff...

If your name is C I have these posted. This load is a little slow but very accurate.52 Amax 23.8 gr AA2015 in LC 07 brass one with Federal Match Primer and the other with Rem 7 1/2 5 shot groups at 100 yds Rem 700VS 26" 1/12 shoot 1/2 MOA out of my 1/9 Bushmaster 16" carbine also.
The target is a 1/2" diamond there was a torn spot in the paper on the one that looks like 2 holes and I pushed it back up.If I hadn't choked on the last one it would have been a true 1 hole group, if you just count 3 it was. Speed is only about 3100 but I can live with it for the accuracy.

Thanks Enios. I appreciate it. Hope all is well!
C

Hope that 225 is doing well! I thought that might be you. C. I'm loading Nosler brass for the Remmy. The Lake City is what I was using in the AR

Cool. Haven't been shooting the 225AI lately. Don't know if you read the thread from Mike on Tony Gettel's pillar bedded forends, but I bought one. Sent Tony my barrel to use as a template for the Bergara full contour since he didn't have one. Forend's done and Mike has it (taking pictures and checking out the quality of the work). Should have it here tomorrow or Wednesday so I can mount it all up.

I have been using the Lapua match brass on my 223. Works slick, doesn't seem to want to wear out. Nice stuff although a little pricey...

Take care and all the best.
C

Anyway, best regards