{"id":797,"date":"2024-01-03T22:50:59","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T22:50:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=797"},"modified":"2024-01-03T22:51:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-03T22:51:00","slug":"reloading-223-remington-four-great-loads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=797","title":{"rendered":"Reloading .223 Remington: Four Great Loads"},"content":{"rendered":"<div> <!-- image --><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\"> <noscript><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/four-223-remington-loads-feature-768x496.jpg\" alt=\"Reloading .223 Remington: Four Great Loads\" title=\"Reloading .223 Remington: Four Great Loads\"\/><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-look-at-four-223-remington-loads-that-cover-four-distinct-applications-all-using-one-primer-and-powder\"><strong>A look at four .223 Remington loads that cover four distinct applications, all using one primer and powder.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The .223 Remington is one of my most used rifle cartridges, and I wanted to develop four loads for it that could be relied upon to do everything I need to do with that chambering. I wanted a load for varmints and small game, another for big game, one for tactical applications and one for precision on paper and steel. But\u2014and here\u2019s the kicker\u2014I wanted to keep it as simple as possible by only using one powder and one primer, and I wanted to do it all with moderate to high velocity and sub-MOA precision.<\/p>\n<p>I began the project by looking over my .223 Remington load notes that go back more than three decades. I also talked with other handloaders, and then I compared reloading data from various manuals. Here\u2019s a look at what I ended up with, and I believe that these four, one-primer\/one-powder loads, might very well work for you and your rifles, too.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-brass\"><strong>Brass<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>I had a lot of .223 Remington brass on hand, but not more than a hundred or so empty cases from the same manufacturer, and I wanted to build these loads with duplicate components. Over the years, I\u2019ve had great success creating consistent loads with Nosler brass, so that\u2019s where I started.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/four-223-remington-loads-powder-primer.jpg\" alt=\"four-223-remington-loads-powder-primer\" class=\"wp-image-291979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/four-223-remington-loads-powder-primer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/four-223-remington-loads-powder-primer-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/four-223-remington-loads-powder-primer-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/four-223-remington-loads-powder-primer-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/four-223-remington-loads-powder-primer-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One case, one primer, one powder and four different bullets can deliver most of the loads anyone shooting a .223 Remington needs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I ordered 500 new cases, and when they arrived, I weighed 100 of them and found the standard deviation to be less than a half-grain. The only case preparation I performed was to slightly chamfer the inside and outside of the case necks. Remember: The goal was to keep it as simple as possible.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-primers\"><strong>Primers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Primers can drastically impact pressure and velocity consistency, and precision. Years ago, working at a ballistic lab with pressure testing equipment, I witnessed the same primer deliver pressure variations of as much as 6,000 psi, while only altering velocity by about 30 fps. More importantly, this resulted in a point-of-impact variation at 100 yards of more than 2 inches.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers.jpg\" alt=\"federal-small-rifle-primers\" class=\"wp-image-291980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers.jpg\" alt=\"federal-small-rifle-primers\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-small-rifle-primers-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Primers matter because they can deliver fluctuating results when paired with certain powders in certain cartridges. Federal\u2019s small rifle primers provide very consistent ignition.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Primers matter a lot more than many shooters think. My notes indicated some of the best loads I have assembled for cartridges that use small rifle primers were put together with Federal small rifle primers. Fortunately, I had 1,000 of those.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-powder\"><strong>Powder<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>I like powders that meter consistently, especially when loading from a powder dispenser. This generally means ball\/spherical powders. If you want to build loads with wide variance in bullet weight, it also means you need a versatile powder. You can consult load manuals, but it\u2019s easier to just visit Hodgdon\u2019s website to plug in the cartridge and the bullet weights you want to use and see what pops up. I did this for the .223 Remington, specifying 50-, 60-, 70- and 77-grain bullets, and eight powders were offered.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads.jpg\" alt=\"223-remington-4-loads\" class=\"wp-image-291981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads.jpg\" alt=\"223-remington-4-loads\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-remington-4-loads-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">CFE 223, as the name suggests, is a great general-purpose powder for the .223 Remington.