.223AR 77gr SMK vs. Nosler CC

[Mike_in_FL]

I just ran a DPMS Mk12 18" barrel, my most recent upper build, today. I've never reloaded 77s for this barrel before and wanted to try Varget. Ahyhow, long story short is in LC brass 23.5 grains works with only the SMKs. The same load with the NCCs produces groups around an inch, maybe slightly larger.

They are seated to the same length, just wondering if your experience echoes mine. There may be a sweet spot of around .5 grain or so to play with when using the SMKs, but I can't make these Noslers shoot at all.

 

[1idCat]

Re: .223AR 77gr SMK vs. Nosler CC

Inside 300 yards, I swap the SMKs and the NCCs with no change in POI.

I use 24.0 of Varget.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: .223AR 77gr SMK vs. Nosler CC

Hmm, that's interesting. There is a definite difference in POI, over an inch. I only ran at 23.2, 23.5, and 23.8 today. I have 270 rd. on this barrel in 3 range sessions after today. I'm going back with 23.5 and SMKs to verify. If I get any more erratic results I'm scrubbing the crap out of this barrel which I had not intended to do.

 

[1lnbrdg]

Re: .223AR 77gr SMK vs. Nosler CC

I shoot 24.5gr Varget on 2 Brux barrels and a Kreiger. 25.7gr Varget on the last 2 Douglas barrels. You probably have a bit of room to play with it and still stay safely under pressure problems.

Currently shooting Tac though, 24.0gr with the 77's 24.6 with the 80gr bullets.

 

[insight3b]

Re: .223AR 77gr SMK vs. Nosler CC

They're pretty much the same when it comes to accuracy.