Originally Posted by
kenblacksmith
Our family has (2) Service rifle competitors, we load 6-8k .223 each year not including hunting. We have found that Winchester brass is good for the price. 7.5 rem primers work (every time). 73gr bergers for short range (2-300) and 80.5 bergers for long range (600). For varminting, 55gr is a good middle ground not the fastest but extends the range a 100 or so yards over the 40gr. We use the cheapo hornady 55gr s.p. Varget powder or CFE223, if you cant find those imr4895 in a pinch. RCBS competition seater makes quick work of dropping the bullets on. Twist rate of 7-8 is best for just about everything. If you are using a bolt gun, buy a bushing die because trimming sucks.