Loads for 223 Rem SPS Tactical

[GSRswapandslow]

the one thing that really sucks for owning a gun in .223 is that most load data is for friggin ar15's.... So i've perused the 5.56/223 thread....but now i'm looking for some specific loads for the sps tactical in .223. i know there's a LOT out there...so...what do you guys run?

my best load, so far is:
50gr zmax
24.5gr WC844
1.74" LC brass (oops...)
WSR
2.20"

i've shot combinations of 50, 55, 52, 53, 55, 60, 68, and 75gr bullets...and CFE223, WC844, Varget, and RL15....

I'm going to try some 53gr SMK (#1400) and N133 this weekend...if I can find the powder in time. I'm also going for some benchmark and TAC if I can find them in stock...

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: Loads for 223 Rem SPS Tactical

This is just one guy's experiences, but its an excellent read.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=267175&Number=3060585

You might just be surprised how well 24.0gr Varget with a 75gr Hornady HPBT loaded to AR mag length (2.25-2.26") shoots from your bolt gun. Then try the same recipe with a 0.010" jump.

 

[GSRswapandslow]

Re: Loads for 223 Rem SPS Tactical

i've tried that load...wasn't anything special in my gun :-/
I will, though, load some more and work on the seating depth, now that i have a micrometer seater and ogive comparator


but i'm never shooting over 400-500yds...just don't have the place to do it, so....shooting the absolute heaviest doesn't do much for me

 

[boltgunluvr]

Re: Loads for 223 Rem SPS Tactical

I think that SPS Tact is a 1 in 9 twist. It generally does great in the 69-77gr range of bullets. You've got the twist, use it. Don't waste it on light weight bullets. I know that Varget, RE15 and IMR 4064 will get the job done very well. My SPS Varmint is a 1 in 12 twist and the 53-55gr are the magic pills for it.

 

[Cacciatore]

Re: Loads for 223 Rem SPS Tactical

Some food for though if you get a DBM system and use the AI .223 mags you can load real long. Max COAL of 2.550" which leaves 0.020" of clearance to feed reliably.

For the heavies (69-80 gr) Varget works excellent.

 

[58blackflag]

Re: Loads for 223 Rem SPS Tactical

Haven't done any hand loading for mine but it shoots the hornady 75gr match loads really well. If you experiment with some loads with yours please share!

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Loads for 223 Rem SPS Tactical

My go to load has been 69smk, 25.3 varget in LC or Wichester brass seated to 2.255", I was turned on to this by a highpower shooter and it works. I get ~2800fps from it in my tactical. Then I started exploring... as listed in the above thread.