Finally did some load development for my 16.5" 223ai

[Bradu]

I think it was a thread on Scout where someone wanted to know what kind of velocity I was getting out of a 16.5" 223 AI. I finally took the rifle to the range for load development and was very surprised by the velocity I was getting. 25 grains of Varget over an 80 grain amax gave me an average of 2717 and the 26.2 load I had gave me an average of 2858. I had flattened primers but no other signs of pressure so I will have to check them on a hot day this summer to see if it's still safe. I had great groups at 25 and 25.3 but my SD's were right at 20. 26.2 had single digit Sd's and pretty good groups so if I don't have any issues this summer I will probably run the 26.2 load.