looking for a starting load for a 223AI

[DBCFR]

I am looking for a good starting load for a .223AI using 36 gr Varmint Grenades....The fireforming is done the powders I have on hand are IMR4895, H335, Varget, Reloder10x or if someone can come up with a better powder I am all ears...CA laws suck... no lead /CA Condors... ya right...Please Help

[Oleman]

My suggestion would be H335 or X-TERMINATOR.

[Chuck Miller]

As a rule you can't go wrong with using the max load for the parent cartridge, in this case the 223. There is a lot of data for 36gr/223 combo at the Hodgdon site. Just pick your powder, use the max load and start from there.

[DBCFR]

Thats what I thought and thank you for confirming the rule it's been a long time sense I have played with an AI and now with the light no lead bullets...
Thanks again

[dungheap]

You didn't say what sort of rifle you have or the barrel twist. I tried Varmint Grenades in a Howa .223 that shot an awful lot of different bullets well -- except Varmint Grenades. Tried at least 6 different powders and got patterns rather than groups with all. If that's all you can shoot, I hope you have lots of patience or an opportunity to move! Sorry to rain on your parade, but I have to tell it like I see it.

[vmthtr in Green Bay]

VV133 is one of the best powders I have tried, for about 6000 rounds so far.

Mike

[Ackman]

Start about max for the std. 223 and go up til you find best accuracy. My fireform load was 1gr. over the load for a std. .223, same powder. I've tried all kinds of stuff in several 223's/.223AI's and the most accurate combined with very best velocity have been AA2015 and VV133. Some people are happy shooting AI cartridges at lower velocity than you can get from the standard case. But you go to an improved case for that extra bit of speed, so use the powder that'll do it.

That 36gr bullet probably has a terrible BC. I'd recommend 50's, and 40 is plenty light.

[AlbertaAl]

I shoot a 223 TIKKA 595 Master Sporter and just bought a used stainless synthetic 595 in 223 which I havnt shot yet.

My factory barrel twist is 1:12 and my go-to pet load is:
Berger 52 @ 3400 fps w/ 27.5 grains RAMSHOT TAC

I've also read that 25.5 grain of H4895 with a 52 gr. bullet is very accurate.

The 36 gr. bullet isn't very popular with .224 shooters but the 4o gr is very common.

Good shooting !
Regards
AL

[tylermtech]

I really like benchmark in my 223-AI. I shoot .5 to 1 gr over max for 223 with a 40gr Vmax, get right around 3800 fps and they shoot great.

[rflshtr]

I also have had excellent results with Benchmark powder and bullets between 40 and 55 grains in my .223 AI's.