What the Go To Load for 80gr Sierra SMK .223

[Shootnjunky]

So I have the following and need a starting point and a goto that people are using.

.223 Lapua Match Brass
Varget
Fed 205M Primers
80gr SMK's

Running this in a Savage F/TR .223 30" Barrel

 

[ksthomas]

Right about 24.0 grains, and run it. That gives around 2725 fps in a standard Service Rifle (20" barrel), but will obviously be higher in a long barrel like yours. That's pretty much "the" standard load for most HP shooters in their 600 yard loads. Normal OAL is about 2.440" in a Wylde chamber, or out to as much as 2.550" in a 5.56mm NATO chamber.

Match the OAL up with your throat, adjust the load accordingly, and you should be good to go.