FTL wrote:Normally have loaded 69gr with BM2, but thought I would try Ar2208/Varget. Have checked multiple sources and working up a load starting at 24gr Ar 2208 to 25.8 (all above 24.8 are compressed loads) thought that before pulling the trigger I would check here to take advice as there is a lot of expertise on the forum.
I also managed to snag some 77gr OTM Tactical Bergers(length1.029") in 223 and want to use AR 2208 for those. 1:8 twist so will stabilise
I haven't actually loaded as yet but the window(Berger manual) for Ar2208 is from 20gr to 22.5gr. Obviously I will be starting at the Minimum and working up. The max load is not compressed (quick mock up).
Has anybody loaded these(77gr)?
These are both LR target projects.
I appreciate your expert opinions
[Not loading for target work, so I havent dialled these in very much.]
I load the 68gn Hornady BTHP match and the 69gn Rexem F-Bomb pills with 24.5gns of AR2208, and a COAL of 2.265".
I also load the 75gn Hornady BTHP Match, and the 75gn Rexem BTHP F-Bombs with 24.0gns of AR2208, and COAL of 2.265"
I havent had the chance to chrono any of them other than the Rexem 75gn pills; they seem to be departing at 2740fps average.
No excess pressure signs seen so far; ADI brass.
The 68/69gn(Both have G1 BC of 0.355) pills are running through a Howa 1500 .223 with 1:9 twist, and a 22" barrel.
The 75gn pills(Both have G1 BC of 0.395) are running through a Tikka T3x CTR .223 with 1:8 twist, and a 20" barrel.
Both shoot extremely consistently for hunting; MOA or less.
At some stage, now that I seem to have the LabRadar chrono (mostly) operational again, I plan to get some more data on each load, but not for a while.
I havent tweaked the loads to get the best from them, and I havent tweaked the seating depth to chase the Lands.
Hope this helps.