.223 cheap loads

[Mitch@Ripley]

Hey guys, I'm looking at something different to my last few posts here (RE: Super accurate .223 ammo). I am looking at developing a super CHEAP load that I can blast away into dirt and not wince every time I pull the trigger (The 60c per shot might not sound like much but when you are still in school, it sure adds up quickly). Anyway, so far my cheapest load (yet to be tested) consists of: 22.5gr of ADI BM8208 (about 16,5 C) a lapua 55gr fmj (30-35 c depending on batch...it is actually the cheapest, non bulk projie the lgs has) and a 6 cent WSR primer in once-fired brass, this comes to about 56cents a round. I have been searching for a cheap 55 or 62gr FMJ (preferably Boat tailed with cannelure) however the cheapest projie I have found so far is a 55gr Z Max (about 24c each).

Any advice or guidance is muchly appreciated. I would prefer FMJ, but realistically, any projie in the "cheap" range will probably perform the same.

Also, I'm about 2/3 of the way through my powder, so if you have any suggestions on an ADI powder that is either super cheap or that can be used for both budget and precision rounds, I'd be happy to consider it for my next purchase.

oh and I'd love for the load to be sub-MOA, but as long as it hits an A4 sheet of paper at 200-300 yards, I'm happy.

sorry for dragging on, thanks in advance for the help.

[bladeracer]

Hey guys, I'm looking at something different to my last few posts here (RE: Super accurate .223 ammo). I am looking at developing a super CHEAP load that I can blast away into dirt and not wince every time I pull the trigger (The 60c per shot might not sound like much but when you are still in school, your dad is having to put most of his money into his car and (rental) house, it sure adds up quickly). Anyway, so far my cheapest load (yet to be tested) consists of: 22.5gr of ADI BM8208 (about 16,5 C) a lapua 55gr fmj (30-35 c depending on batch...it is actually the cheapest, non bulk projie the lgs has) and a 6 cent WSR primer in once-fired brass, this comes to about 56cents a round. I have been searching for a cheap 55 or 62gr FMJ (preferably Boat tailed with cannelure) however the cheapest projie I have found so far is a 55gr Z Max (about 24c each).

Any advice or guidance is muchly appreciated. I would prefer FMJ, but realistically, any projie in the "cheap" range will probably perform the same.

Also, I'm about 2/3 of the way through my powder, so if you have any suggestions on an ADI powder that is either super cheap or that can be used for both budget and precision rounds, I'd be happy to consider it for my next purchase.

oh and I'd love for the load to be sub-MOA, but as long as it hits an A4 sheet of paper at 200-300 yards, I'm happy.

sorry for dragging on, thanks in advance for the help.

The ZMax makes a pretty good bullet at a great price.
For cheaper than that you'll probably have to start casting your own.
Trailboss is awesome if you don't need velocity, it's a third the density of most "normal" powders so it lasts forever.
Otherwise, buy your rifle powders in 4kg bottles, much cheaper than the 500gm ones.

[Mitch@Ripley]

Thanks Bladeracer, I am planning on grabbing Trailboss anyway lol. I am trying to sort something out in the states but it looks like the Hornady ZMax and FMJ-BT rounds might be the way to go.

[Rikta]

Im loading sub moa with nosler varmaggedon 55gn ballistic tips, buy in bulk cost me around 33c a projie, obvs using factory brass i had already fired, 25gn of 2206h and cci primers... comes in under 50c somewhere, depending on powder price

[nightforcenxs]

like bladeracer said the 55gr zmax will keep costs well down i buy the 500 pack for 140 or cheaper sometimes

[bigfellascott]

Have a look at the Sierra Super Roos, they can be had for around 15c a projectile (they come in 1000 pks) and sometimes they are cheaper than that (got 3 boxes for $110 each so 11c a projectile) they are very accurate in my 22.250 Howa and kill very well too.

[Oldbloke]

Have a look at the Sierra Super Roos, they can be had for around 15c a projectile (they come in 1000 pks) and sometimes they are cheaper than that (got 3 boxes for $110 each so 11c a projectile) they are very accurate in my 22.250 Howa and kill very well too.

