I've been reloading for over 35 years, bolt guns and revolvers/pistols.  Now, due to prices, I have started to load for my 1:9, 24 in barrel varmint AR in 223.

In the past, I was shooting blue box Black Hills 60 grain V-max and getting 1/3 MOA at 3000 fps.  I've tried to duplicate that load using Hodgdon and Nosler data with both V-max and Nosler BT's with Benchmark, Varget, TAC, mag and non-mag primers.  Groups were terrible and speed was no better than 2850-2900 fps. I switched to Nosler 55 grain BT's with Benchmark and non-mag primers. I finally got a good group (1/2 MOA) but speed was no better than 2980 at listed max loads.  

With those speeds, I might as well go to the 69 grain match bullets for small critters.  Hopefully, they will reach book speeds.  BTW, I had the barrel scoped and all seems fine.  

What the 'ell am I doing wrong?  Is the gas system and twist taking that much speed off?  Suggestions?

TIA.

You will have better luck in the reloading forum.








ETA: Sorry, seems I thought I was in GD for some reason...



 

In my 20" Predator barrel I am getting an average of @ 3,080 fps with the 60gr vmaxs over 25.8gr of Varget. This load is well under max and pressure signs are non existant while producing excellent accuracy. I have shot this load sub .5 moa on good days.

You may need to look at your loads and work up a little closer to max.

Pretty simple answer to the question of the OP, BHA uses non-canister grades of powder...ergo you can not buy it.
My choices would be TAC, Varget, N135, Reloader 10

Also, is this published vel or actual chrono speeds.
'Borg

In the origional post, the speeds are chrono'd speeds.  They are ONLY 90% of book speeds even when taken to max Nosler and Hodgdon loadings and beyond.  Even pushed 1 case too far.

More facts:

SS barrel
round count: about 2K (might be worn out but bore scoped fine and seems to shoot fine with some loads)
loaded OAL: 2.240"

I seriously doubt that at 2000 rounds your barrel is wore out.  You may want to try the 55grn v-max.  I use them ontop of 26.5 grn of Varget for target load.

And, what is the chrono'd speed?

Maybe your chrono isn't very accurate? Shot in the dark...

3024  10 shots 24" w/1-9 twist.

Loading is not all about speed. Especially if you are concerned over 50 fps.



Whats your altitude?

Whats your temperature?

Whats your humidity?

What was the distance from end of barrel to the mid point of the chrono?

What is the chrono brand?

Was it cloudy or very bright sunshine?

Was the chrono perfectly level?



I am sure there are even more considerations that need to be looked at when comparing velocity data. Maybe this will give you a clue to why your loads may or may not match the published velocity.
 

I'd say quit chasing velocity. If you found a load at 1/2 moa at 2980, whats wrong with that?

If you need more range, then get a bigger rifle

I get 3060 out of my 20" SS with 60 gr. V-Max bullets and just over 2900 with 69 gr. SMK's . With another 20" CM barrel that was not broke in yet I got 2950 with 60 gr. V-Max bullets. Varget was used in both loads and the SS barrel will do < .5 moa with the 60 gr. bullets and around .75 with the SMK's.