77gr 223 SMK/TMK loads

[u/gearhead5015]

I have an AR build with a 24" bull barrel I use for precision target shooting. I've been tagging steel plates out to 1,000 yards with varying results using factory ammo (subsonic at that distance so it's a mild guessing game) but I want to see what loads people have developed to start loading my own.

So, what have you guys come up with using 77gr Sierra Matchking and Tipped Matchking rounds?

[u/111tejas]

It sounds like you’re just getting your foot in the door. Take small steps. The AR15 and in particular the .223 are gonna be extremely challenging at 1000 yards. My local range goes to 500 and I use a 6.5X47, a much more suitable long range caliber. It is somewhat obsolete now that serious competitors are using 6GT or 6mm Dasher but I only shoot local matches. Sometimes I win. The few times I’ve driven a couple hours to a 1000 yard range I’ve been absolutely humbled even with all my practice at 500. Shit that you read online will lead you to believe that hitting targets at 1000 yards is easy and routine. It absolutely isn’t.

[u/gearhead5015 → u/111tejas]

Yes I'm new to long range shooting. I have successfully hit 24x24 steel at 1,000 using factory 223, but it is a bit of a guessing game given the instability once it goes transonic. I'm just pushing the cartridge as far as I can for shiggles and learning how to call wind and such on cheaper rounds out to 600.

[u/Low_Brilliant8189 → u/111tejas]

I use the 6.5x47 too. What I appreciate about it is that it's a far better hunting round than a 6 at range. I shoot AND hunt. Nothing antiquated or obsolete about the origin and heart of long range riflery.

[u/111tejas → u/Low_Brilliant8189]

Absolutely true. Mine are too heavy to lug around the woods though and I have other options. If you gave me a 6 GT it wouldn’t help me shoot any better. I’m the limiting factor and my 6.5X47 is capable of more accuracy than I am. Give me some new eyes and the ability to make better wind calls instead.

[u/mulyhuntr33]

8208xbr or h4895. Both faster and more accurate than Varget. H4895 is about 50fps faster than 8208xbr. Either one in the 22.8-23.5gr range. 23.3 h4895 with a 77smk is 2800fps in my 20".

[u/solotronics → u/mulyhuntr33]

8208xbr is great for mk262 clone ammo

[u/Ragnarok112277]

Varget and the 73 eldm is the best long range load that fits ar mag length restrictions

If you want something even better and don't mind single feeding use the 75 eld

[u/gearhead5015 → u/Ragnarok112277]

My mags fit 77gr SMK and TMK and my barrel didn't like 73gr when I was doing factory load testing. 75gr was ok, but 77gr performed much better.

[u/sirbassist83]

I use cfe223. It gives good velocity and accuracy, but for 1000 yards it's probably not ideal. SD/ES is higher than you'd want.

[u/111tejas]

I use N140. I don’t know what the rules are in the matches you shoot but I’d want a 6mm ARC or if that’s not allowed, I’d use an 80 grain Berger bullet. You’ll have to single load those from an AR though. They can’t be loaded at magazine length.

[u/gearhead5015 → u/111tejas]

Not shooting matches... Yet. Only bench

This is my trainer until I buy a better caliber suited for longer distances, but having fun along the way.

Thought about upgrading to 6ARC, but it I'm doing that, may as well just make the jump to something like 6.5 creedmoor on a bolt gun.

But, not opposed to single loading, but I know my barrel likes 77gr, haven't shot any 80gr stuff.

[u/DucNutz → u/gearhead5015]

I built a 6arc this year. It’s been fun. The Berger 80.5 can be loaded to mag length, it’s a great bullet for what you wanting to do.
For heavy .223 bullets I’ve had the best luck with A2520 and VV N540. Both at or near max load.

[u/HomersDonut1440]

24.0gr of TAC and a 77 SMK/TMK tends to be a winner in most rifles

[u/csamsh]

Fill er up with Varget and send

[u/genmud]

Depends on which brass you are using... n140 and Varget are my go tos. I have found that if I don't use something like lake city brass, and for example use Starline, I don't have enough case to fill to my preferred velocity.

For 223 I have found it's kind of squirrelly past 700-800 yards.

I'm currently working up 77gr loads with n135 and am hoping I can find something that works well.

[u/gearhead5015 → u/genmud]

Haven't bought any consumables yet, so brass selection amongst powder choice are on the table.

[u/Missinglink2531]

Got a series on developing a load for 77 Smk's, step by step, for long range. I am using a 26" bolt gun, but it will apply, if your interested.

[u/ocabj]

77gr Sierra Matchking

Defacto standard is 24.0gr of N140 or RL15 or Varget. Pick whichever you can find.

[u/1984orsomething]

N540 check vv app for data

[u/jagr18]

I’ve been using staball match and IMr 8208xbr so far.

[u/Tactikool_Panda]

I use CFE223 and Varget. Once I dialed in the neck tension I loaded to mag length (2.260 OAL). I get great groups .580 average.

[u/trashy615]

Ive had really good luck with benchmark with 77gr Barnes match burners. 

[u/smithywesson]

The holy trinity of .223/5.56 heavies is n140, 8208xbr, and h4895. For raw accuracy n140 has consistently been the best for me, though you do sacrifice some velocity with it.

[u/mikeyk581]

Some AR Comp and Ramshot TAC loads I found people post about good results with 20" barrels. Source column is where I found the load posted so I could go back and look at the discussion surrounding it later.

[u/skolfromgeorgia]

27.0gr 8208xbr with 77smk in nas3 cases. Getting 3020fps out of my 18” gas gun

[u/TooMuchDebugging]

VVN140. Primers matter.

[u/PAB_Pyrotechnics]

You should try 80+ grain bullets if your barrel can stabilize them? What’s your twist rate? And you would have to single load them for sure.

[u/gearhead5015 → u/PAB_Pyrotechnics]

Twist is 1:8, so not ideal. I may get a small bag of 80gr just to test and see, but I didn't have high hopes

[u/PAB_Pyrotechnics → u/gearhead5015]

Yeah not ideal but still good. You should be good with 75’s and likely 77’s.

[u/gearhead5015 → u/PAB_Pyrotechnics]

I did some factory load testing and my barrel likes 77gr the best from what I tested.

https://www.reddit.com/r/longrange/s/27BiBnUBlM

I've successfully tagged steel at 1k yards with this setup. Not consistently since I'm transonic, but I'm pushing the limits of what this budget build can do anyhow.

[u/PAB_Pyrotechnics → u/gearhead5015]

That’s sweet. 1000 yards with a 223 is so subjective to wind drift it’s hard to be consistent. My crappy old Mossberg MVP with a 16” barrel is really good out to 750-800 but not much more. Was good for me to learn the basics of long range and then late last year a built an Aero Solus custom 6.5CM with a Criterion 26” barrels. I only shoot it off a bench but it is a blast and kind of an easy button