Result from my first .223 rem load.

[Shotgunjimmy]

Just wanted to share the result from my first batch of reloads for .223 rem.

Load was:
Once fired PPU brass
CCI small rifle primers
CFE 223 powder (23.8gr, Hodgdon starting load)
62 gr Fed Fusion bullets (found a source of these online pulled from factory ammo)
Light factory crimp
All reloading done on Lee Breech Lock Hand Press


Group was fired from a Ruger American (stainless) with Redfield 4-9 scope. Fired from a hasty bench rest, wind blowing 5-10mph. Target was 100 yards out.

To say I was impressed with the result is an understatement. I roughly measured it at .75" center to center.

 

[skizzums]

looking good. work up........ I haven't found a .223 that actually likes the starting loads, usually about 75% up the scale it'll start coming together. I usually load/shoot ten bullet groups when load testing at each increment. at least five for a group size. people keep reducing shot numbers in groups, pretty soon we are going to be down to comparing 2 shot groups. 3 doesn't tell you a whole bunch. but....it looks promising, but I assume you can do better with more testing.

congrats on getting your first loads done and shot successfully. I use the same press for the last two years, still cant believe how nice of bullets it can make for a hundred dollar kit.

 

[Road_Clam]

Wow, that's pretty sweet that you nailed a nice sub moa load quickly. It's almost never works out that way. Now keep testing for .5 moa ! A tip log your data ! I know so many people that don't bother to keep detailed data on their loads then they struggle to achieve the same performance when some variables change and they are scratching their heads as to what's wrong. While your load performed awesome at say 50 degrees , it might be not as good if the temps get up into the 80's . Good luck !

 

[JeepHammer]

+1 for 5 or better yet, 10 shot groups.
3 shot groups lie...

I think guys like 3 shot groups because they don't want to admit 'Fliers',
Which we all have at one time or another, or for one reason or another.

I had a GREAT group going when a horse fly bit my ear on the 9th round,
Recently, I had a guy turn a big magnium loose without warning on the 8th round of a 10 shot group you could cover with a dime...
Instant 1/2" flier!

When you KNOW that it was you and not the rifle/ammo,
It's a mulligan, a do over...
It's not competition, its ammo testing!

I wish all my starting groups looked like that!
I've had 4" starting groups, years ago you just never knew where things were going to start...

Much better components and much better data today,
But give me a chance and I'll still screw it up!

 

[Road_Clam]

I shoot 4 shots and calculate the best 3. I also test shoot at 200 meters. Shooting at this distance more defines vertical stringing. My 200 meter range is almost always plagued with wind in all directions I swear its a daily cyclone vortex ! So this is the main reason I discard the worst shot out of the 4.