+1

[Cooper]

The super Roos are about $155 per 1000 and the Zmax for $105 per 500.
I get my primers for 4 cents each when I buy a 1000 at a time (Sellior and Bellot small rifle). Buy a 4kg bottle of powder should work out at $45 per 500g or cheaper. So around $350 per 4kg.

[bigfellascott]

That is such a good price for Sierra bullets. They must be a second off some line. I wish there was a cheap quality alternative to 308.

Nope they aren't seconds - just bulk packs (1365k) designed for the roo shooters here and also known as Game King (1365) in the smaller packs and sold as Super Bok (Sth African Market) and no doubt a few other names for different markets.

I wish they made a version of them in 20cal I'd happily use em if they shot as well os the .224cal does.

Sierra Game King https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/pro ... -55-gr-SBT

All I know is they shoot very well .3 groups our of my 22.250 and they kill like lightning! and leave big holes in things

[bladeracer]

Have a look at the Sierra Super Roos, they can be had for around 15c a projectile (they come in 1000 pks) and sometimes they are cheaper than that (got 3 boxes for $110 each so 11c a projectile) they are very accurate in my 22.250 Howa and kill very well too.

I forgot about these, I have 600 on the shelf myself that I grabbed for $85 a while back.

[in2anity]

It might sound ridiculous but you can swage 223 projectiles out of 22lr brass - couple this with TB and you got yourself a very cheap plinker

[bladeracer]

It might sound ridiculous but you can swage 223 projectiles out of 22lr brass - couple this with TB and you got yourself a very cheap plinker

After you cover the rather high setup costs.

[Tripod]

I can do you swaged 52gr projectiles for around $18/100 posted

[bladeracer]

I can do you swaged 52gr projectiles for around $18/100 posted

I'm sure you can, but what was the initial investment to be able to do so?
I'd love to try some of them regardless though.

[Tripod]

I can do you swaged 52gr projectiles for around $18/100 posted

I'm sure you can, but what was the initial investment to be able to do so?
I'd love to try some of them regardless though.

Lets just say I will never turn a profit.

[bladeracer]

I can do you swaged 52gr projectiles for around $18/100 posted

I'm sure you can, but what was the initial investment to be able to do so?
I'd love to try some of them regardless though.

Lets just say I will never turn a profit.

Similar to the amount of money I save by reloading

[Mitch@Ripley]

Hey, Tripod, from what I understand these are home cast projies? If so, is there any way to raise the weight? I really want 55gr, but either way, I'll give the 52s a go. Where are you about? I'm in brissy

[on_one_wheel]

Have a look at the Sierra Super Roos, they can be had for around 15c a projectile (they come in 1000 pks) and sometimes they are cheaper than that (got 3 boxes for $110 each so 11c a projectile) they are very accurate in my 22.250 Howa and kill very well too.

I whish I could find them for $110 a box !!!
I'll have to ask my lgs to sharpen their pencil!

[on_one_wheel]

Lets see some pricing.

Here's my .223 costs.

1000 Winchester small primers. $65 / 1000
ADI 2208 Powder $50 / 500 grams
Hornady Z max 55 grain $155 / 500

So for my 25.5 grain loads the cost is
(assuming the brass is free)

Powder 41c ( edit: that should be 16.5c )
Projectile 31c
Primer 6.5c
Total = 54 cents per round


If my calculations are correct

[Tripod]

Lets see some pricing.

Here's my .223 costs.

1000 Winchester small primers. $65 / 1000
ADI 2208 Powder $50 / 500 grams
Hornady Z max 55 grain $155 / 500

So for my 25.5 grain loads the cost is
(assuming the brass is free)

Powder 41c
Projectile 31c
Primer 6.5c
Total 78.5 cents per round


If my calculations are correct

powder works out to 18c actually

[Mitch@Ripley]

Plus the cost of the brass which isn't free and the barrel wear if you shoot a lot.

well brass may as well be free after 1 or 2 firings, and I doubt a 55grner would take all that much of a toll on barrel life. But yes, if you would like to get super technical, you could equate those

[bladeracer]

Lets see some pricing.

