223 Rem - 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tip with RL7 & Benchmark

Published on February 20, 2018
Duration: 23:46

This guide details the process of reloading .223 Remington cartridges using 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint bullets with either Alliant Reloder 7 or Hodgdon Benchmark powder. It covers component selection, brass preparation, load data adherence, bullet seating, range testing procedures, and analysis of accuracy and velocity. The expert-level instruction emphasizes meticulous testing and observation of pressure signs for safe and effective handloads.

Quick Summary

Reloading .223 Remington with 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets using Alliant Reloder 7 yielded exceptional accuracy (0.409" group) and consistency. Hodgdon Benchmark provided higher velocities (up to 3545 FPS) but required careful pressure monitoring. Both powders are effective, with Reloder 7 being a cost-effective choice for varmint loads.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Component Selection
  2. 01:12Load Data and Brass Prep
  3. 04:00Loading and Powder Density
  4. 06:45Range Setup and Initial Testing
  5. 09:25Reloder 7 Performance
  6. 12:08Benchmark Performance and Pressure Signs
  7. 13:29Final Analysis and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recommended powder charge ranges for reloading .223 Remington with 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets?

For Alliant Reloder 7, the tested charge range was 22.3gr to 23.5gr. For Hodgdon Benchmark, the range was 26.8gr to 28.0gr. Always consult a reliable reloading manual for specific data and start at the lower end of the range.

Which powder provided better accuracy for the 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tip in .223 Remington?

Alliant Reloder 7 demonstrated exceptional consistency, achieving a best group of 0.409 inches. Hodgdon Benchmark also provided good accuracy, with its best group measuring 0.366 inches, though Reloder 7 was noted for its overall consistency.

What are the key differences between using Reloder 7 and Benchmark for .223 Remington loads?

Reloder 7 is favored for its consistent accuracy and is described as an economical choice for light varmint bullets. Benchmark offers higher potential velocities, reaching up to 3545 FPS, but requires careful monitoring for pressure signs at maximum loads.

What is the optimal seating depth (OAL) for 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets in .223 Remington?

The tested overall length (OAL) for the 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint bullets in .223 Remington was 2.260 inches. This length is suitable for many AR-15 magazines and chambers.

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