Improving Load Performance with 223 Caliber & 77 Grain TMK

Improving Load Performance with 223 Caliber & 77 Grain TMK

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Load Development Process
3. Reloading Data and Optimal Charge Weight Test
4. Velocity and Standard Deviation Analysis
5. Group Size Evaluation
6. Seating Depth Test
7. Assessment and Next Steps

Introduction

Welcome back to the HKRifeworks YouTube Channel! In this video, we will be discussing load development using the .223 caliber. Specifically, we will be testing a load using 77 grain tip match kings and 8208 XBR powder. Although we didn't capture the reloading process, we will be sharing the reloading data and the results of our optimal charge weight test. Let's dive into the details!

Load Development Process

Before we start, let's talk about the load development process we followed. We decided to conduct an optimal charge weight test with five shots for each charge weight. Our range of charge weights ranged from 22.1 grains to 23.5 grains. It is worth mentioning that there are some maximum load recommendations available, but we decided to stay slightly below those limits for safety purposes. To maintain consistency, we used CCI number 400 primers and seated the bullets 20,000 off the lands.

Reloading Data and Optimal Charge Weight Test

Now, let's move on to the reloading data and the results of our optimal charge weight test. We loaded up the rounds and were eager to put them to the test. The first charge weight we tested was 22.1 grains, resulting in a velocity of 2732 feet per Second with a standard deviation (SD) of 14. This initial group had some flyers, leading to an overall group size of around 1.5 inches.

Moving on to 22.3 grains, we encountered another flyer, but excluding it, the group tightened to around 0.6 inches. The velocity averaged at 2771 feet per second with an SD of 20.

At 22.5 grains, the velocity increased to 27.87 feet per second with an improved SD of 10. Unfortunately, the group size remained large, indicating an inconsistency in the load.

Velocity and Standard Deviation Analysis

As we progressed through the different charge weights, we observed mixed results in terms of velocity and standard deviation. While some charge weights showed promising results, others yielded higher SD values, indicating greater variations in velocity.

For example, at 22.7 grains, the velocity averaged 28.25 feet per second, and the SD was 7.6. However, despite this improvement, the group sizes did not meet our expectations, with spreads of around 1.3 inches.

Group Size Evaluation

Analyzing the group sizes further, it becomes evident that consistency was a challenge throughout the load development process. For instance, at 22.9 grains, we experienced an initial flyer but achieved a sub-half-minute group size of approximately 0.45 inches after removing the flyer.

Similarly, at 23.1 grains, excluding the flyer, the group tightened to just under 0.6 inches. However, discrepancies in velocity and the occurrence of flyers remained a concern.

Seating Depth Test

Considering the inconsistent results and the possibility of improving load performance, we have decided to conduct a seating depth test. This test aims to determine the optimal bullet seating depth for the 77 grain tip match kings. By varying the seating depth in 3,000 increments, starting from 20,000 off the lands, we will evaluate the impact on group size and consistency.

It is important to note that seating the bullet deeper into the case might affect pressure levels, so we will closely monitor any changes in this aspect. This upcoming test will allow us to fine-tune the load and potentially achieve more consistent and accurate results.

Assessment and Next Steps

In conclusion, our load development process for the .223 caliber using 77 grain tip match kings and 8208 XBR powder has yielded mixed results. While we have observed promising moments, consistency and group sizes have been challenging to achieve.

Moving forward, we will address these challenges by conducting a seating depth test and exploring the impact on performance. By refining the load and optimizing the bullet seating depth, we aim to enhance consistency and tighten group sizes.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming videos as we Continue to explore different techniques and share our results. Thank You for watching, and remember to like, subscribe, and hit the notification Bell to stay updated with our latest content!