.22LR CCI Standard Velocity $550/5000rds
11c each

.22LR Eley Edge $200/500rds
40c each

12-gauge
Winchester 7.5 2-3/4" 7/8oz $90/250rds
36c each (also with Lee 7/8oz slug cast from 7.5 shot)

12-gauge
Winchester 7.5 2-3/4" 7/8oz $90/250rds
Winchester BB's $94/10kg
59c each
36c each (recycled lead)

.204 Ruger 4400fps
Norma $110/100 (20+ loads)
24gn NTX $40/100
7-1/2 $80/1000
30gn AR2206H $375/4kg
72c each

.204 Ruger 2400fps
Hornady $100/100 (est 50+ loads)
32gn ZMax $110/500
7-1/2 $80/1000
8.5gn Trailboss $140/1.5kg
37c each

.243
Federal $170/100 (loaded ammo) (est 20+ loads)
87gn VMax $50/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
36gn AR2206H $375/4kg
88c each

.243
Winchester $80/100 (garbage - est 50+ loads)
58gn VMax $45/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
12gn Trailboss $140/1.5kg
62c each

6.5x52mm
S&B $90/100 (est 20+ loads)
160gn RN $80/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
28.5gn AR2206H $375/4kg
$1.10c each

6.5x55mm
S&B $90/100 (est 50+ loads)
95gn VMax $40/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
10gn Trailboss $140/1.5kg
61c each

6.5x55mm
S&B $90/100 (est 20+ loads)
140gn SST $65/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
34gn AR2206H $375/4kg
98c each

7mm-08
Norma $120/100 (est 20+ loads)
160gn Hotcore $70/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
36.5gn BM8208 $90/kg
$1.06c each

7mm-08
Norma $120/100 (est 20+ loads)
100gn HP $60/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
43.4gn AR2206H $375/4kg
$1.00c each

7mm-08
Norma $120/100 (est 50+ loads)
145gn Hotcore $54/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
10.5gn Trailboss $140/1.5kg
71c each

.303
S&B $90/100 (est 20+ loads)
150gn Interlock $200/500
9-1/2M $80/1000
38gn AR2206H $375/4kg
74c each

.303
S&B $90/100 (est 20+ loads)
100gn XTP $34/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
40gn AR2206H $375/4kg
71c each

.303
S&B $90/100 (est 50+ loads)
90gn Lee cast $90/1680 (7.5 shot)
9-1/2M $80/1000
14gn Trailboss $140/1.5kg
Gascheck $70/1000
33c each
27c each (recycled lead)

7.62x54R
S&B $90/100 (est 20+ loads)
150gn Interlock $200/500
9-1/2M $80/1000
42.5gn AR2206H $375/4kg
78c each

7.62x54R
S&B $90/100 (est 20+ loads)
100gn XTP $34/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
53gn AR2206H $375/4kg
79c each

7.62x54R
S&B $90/100 (est 50+ loads)
90gn Lee cast $90/1680 (7.5 shot)
9-1/2M $80/1000
14gn Trailboss $140/1.5kg
Gascheck $70/1000
33c each
27c each (recycled lead)

8x57mm
S&B $90/100 (est 20+ loads)
180gn Nosler BT $140/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
40gn AR2206H $375/4kg
$1.70c each

8x57mm
S&B $90/100 (est 50+ loads)
182gn Lee cast $90/835 (7.5 shot)
9-1/2M $80/1000
10gn Trailboss $140/1.5kg
Gascheck $70/1000
34c each
23c each (recycled lead)

.44 Magnum
Starline $52/100 (est 50+ loads)
265gn FTX $130/100
9-1/2M $80/1000
10gn AP70 $130/kg
$1.52c each

.44 Magnum
Starline $52/100 (est 100+ loads)
265gn CBE cast $90/570 (7.5 shot)
9-1/2M $80/1000
7.5gn Trailboss $140/1.5kg
Gascheck $70/1000
31c each
15c each (recycled lead)

.45 Blackpowder
75gn FFF $90/kg
.005" lubed patch $12/100
140gn round ball $90/1080 (7.5 shot)
Percussion cap $80/1000
70c each
62c each (recycled lead)

[on_one_wheel]

Lets see some pricing.

Here's my .223 costs.

1000 Winchester small primers. $65 / 1000
ADI 2208 Powder $50 / 500 grams
Hornady Z max 55 grain $155 / 500

So for my 25.5 grain loads the cost is
(assuming the brass is free)

Powder 41c
Projectile 31c
Primer 6.5c
Total 78.5 cents per round


If my calculations are correct

powder works out to 18c actually

Ok ... I just crunched the numbers again
7716 grains per 500 grams for 5000 cents
5000 ÷ 7716 = 0.648 cents per grain, times 25.5 grains = 16.52 cents worth of powder per round

Thanks Tripod, You've just saved me a massive 24.5 cents per round !!!

