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Posted: 10/13/2023 12:31:11 AM EDT


can you please recommend a good powder, primer and bullet to get started with?  5.56 caliber . I got the rest already figured out,,, ( I think )
Link Posted: 10/13/2023 5:47:57 AM EDT
[#1]
Sierra 77gr OTM, Varget and Federal 205M
Link Posted: 10/13/2023 6:33:08 AM EDT
[#2]
Berger 77 OTM
23.5 Varget
CCI 450

52/55
25.0 H335

52/55
26.5 W748

73/75/77
23.2 XBR 8208

73/75/77
24.0 Varget

73/75/77
24.0 TAC

73/75/77
24.0 Re15

There are so many good ones.
Link Posted: 10/13/2023 7:16:15 AM EDT
[#3]
General blasting? 55 fmj and Varget

Varmints? 40-55 gr VMAX and AA2460

Larger game? Not my lane.

Link Posted: 10/13/2023 8:45:07 AM EDT
[#4]
Link Posted: 10/13/2023 9:03:42 AM EDT
[#5]
ummm reloading manual of your choice is a good start

There are even free online ones.
Link Posted: 10/13/2023 10:05:52 AM EDT
[#6]
For good blasting ammo AA2230, it's usually available and a hell of a lot cheaper than one that's been recommended.

For heavy bullets, 69-77, TAC or AA2520 are also generally available and are on the lower end of the cost scale but very good performers. Re15 if you can find it.

Link Posted: 10/13/2023 3:12:50 PM EDT
[Last Edit: smoothy8500] [#7]
Nosler 77gr Custom Competition HPBT "blemished" projectiles, Accurate Arms 2520 all thrown on a progressive press. AR15 NM with 4X scope shot at 600yds

Link Posted: 10/13/2023 4:26:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SteelonSteel] [#8]
52 grain Nosler BTHP and RL15 or H335 or surplus WC844.  Hornady 55 FMJ shoot better than the others like winchester or Remington component bullets if you want to shoot FMJ.

One would want to know what rifle barrel twist before suggesting the heavier bullets,   A bolt gun Model 700 and an AR can be quite different.

Are we talking an AR?
A bolt gun with a fast twist like the ARs?
A bolt gun with a slow standard twist?

Link Posted: 10/13/2023 4:29:39 PM EDT
[#9]
Link Posted: 10/14/2023 6:04:42 PM EDT
[#10]
Good data above but as stated, what are you loading for?

If you ask the same question for 300 H&H you may get one answer. For 223 there are hundreds of combinations depending on purpose, and budget…
Link Posted: 10/16/2023 3:17:52 PM EDT
[#11]
Depends on how plan to reload? There are fantasy loads out there, and then there is reality.

Stick powders IE Varget are not as consistent as compared to ball type powders when going through most powder measures.

And, so as far as I have experienced Varget is very accurate from 40 to 80gr bullets.  But, it comes at a cost of slow to produce larger production runs say on a progressive press.  Varget is hit and miss with availability and the cost is up there.

I would offer up that in my experience Ramshot TAC is great choice for 69 and 77 gr OTM bullets.  And, my best results have been with CCI 450 primers.  TAC price wise must more palatable and easier to find.
Link Posted: 10/17/2023 6:49:00 PM EDT
[#12]
Link Posted: 10/17/2023 10:37:58 PM EDT
[#13]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Hoser:
Seeing as how this is the precision reloading area I assume you are loading for accuracy and not for general purpose ammo.

Sierra 69 SMK/TMK and 77 SMK/YMK, Varget, CCI Benchrest primers and Lapua brass.
View Quote


If you add the Berger 77 tactical you would have my most accurate 223 load ever.
Link Posted: 10/17/2023 10:41:37 PM EDT
[#14]
Link Posted: 10/22/2023 9:37:45 AM EDT
[#15]
Simple plinking and to get started---------  Since you have not done this before  components can be a chore to find, But stuff is out there

Get some H335,  Some cheap 55 FMJ and primers
Link Posted: 10/22/2023 10:33:34 AM EDT
[#16]
TAC powder.  Winchester small rifle primers.  Hornady 55 or 62 FMJ.


Link Posted: 12/2/2023 5:22:46 PM EDT
[#17]
My go to is:

77gn smk

24.0gn Varget
2.260 OAL
Fed Standard 205 Small Rifle Primer
Link Posted: 12/2/2023 5:24:02 PM EDT
[#18]
My go to is:

77gn smk

24.0gn Varget
2.260 OAL
Fed Standard 205 Small Rifle Primer
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