.233 Remington in a 700 SPS Tactical Reloading question(s)

[mikeb]

Was going to start reloading for my Remington 700 SPS Tactical in .223

Have been shooting and collecting the brass off Remington 55gn target ammo getting ready to start processing the brass but I have a couple of questions....

1. I was going to try the Sierra Matchking heads and PPU primers with Varget powder - I know all this stuff is getting scarce but this is what I use in the .303 so didn't want to start using different powders if I can. Anybody recommend a load?

2. I notice that the factory Remington ammunition is crimped, so do I crimp or not?

All suggestions and advice appreciated.

MikeyB

[ovenpaa]

You do not need to crimp.

What is the twist of your barrel, a faster twist will allow you to shoot heavier bullets.

[bnz41]

Hi Mike,

You have a PM.

[Mr_Logic]

Also, if you can still get Varget, where please?!

i found a 69gr Lapua scenar with 23.6 AA2230 worked nicely. Was a while ago mind, so may have got that charge wrong.

[Andy632]

I use Varget; approx. 24 gns behind a 75 or 77gn bullet if using a 1 in 8 barrel.

[toffe wrapper]

Hi Mike
I have rem 700 LTR (20 inch barrel)
load I worked up to is 25.6 grn Varget, CCI small rifle primers COL 58mm. neck size only no crimp PPU cases

Start lower and work up but Varget is very good in .223's

TW

[mikeb]

The twist rate on this rifle I believe is 1:9

I tried 52gn SMK HPBT with a CCi primer and 25gn of Varget. The results were much better groups than the Remington factory stuff I had been using to build the brass supplies up with. Seated at around 2.23.

The Varget I got from Dautsey guns by the way.

Would the 1:9 prefer the heavier heads?

Mike

[saddler]

1. I was going to try the Sierra Matchking heads...

All suggestions and advice appreciated.

MikeyB

NO

You were/are going to use Sierra MatchKing BULLETS



Crimping is down to preference. Do a bacth that are crimped and an identical batch without a crimp and see what the difference is, if any

[Mattnall]

The twist rate on this rifle I believe is 1:9

Would the 1:9 prefer the heavier heads?

Not really, if 52gn bullets do it then you don't need to change. You may be able to get bullets as heavy as 77gn to stabilise but don't change unless you need the extra weight/energy etc.

I wouldn't crimp unless the bullet has a cannelure, and then only if I cannot get good neck tension any other way.