.223 Rem - 77gr Sierra Match King with StaBALL 6.5 and Match Rifle

Published on January 12, 2020
Duration: 44:29

This video details the process of reloading .223 Remington ammunition to clone the military's Mark 262 Mod 1 round, using 77gr Sierra MatchKing bullets. It explores the performance of Winchester StaBALL 6.5 powder, alongside established powders like Shooters World Match Rifle and Alliant Power Pro Varmint, in a new 20-inch White Oak Armament barrel. The instructor emphasizes caution with hot loads and provides detailed insights into powder selection, seating depth, crimping, and pressure signs.

Quick Summary

Reloading .223 Remington to clone Mark 262 Mod 1 ammunition involves using 77gr Sierra MatchKing bullets and carefully selected powders. Shooters World Match Rifle and Alliant Power Pro Varmint are top performers, delivering excellent accuracy. Winchester StaBALL 6.5 may be too bulky for 77gr bullets in .223 due to case capacity limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the Mark 262 cloning project?

The goal is to replicate the performance of the military's Mark 262 Mod 1 ammunition, which uses a 77gr Sierra MatchKing bullet and achieves high velocities, often exceeding published .223 maximums.

Which powders are recommended for cloning Mark 262 loads with 77gr bullets?

Shooters World Match Rifle and Alliant Power Pro Varmint are highly recommended for their accuracy and ability to achieve desired velocities. They consistently produced sub-0.6-inch groups in testing.

What are the challenges of using Winchester StaBALL 6.5 powder for 77gr .223 loads?

Winchester StaBALL 6.5 is a bulky powder that struggles to achieve target velocities with 77gr bullets in .223 Remington due to limited case capacity, resulting in plateaued velocities and less impressive performance compared to other powders.

What is the recommended overall length for Mark 262 clone loads?

The established overall length for these Mark 262 clone loads is 2.243 inches, consistent with the analysis of the original factory ammunition.

What safety precautions should be taken when reloading Mark 262 clone loads?

Extreme caution is advised as these loads often exceed published .223 maximums. Always work up loads cautiously, watch for pressure signs on the brass, and use appropriate safety gear.

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