Thread: Getting ES down with 223

My "heavy hitting" 223 load is sweet as. TMK's over AR2206H with Lapua brass and Federal primers goes great and I get an ES of about 20 past a labradar and it really lets me stretch the 223 out. I've obviously stumbled into a magic sweet spot with this combo though, because I've struggled to get anything nearly as consistent using other components.

Admittedly, I'm using inexpensive brass for other loads, but I can't believe I should need to use the uber premium stuff to get ES down under 100 providing I'm doing everything else right - so I'm left thinking it's mostly to do with the powder/primer/projectile combo.

Have tried workups with a few different 50-55gr projectiles, AR2219, BM2, and AR2206H, CCI 400's, 450's, and Federal 205's. Whilst I've gotten some good groups, nothing has come close to being as consistent as the TMK load. I noticed an improvement when I switched to using a Forster FL die. Neck tension seemed to become a lot more consistent and ES improved... But not enough for my liking.

Anyone noticed a particular change that cut theirs down? I don't notice this problem with larger cartridges.

(PS I know a chrono has ruined many a good load - I don't care, I'm a perfectionist)