[in2anity]

+1 for ye olde CCI-SV, costs me $18 (worth of rounds) a session to plink 150

[bladeracer]

Lets see some pricing.

Here's my .223 costs.

1000 Winchester small primers. $65 / 1000
ADI 2208 Powder $50 / 500 grams
Hornady Z max 55 grain $155 / 500

So for my 25.5 grain loads the cost is
(assuming the brass is free)

Powder 41c
Projectile 31c
Primer 6.5c
Total 78.5 cents per round


If my calculations are correct

powder works out to 18c actually

Ok ... I just crunched the numbers again
7716 grains per 500 grams for 5000 cents
5000 ÷ 7716 = 0.648 cents per grain, times 25.5 grains = 16.52 cents worth of powder per round

Thanks Tripod, You've just saved me a massive 24.5 cents per round !!!

Probably throws my figures a bit as well as I work on 15200gns per kg.
And I just use $94/kg for all my powders, including black - it's close enough.
And cast bullets won't be the specified weight unless you use the exact alloy which will throw out the number cast per kg.
My 200gn .429's actually weigh 215gns in pure lead.

Based on rounds fired and dollars spent being able to fire them (everything spent on shooting), I make it around $4.28 per shot, including rimfire - no wonder it's so much fun And the cost per rabbit and fox taken looks more like a government department's cost-benefit analysis!

My Ruger Compact has fired more rounds (during my possession) than any other rifle I own, and it's just approaching half the cost of the rifle ($1600) in ammo it's eaten ($720).

[d3driver]

Otherwise, buy your rifle powders in 4kg bottles, much cheaper than the 500gm ones.

Can you point me to where I can find a 4kg bottle at an appreciably cheaper price per gram than a 500g? using the reloading calculator spreadsheet, and all the places I have found so far with pricing available, the difference between buying 500g and 4kg is about 2-3c per load...

Ta

[bladeracer]

Otherwise, buy your rifle powders in 4kg bottles, much cheaper than the 500gm ones.

Can you point me to where I can find a 4kg bottle at an appreciably cheaper price per gram than a 500g? using the reloading calculator spreadsheet, and all the places I have found so far with pricing available, the difference between buying 500g and 4kg is about 2-3c per load...

Ta

Just ask your dealer to order it for you.
I pay $375 for 4kg of AR2206H.
I pay around $60 for 500gm bottles. If you're paying well under $50 then stick with the 500gm bottles, they're easier to store.

[bigfellascott]

Otherwise, buy your rifle powders in 4kg bottles, much cheaper than the 500gm ones.

Can you point me to where I can find a 4kg bottle at an appreciably cheaper price per gram than a 500g? using the reloading calculator spreadsheet, and all the places I have found so far with pricing available, the difference between buying 500g and 4kg is about 2-3c per load...

Ta

Just ask your dealer to order it for you.
I pay $375 for 4kg of AR2206H.
I pay around $60 for 500gm bottles. If you're paying well under $50 then stick with the 500gm bottles, they're easier to store.

What's so hard about storing 4kg bottles compared to 500g ones?

[bigfellascott]

Otherwise, buy your rifle powders in 4kg bottles, much cheaper than the 500gm ones.

Can you point me to where I can find a 4kg bottle at an appreciably cheaper price per gram than a 500g? using the reloading calculator spreadsheet, and all the places I have found so far with pricing available, the difference between buying 500g and 4kg is about 2-3c per load...

Ta

basically it works out that when you buy 4kg bottles you get 500gm free compared to buying 4kg worth of powder in 500gm bottles so yes it does save you money buying in bulk, same goes for projectiles too as a rule, more you buy bulk the more you save, having said that I wouldn't buy anything in bulk until you have settled on a load that shoots well in your rifle/s then it's definitely worth buying in bulk to save a few $$.

[bladeracer]

What's so hard about storing 4kg bottles compared to 500g ones?

The size of the 4kg bottle. It takes up a lot more room than a 500gm bottle