.223 Remington FMJ Shootout - Part 1 - Varget

Published on January 26, 2018
Duration: 15:03

This video from Johnny's Reloading Bench details a shootout comparing five different 55-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets in .223 Remington caliber. The test utilizes Starline brass, CCI #41 primers, and Hodgdon Varget powder at 26.0 grains. Two overall lengths (OAL) were tested for each bullet: a shorter, case-mouth-aligned length and a longer, full magazine length of 2.260 inches. The analysis focuses on group sizes and consistency across different bullet types and seating depths.

Quick Summary

Testing .223 Remington 55-grain FMJ bullets with Hodgdon Varget powder at 26.0 grains reveals accuracy differences based on bullet type and overall length (OAL). Loading bullets to a longer OAL (2.260") improved accuracy for Hornady and Bob's, with Hornady achieving the best group. Everglades showed consistency, while RMR and Lapua had mixed results.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .223 Remington 55gr FMJ Shootout
  2. 00:30Bullet Lineup Overview
  3. 01:41Bullet Pricing and Value Comparison
  4. 03:43Bullet Design Differences
  5. 04:28Testing Plan and Methodology
  6. 04:45Brass: Starline .223 Remington
  7. 05:08Primers: CCI #41
  8. 05:17Powder: Hodgdon Varget (26.0 Grains)
  9. 05:47Overall Length (OAL) Testing Strategy
  10. 06:17Short OAL Measurements
  11. 06:57Full Magazine Length OAL (2.260")
  12. 07:25Shooting the Short OAL Groups
  13. 09:39Short OAL Group Analysis
  14. 10:37Shooting the Full Magazine Length OAL Groups
  15. 12:38Full Magazine Length OAL Group Analysis
  16. 14:13Conclusion and Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended powder charge for .223 Remington 55gr FMJ bullets with Hodgdon Varget?

For .223 Remington 55-grain FMJ bullets using Hodgdon Varget powder, a charge of 26.0 grains is a popular and safe starting point. This load is 0.4 grains below the maximum published load of 26.4 grains by Hornady, ensuring safe operation within published limits.

How does bullet seating depth (OAL) affect accuracy in .223 Remington loads?

Bullet seating depth, or Overall Length (OAL), significantly impacts accuracy. This test showed that loading bullets longer, to a full magazine length of 2.260 inches, dramatically improved accuracy for some bullets like Hornady and Bob's, while shorter OALs yielded different results.

Which 55-grain .223 Remington FMJ bullets offer the best value?

For value, Hornady 55-grain FMJ boat tails are excellent, especially for smaller quantities. In bulk, Bob's Bullets, Everglades, and RMR are competitive at around $0.08 per bullet. The Lapua flat base is considerably more expensive, making it a novelty.

What are the key differences between the tested 55-grain .223 FMJ bullets?

The tested bullets vary in boat tail design and depth. Hornady and Everglades have shorter, steeper boat tails, while Bob's features a subtler, longer boat tail. The Lapua is a flat base bullet, distinct from the others, and also significantly more expensive.

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