New to reloading - Suggestions for Handi 223

[golfnut1969]

Hi everyone and thanks for reading my post.  I've just started reloading and am looking for a good load for the handi.  I'm pretty sure I've got a 1 in 9 twist rate but I can't be sure.  I tried the method described in this site with the patch and counting the turns but I end up with anywhere from 6 to 12 turns each time. 

If anyone can offer any info or point me to another thread or post I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,
GN

[221fireball]

take a marker put a line along rod not around it, up about 16'' or so then  push rod down barrel slowly until it makes One complete turn mark rod where it is entering barrel then remove it and then measure from that mark to tip that will tell you twist rate. most Handis will shoot from 40 Thur 55gr OK . If your new to reloading start reading the reloading manuals and stay with book loads work up from starting loads every gun is different

[bilmac]

If you haven't bought your powder yet I would start with Winchester 748. After years of loading 223s thats where I ended up.

[LaOtto222]

With hand loading, it seems the 55 grain bullets work out best for a lot of folks, no matter the twist rate. Some have had good luck with 65 grain bullets in the 1 - 9" twist. I would try one of the slower powders for the 223. H4895, Varget, WW 748 and BLC2 would be good places to start. Just remember that what works in my rifle dos not mean it will work in yours. You are going to have to pick some likely loads and work it up to find out what works for you. In my Humble opinion accuracy trumps velocity and Handis seem to do better with moderate loads. Good Luck and Good Shooting

[John4me05]

With hand loading, it seems the 55 grain bullets work out best for a lot of folks, no matter the twist rate. Some have had good luck with 65 grain bullets in the 1 - 9" twist. I would try one of the slower powders for the 223. H4895, Varget, WW 748 and BLC2 would be good places to start. Just remember that what works in my rifle dos not mean it will work in yours. You are going to have to pick some likely loads and work it up to find out what works for you. In my Humble opinion accuracy trumps velocity and Handis seem to do better with moderate loads. Good Luck and Good Shooting

True words on my Handi too... Mine loves the lighter charges of Varget with either 40 Vmax, or 50 Vmax... I get over 3200fps and 1 hole accuracy... My 40s were a 26.5 charge and my 50s shoot a 25.5gr charge... Both 1 hole at 100yds...

[PartsMan]

Mine likes 55g Combined Technologies and Varget.
It is a 1 in 9"

[golfnut1969]

I'm using Hodgdon H335.  Checked my barrel twist rate, it's 1 in 12.  I'm currently loading 50gr vmax.

[Enios]

H-335 + 50gr Nosler blastic tip 25.5 and 26 both are good out of a 1/12. Try 27 with a 40 Vmax for real accuracy with the 335. If you want to try a heavier bullet try  25.3 with the 65 Sierra Game King. Any one of these loads have shot great out of any 1/12 they've been shot in.

[Sourdough]

The Hodgdon manual gives good loads for the .223 Remington using all Winchester components.  Using Winchester Brass, Winchester SR primers, Winchester 748 powder, and using bullets from 50 to 69 gr.  I found these loads work well with both my Handis.

[PeterCartwright]

I'm playing with a youth stocked "superlite".  (12" twist)  This rifle is showing potential with 25 gr. H4895 and three different bullets:  55 gr. Speer for an economical range bullet, 60 gr. Nos. PartN and Barnes 53 gr. TSX for more serious stuff.  The TSX seems to be grouping best, at this point. I'm hoping I can see the little rifle in action during our youth deer hunt in September.