Starting point for 223

philips5

I have a Browning A-Bolt in 223 Rem with 1/12 twist 20" barrel. What would be the best bullet weight for reloading cartridges for this firearm? Typically I'll be target shooting and looking for very good accuracy.

Thanks for any help.

Matt

bpost

I'd start with Berger 52 grain FB match bullets.

philips5

Thanks, I'll give the Bergers a try.

bperdue21

Sierra 52 gr BTHP matchking is a little cheaper and they shoot excellent in multiple rifles I have had.

bentley47

+1 on the recommendations so far. Here is a link from Shilen for twist rates/bullet weights - note the 224 CF (Centerfire) section for your 223.
http://www.shilen.com/calibersAndTwists.html

Rocky Raab

I've long held that 50 grains is the best all-round bullet weight for the .223 (52/53 included). That assumes the gun being chambered as designed and with the original twist rate of 1-12". The military loadings of 55 grains and up were crafted to achieve penetration of helmets at long range - something that sport shooters do remarkably little of.

The 50s give a little more velocity than 55s; they offer a little better wind-bucking, a good amount more striking energy and not much more drop than 40s. In short, an ideal compromise.

sandwarrior

philips5,

With your 1-12" twist you should be able to stabilize the 50, 55, and 60 gr. Hornady V-max's. Very accurate bullets. Sierra 50, and 55 gr. HP or Blitzking and 52/53 gr. match.

I personally find the best powder for me is AA2015 for accuracy. For velocity and accuracy it's H4895ext. For velocity I use TAC.

As you may have noted the lightest bullet I listed was the 50 gr. To me anything lighter in that case is a waste. I only listed up to 60 as that twist you have will only stabilize up to that. I don't feel the .223 is wasted with heavier bullets. In fact I think it's pretty usefull shooting 68/69 and even 75/77 gr. bullets when you have the right twist. The heavier bullets come out of the barrel slower but if you want to reach 800-1000 yds successfully they can do it. The only bullet I have been able to do that with what I mentioned for your rifle is the 60 gr. V-max. And that was because I had altitude and heat on my side. It will shoot out to 600 without problems.

The load I use to get my 60 gr. V-max's out that far is 26.5 gr. of H4895 ext. You would need to work up to that starting at around 23 gr.
the max load I came up with for AA2015 was 24.5 gr. Start at 22.5 for that one.