TSX Accuracy

[223ai]

I picked up my new deer rifle a couple of weeks ago (223ai, #3 8 twist Brux, 700 action, McMillan stock), and started load development yesterday. My competition rifle is also a 223ai and the same smith, same reamer, and same chamber gauge were used on my deer rifle. Both rifles are extremely accurate, moreso than I am.

My usual load of 26.9 varget, 80gr jlk's, .005" jam shoots as expected in both rifles. I loaded 62gr Barnes TSX, 27.2 Varget, cci 400, .005" jump, and had terrible accuracy.I'm talking 1-1.5moa for a rifle that shoots the JLK's into a tight cloverleaf (.5 moa or better). Granted, this is a deer rifle, and 1 moa accuracy is more than enough, but the results surprised the hell out of me.

Does anyone have any tips for loading the 62gr TSX bullets? Are they just not as accurate as others?

 

[MLC]

Re: TSX Accuracy

Mine shot well using N133.
You might try Benchmark, 8208 or adjust seating depth.

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: TSX Accuracy

The TSX bullets, typically, like a jump. I have not had any luck getting them to shoot well close to the lands, like a normal match bullet. I have not loaded the 62 grain TSX specifically for this case, but have loaded many TSX in other calibers. Try seating them off about .030"-.050", and try again. Also, this big of a jump may require a new load, so try a few different charges a little higher.

 

[enmerdeur]

Re: TSX Accuracy

You need to find the node for that particular bullet. I would start at 26.5 grains and increase by .3 grains until you reach the published max. Load 5 rounds of each and then go out and shoot the 5 round groups. Always look for pressure signs. You should be able to find the node (or close to it) and then you can adjust up or down by .1 of a grain to find the true sweet spot.

 

[223ai]

Re: TSX Accuracy

Thanks Chad, will do. I am already majorly compressing the varget load, so it looks like I'll need to go to a different powder. I have 16 lbs of TAC on hand, along with some IMR 4895...thoughts?

 

[223ai]

Re: TSX Accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Enmerdeur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You need to find the node for that particular bullet. I would start at 26.5 grains and increase by .3 grains until you reach the published max. </div></div>

Unfortunately, given that this is an AI chambering, there is no published max that I am aware of.

 

[enmerdeur]

Re: TSX Accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JPipes</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Enmerdeur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You need to find the node for that particular bullet. I would start at 26.5 grains and increase by .3 grains until you reach the published max. </div></div>

Unfortunately, given that this is an AI chambering, there is no published max that I am aware of. </div></div>

Well start low and work your way up I guess.

 

[bowslngr]

Re: TSX Accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChadTRG42</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The TSX bullets, typically, like a jump. I have not had any luck getting them to shoot well close to the lands, like a normal match bullet. I have not loaded the 62 grain TSX specifically for this case, but have loaded many TSX in other calibers. Try seating them off about .030"-.050", and try again. Also, this big of a jump may require a new load, so try a few different charges a little higher. </div></div>

Agreed. I get the best accuracy from my .223 TSXs at .04" off the lands.