.223 cast 60 grainer

[coyote]

Here we are using a cast 60 grain solid ahead of some "red dot" (6.5 gr) powder. Shooting out of a T/C Encore with a factory barrel (24") with a 1:14 twist. Vel is cronographed at 1750, 10 feet from the barrel. At 100 yards (where the Rams live) accuracy sucks! I could get better groups with a slingshot!

Anyone have a favorite load I could "steel"?

an' we thank ew fer yer support!!

[doghawg]

coyote

While I've never loaded cast bullets in a .223, my guess would be that the slow twist (1 in 14") and low velocity are not stabilizing the bullets. Are paper targets showing any keyholing? That load might work better in a 1 in 9" twist barrel, but again, I'm guessing.

Randy

[coyote]

My shootin' buddy and I were muling over the twist thing too. I loaded up some rounds with Win.748 [LOTS slower burning](16 grains) and the vel is too fast (2100fps) to prevent leading but I think we're on the right track. I'm going to drop the weight to 15 grains and see where that takes us.

Went out this AM and he shot some of the 6.5 grain Red Dot and was knocking rams over with no problem. (WTF?) Win Mod 70 with 1 twist-12" Puttin' pigs down with authority!

[kg42]

Hi Coyote,

Have you tried shooting unsized bullets for that leading, or tumble lubing them first?

From an article in The Art of Bullet Casting by J. Carmichel, 10 gr of 4227 works fine in 222 with 50 and 55gr boolits (1980 and 1960fps). He also recommends linotype above 1850fps, but it might shatter on the silhouette....

In 223, 11/13.5gr of 4227 and a 50gr lead bullet give 1775/2075fps (that's from Matunas' handloading manual, with a 18 1/2 in bbl).

Good luck!

kg

[coyote]

A friend on another forum told me of blue dot but I tried 10 grains and the vel was too fast. (^2200fps) (and that aint a whole lot of powder!!) I don't know why, but I tried some BLC2 at 14 grains and it went 1650 avg for three shots. Going to try some of that ilk and see what happens as for as groups go.

Later tater

[Toney]

I've been using tight group in my surplus rifles with good results

[1Shirt]

Shoots well in my Sav. but it is a 1-9 twist. Will not shoot in my 222 Saeco Bbl. with 1-14 twost.

The 60 gr. is just to long for a 1-14.
Go back to 40-45 grainers and think you will be fine.
1Shirt!

[Bullshop Junior]

I use 19.0gn on imr 4895 and it does very good in my remington 788 with a 1/14 twist.
DANIEL/BS JR.

[versifier]

What are you sizing your boolits at, what tool are you using for sizing, what lube, and what alloy? The more details you provide, the easier it is to try to figure out the puzzle. I also suspect your boolit may be a bit too long for your barrel's twist, (I'd suggest 50-55gr) but that isn't what is causing the leading. That has more to due with (in this order) size, alloy, and lube. I think you're on the right track with BLC2, and BSJr's suggestion of 4895 is probably even better. Bullshop & family shoot more cast rifle boolits in a month there than most of us will in several years, and they are subsistance hunters, depending on cast loads to feed the family. When Dan or his dad have something to say, even a casual comment, I pay attention. BTW, they are also a great source for different boolit designs to try out before spending hard earned cash on a mould that might or might not work for you.

[lovedogs]

As mentioned, you've got the wrong twist for that long bullet. If you try something between 50 & 55 gr., sized right with the right alloy and lube you should do better.