223 with 65gn SGK's AR2219??

Hello Guys

I've been playing with 65gn projectiles in my 1:9 twist Howa mini. So far I've tried W748 and AR2206H. The following loads may be hot in other rifles - work up from at least minus 10% like I did!!

After an initial test the 2206H looked most promising with 3 shot groups from 16mm (only one like that) to mostly round the 30mm mark. Velocities with 2206H have been right up there with 3000 fps not a problem (highest I went was 3045 average with nary a pressure sign).

So I went back and retested the most promising load (26gns/3004 fps) with variations of plus and minus .3 of a grain. Velocities were pretty consistent with the 26.3 having a 30 fps ES. However groups were all over the place, ranging from 25mm to some over 50mm for two groups of three shots with each variation. I tried another 40 gn load I know the rifle "likes" just to be sure I was shooting OK and plunked down a 15mm group - so I don't think it was me.

So . . . I'm thinking of trying a tin of AR2219 to see what that will do. My thoughts are that it doesn't like 748 (slowish burn rate) or AR2206H (a bit faster) then maybe the next step is to try something with a fast burn rate. Quickload says that I'll still get over 3000 fps with lowish pressures and a full burn in my 20" barrel (both 748 and 2206H blow a bit of unburnt powder out the end !)

Any thoughts??

Try CFE223, burns real clean both in your barrel and in your action if you have a semiauto.

Your barrel just may not like that weight/length bullet. I have a newer model 7 223 with a 9 twist barrel and had hoped it would shoot a 69gr well, i tried two different bullets, it just doesnt like them, similar groups to yours. While it will put 55gr SGK's thru the same hole, and .5 moa groups at 400, sometimes less.

3 things spring to mind, 1/ if the 40gr load used one of those powders and shoots fine with no unburnt "bits" then you should not get them with a heavier bullet.
2/ Check your twist rate the sgk should be fine in faster than 1:10
3/ play around with seating depth, sometimes boat tail bullets can be a little fussy about the jump to the rifling.
This is all part of the fun of reloading

Try 2208. 2219 might be a little fast for them. They will be little hammers at the speed you have them at the moment

24gr BM2. Match made in heaven.My son kills lotsa deer with this load. We anneal all our brass.Run in an 8T T3.

Thanks for the suggestions folks. I found some 3031 in the back of the cupboard so I'll try that first (and its very similar in burn to BM2). Velocities with 3031 are very good, with a compressed casefull as a max load at 3060 fps pressure is quite moderate (according to Quickload).

They're great bullets I only wish they were cheaper

Yep 3031 and 4895 would be other suggestions along with BM2.

Phone call on the way sometime this morning… I have the same bullet loaded with BM2 and 2208 and you can try it if you wish… I also have 69gr HPBT with same or close recipe.

they were for my old bolt rifle and AR…

Mac