What's the length of the barrel and velocity?
- Thread starter Rangerbob33
- Start date
24”
Speed is a touch over 2900 fps
Had to adjust the seating depth for the new chamber but it’s still hammering!
I'm running 80s with XBR, running them slow too, most of my practice with these is 550yds or less so I don't see the need to go crazy.
21.8 of XBR and they're running about 2650 around 12-14sd on a progressive press.
Shoot pretty well...
Just to revive this thread... just got a Criterion Rem/age chambered in 223 match. Put it in a trued Remington action (Manners stock,
Triggertech special trigger, Vortex PST gen2 scope... nothing fancy but serviceable stuff). First few rounds while zeroing couldn’t get the rifle to shoot sub MOA. 22.5 grains H4895, 0.050” off the lands. It was running 2750 fps on the Labradar.
I was disappointed bc other Rem/age barrels I had (6Cm, 6xc, 6br) have always shot sub 1/2 MOA, most actually 1/3 MOA or better
Obviously, will start playing w seating depth and may be a tunner. My disappointment is bc this is the second barrel, my friend has another, that doesn’t shoot (I do understand the jury’s out on mine). Wonder if bad barrel lot?... my buddy tried several bullets and couldn’t get it to shoot...
Triggertech special trigger, Vortex PST gen2 scope... nothing fancy but serviceable stuff). First few rounds while zeroing couldn’t get the rifle to shoot sub MOA. 22.5 grains H4895, 0.050” off the lands. It was running 2750 fps on the Labradar.
I was disappointed bc other Rem/age barrels I had (6Cm, 6xc, 6br) have always shot sub 1/2 MOA, most actually 1/3 MOA or better
Obviously, will start playing w seating depth and may be a tunner. My disappointment is bc this is the second barrel, my friend has another, that doesn’t shoot (I do understand the jury’s out on mine). Wonder if bad barrel lot?... my buddy tried several bullets and couldn’t get it to shoot...
Friend of mine is running a criterion savage nut barrel on a bighorn. Same results as you and very disappointed.
Interesting, I have 3 other Criterions in 6 mm calibers and they’re lasers. Not sure if a bad lot or something
Just ran some more of these today Lapua brass 24.5 4895 2.510 oal 26” Bartlein origin action. Run at 2950 my son ran them from 450,600,700,800 1000 with first round hits no problem. This is my backup match rifle.
In my case I don't think the problem is the bullet but rather the barrel... I'm seriously thinking on picking up a Bartlein 223 barrel and ditching this Criterion.
Running a .223 match chamber, which I believe is .090" freebore. Bartlein gain twist finished at 6.8 twist and 22" long.
23.5 gr of 8208 dumped from the dillon. ~2800 fps and shoots way plenty good for loading quick and throwing powder. Shot sub 1/2 moa standing off a bag and tripod the other day til 1 opened it to 1/2, and it shoots pretty good at 700 too. Definitely a fun barrel to keep my Bighorn in action til I put on the hunting barrel.
23.5 gr of 8208 dumped from the dillon. ~2800 fps and shoots way plenty good for loading quick and throwing powder. Shot sub 1/2 moa standing off a bag and tripod the other day til 1 opened it to 1/2, and it shoots pretty good at 700 too. Definitely a fun barrel to keep my Bighorn in action til I put on the hunting barrel.
I'm happy to report that I sent the barrel back to Criterion and that their customer service, Michael, is outstanding. They cut a new barrel for me, and it shoots 0.4-0.3 MOA...
My recent experience with the same barrel is the same. I tried the 75 ELDM and 80.5 Berger FB. No matter the powder or seating, I just couldn't get good groups. I switched to 88's and those shoot lights out. I was hoping to shoot something lighter, but I might not be able to.
Are you also running a match chamber? Do you recall when you purchased it? I'm assuming you got it from NSS.
I just bought a replacement for my 2018 Wylde chambered barrel that has been an absolute laser with 55s, 69s, 73s, & 75's.
Yup, 223 match chamber, bought in August 2020 from nss direct. I even called and asked and all I was told was that I needed to try another powder and/or depth.
I’ve been fighting this CBI for 2yrs and no combination of anything shoots consistently under 1moa.
What powder are you running for the 88s? I have a box I was going to try.
Varget. Hot load too, but it works.
Both my shooting partner and I are working to find a load with 80 ELDM’s. Both of us settled on a charge weight in the 24.2-24.5 range. But neither of us can get these bullets to run in our .223 bolt guns. I tested out to 0.040” but fount no good group. My rifle has a 28” 7 twist Krieger barrel. His has a 26” barrel.
I tested some 80.5 Berger’s, and they shoot extremely well.
Any ideas?
I tested some 80.5 Berger’s, and they shoot extremely well.
Any ideas?
I have had pretty good luck with 25.0gr of N140 and the 80gr ELD. Right around 3000 fps in a 26". LC brass looks good. Haven't even tested seating depth yet, I believe I'm around 2.49" but dont quote me on that I'll have to check. Ive been loading all kinds of powders and heavy bullets in 223 lately trying to find what I like the best.
A stout charge of 8208 and the 75gr ELD is a freaking laser beam.
As far as the 80gr goes I'm going to try Varget and Tac when I have time. For now the N140 seems to be super consistent, all VV powder Ive shot so far have done very well.
What powder is this with? That charge range seems to be the sweet spot for multiple people including myself with 8208 XBR.
What bullet were you using? Thanks!
Yeah definitely have to check and see which do best for you, the 75s are hard to beat unless you get 80s or 88s going quite fast. 200 FPS seems like a lot, for me the difference was around 50-60 FPS between the 75 and 80 ELD.
How did your testing go with RL 15? I have a 24” varmint upper from WOA.
I have a savage with a criterion 26” rem match barrel 1-7” twist. Originally started with the 75 eld and xbr. Was not impressed with that combo so switched to varget. Found a node at about 2865fps which was 24gr with oal 2.450”. Switched to the 80 eld and found the same node at 2870 fps (24.4gr) and another at 2920 fps at 25.0gr. Both of those SD’s were 6 and shot .5”-.75” groups at 100 yards.
Yep, that’s my go to load for 80 ELD-Ms = 24.5gn.
Did you find a good load with RL15? I’d love to know. I have the same WO upper as you. Thanks!
I've had good results using this data with like bullet weights, you may find it helpful.
Last edited:
Anyone know of any 80gr ELD bullets in stock? I've checked all my usual places and they are out. I see some at places I've never heard of, but am concerned they are scams.
Check midsouthshooters supply. They've had 88s and 75s on sale. They usually have the 80s too.
*nevermind they're out. That's the first time they haven't had them in a long while.
24.4 varget. 80 eldm, CCI 400 primer, lapua brass seated .20 off is a hammer for me 2920 out of a 26 inch proof barrel
What is your COAL?
Similar threads
