223 re-load problem

[jono]

Hi, I reloaded some 223 I used 55gr v-max bullets and TAC and exterminator powders I also used siera manual but used ar loads. When shot in handi rifle with 1-12 twist it was terrible the best was 1-1/2 out to 2 1/2 groups, was this powder to hot for handi rifle ,would it help to get 1-9 barrel for this rifle or I notice alot of people shoot lighter bullets ,dont really want to do that I want to keep at 55 or change barrels and go 69 gr hpbt

[rdmallory]

No Heavier than 55grn you should not have an issue I would try some 52 or 50grn and see if that makes a difference.

Doug

[trotterlg]

If the bullets were not going through the paper sideways then the bullets are stable, just slightly increase or decrease the load some (within load limits) and you will likely find something that works better.  Larry

[bikerbeans]

jono,

I use TAC and Exterminator almost exclusively in my 223 Handis.  I have had (3) barrels, (2) 1:9 twist and an oddball 1:14 twist.  All 3 barrels seemed to work better at about 1/2 way between starter and maximum powder loading.  Also, I had better luck with FB bullets than the BTs.  I noticed that using Ramshots load data at or near max. load with both these powders would start to flatten out my primers.  Good luck with your loading.

BB

[norm ks]

 been using exterminater  with 40 and 50 gr  at max of course  super shooting in all 4 223 guns i have .  primers are flat  but never had hard extraction even at 102 degrees or a poped primer  is my dog shooting powder of choice  for 223

[bikerbeans]

norm,

if you have the time, try a 60 grain Sierra Varminter with the Exterminator.  Obviously not as flat as what your are launching but they seem to work really fine out of the 1:9 twist 223 Handi.

BB

[norm ks]

will give it a try spring is just around the corner

[rdmallory]

work really fine out of the 1:9 twist 223 Handi.

Yes, but with a 1-12 he has a good change to key holing.

Doug

[necchi]

i'm getting dimesize groups consistantly with my 1-12 and 55grn bullets, Varget.
But like Bikerbeans said it doesn't like max loads, bout' a grain short of max gives me the targets I want.
 Ya gotta always follow Larry's advise, just mess with the load a bit.
Got a mildot scope on the 223 and zero at 200, it's on at 50 and just a bit high using the first dot above the center at 100, haven't chornographed the loads yet, been to darn cold to use my Christmas present chrony

[PHATINJUN]

Some 1-12's just won't shoot 55grainers. But as others have said try dif. powders and dif. velocities. Kurt

[gcrank1]

Not all pointy bullets are the same, even if the same weight. The bearing surface, the ojive (curve to the point), etc. they behave differently in the twist at the velocity achieved. At top end loads you probably cant get enough more velo to stabilize a marginally stable bullet design. Usually the quickest solution is to go to a shorter bullet; but in your case, take the recommendations here for what bullet has worked for others, though keep the above in mind.