.223 Rem - 77gr Berger OTM Tactical with N540

Published on July 28, 2018
Duration: 16:26

This video details a reloading and ballistics test of the .223 Remington cartridge using 77gr Berger OTM Tactical bullets and Vihtavuori N540 powder. The instructor, with apparent expertise in reloading and ballistics, conducts a suppressed versus unsuppressed shooting comparison to gather data for barrel harmonics testing. The experiment involves meticulous load development across various powder charges and careful observation of group sizes and velocities.

Quick Summary

This .223 Remington reloading test uses 77gr Berger OTM Tactical bullets and Vihtavuori N540 powder. Load development ranged from 22.5 to 24.5 grains, achieving velocities up to 2740 fps. Suppressor removal significantly impacted accuracy, increasing group sizes and causing a point of impact shift, highlighting barrel harmonic effects.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 77gr Berger OTM Tactical & N540
  2. 00:26Test Powder: Vihtavuori N540
  3. 01:01Video Format: Suppressed vs. Unsuppressed
  4. 01:28Load Data Discrepancies & Safety Margin
  5. 02:27Actual Load Data: 22.5 - 24.5 Grains
  6. 03:03Overall Length & Components
  7. 03:41Reloading Tool: Custom Funnel
  8. 05:17Bullet Seating & Compressed Loads
  9. 05:59Range Setup: 100 Yards, Suppressor On
  10. 06:50Test 1: 22.5 Grains (Suppressed)
  11. 07:22Test 2: 23.0 Grains (Suppressed)
  12. 07:52Test 3: 23.5 Grains (Suppressed)
  13. 08:32Test 4: 24.0 Grains (Suppressed)
  14. 09:13Test 5: 24.5 Grains (Suppressed)
  15. 09:43Transition: Suppressor Off
  16. 10:12Scope Adjustment for Unsuppressed
  17. 10:22Test 6: 22.5 Grains (Unsuppressed)
  18. 10:54Test 7: 23.0 Grains (Unsuppressed)
  19. 11:28Test 8: 23.5 Grains (Unsuppressed)
  20. 12:20Test 9: 24.5 Grains (Unsuppressed)
  21. 13:10Brass Inspection & Group Analysis (Suppressed)
  22. 14:28Analysis: Suppressed vs. Unsuppressed Impact
  23. 15:28Conclusion: Barrel Harmonics & Muzzle Devices
  24. 15:53Upcoming Videos: Barrel Harmonics & 6.5 Grendel

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components used in the .223 Remington reloading test?

The test utilizes 77gr Berger OTM Tactical bullets and Vihtavuori N540 powder. Brass used is Lake City, and primers are CCI No. 41. The firearm is an 18-inch White Oak Armament barrel chambered in .223 Wylde.

How did the suppressor affect accuracy in the .223 Remington test?

Removing the suppressor caused a significant point of impact shift (around 4 MOA high) and a substantial increase in group size, more than doubling the average. This suggests the suppressor or its mounting system may stabilize the barrel.

What is the recommended load data range for 77gr bullets with Vihtavuori N540 in .223 Remington?

Published data varies widely. Berger suggests 23.0 grains, Sierra 24.9 grains, and Vihtavuori's own data ranges from 24.5 to 25.5 grains. This test explored loads from 22.5 to 24.5 grains.

What velocities were achieved with the 77gr Berger OTM Tactical and N540 powder?

With the suppressor on, velocities ranged from 2480 fps at 22.5 grains of N540 up to 2740 fps at 24.5 grains. These velocities were achieved from an 18-inch barrel.

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