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Over the years, I had used all but one of these powders in the .223 Remington. That one untested powder was CFE 223. I had heard lots of good things about CFE 223 in the .223 Remington, and though its burn rate is minutely slower than the other seven powders, I took a gamble. CFE stands for \u201ccopper fouling eraser\u201d to highlight that the powder has been tweaked to deter copper fouling.<\/p>\n<p>I cannot comment with any supporting definitive proof on how well this works, but my impression is that it does limit copper fouling. During the development of these four loads, which consumed more than 100 rounds, I never once cleaned my rifle\u2019s barrel, and precision only improved throughout the process.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bullets\"><strong>Bullets<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>This is where diversity with a cartridge happens, and it\u2019s especially true with the .223 Remington, which can be used successfully in so many different applications.<\/p>\n<p>I chose the 50-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, which is very volatile on small critters.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip.jpg\" alt=\"Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip\" class=\"wp-image-291982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip.jpg\" alt=\"Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nosler-BT-ballistic-tip-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nosler\u2019s 50-grain Ballistic Tip bullet is ideal for predators or small game.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I\u2019ve probably killed more big game with Nosler AccuBonds than any other bullet, so the 70-grain 0.224-caliber version seemed perfect for deer, black bears and hogs.<\/p>\n<p>For tactical applications, many overlook the Nosler Partition, but these bullets do a great job against intermediate barriers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1.jpg\" alt=\"nosler-partition-1\" class=\"wp-image-291983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1.jpg\" alt=\"nosler-partition-1\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-partition-1-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Though often thought of as antiquated, Nosler\u2019s 60-grain Partition bullet is excellent at defeating intermediate barriers, penetrates well and creates massive wounding.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And finally, for paper and steel, I chose the Nosler 77-grain Custom Competition.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition.jpg\" alt=\"nosler-custom-competition\" class=\"wp-image-291984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition.jpg\" alt=\"nosler-custom-competition\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nosler-custom-competition-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">For a load you\u2019ll want to use on steel or paper, especially at distance, the Nosler 77-grain Custom Competition bullet is ideal. It does, however, require a 1:8 twist or faster.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-data\"><strong>The Data<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>With each load, I started 5 percent below maximum and worked up while watching for high pressure signs and keeping an eye on velocity. Because the chamber and magazine length of my New Ultra Light Arms rifle allows for it, I used a longer than normal overall cartridge length. I stopped when sub-MOA groups and practical velocities were consistent. Though velocity consistency was better with the lighter bullets\u2014in some cases with single-digit standard velocity deviations\u2014the combination of the Federal primer, Nosler Brass and CFE 223 powder was capable of producing excellent on-target precision with all four bullets.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"460\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1.jpg\" alt=\"223rem-load-data-table-1\" class=\"wp-image-291985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1-300x173.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1-768x442.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1-696x400.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1-730x420.jpg 730w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"460\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1.jpg\" alt=\"223rem-load-data-table-1\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1-300x173.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1-768x442.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1-696x400.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-load-data-table-1-730x420.jpg 730w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NOTES: Reported velocity and standard velocity deviation (SD) is the average for 10 shots fired over a Caldwell G2 chronograph with the screens set 10 feet from the muzzle. Reported precision is the average of three, three-shot groups fired from a sandbag rest at 100 yards.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A few things are worth noting. Out of my 22-inch barrel, the 50-grain load did not deliver near advertised velocities for a maximum charge. Also, many claim Nosler Partitions are incapable of extreme precision. However, if you kick up the throttle just a bit, they shoot better. This is especially true\u2014and possible\u2014in a modern bolt-action rifle, because .223 Remington load data is kept right at or below 55,000 psi. The Partition and the other three loads all delivered sub-MOA precision.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1.jpg\" alt=\"223-target-1\" class=\"wp-image-291987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1.jpg\" alt=\"223-target-1\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-1-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sub half-MOA accuracy was easy to obtain with Nosler\u2019s 50-grain Ballistic Tip and CFE 223 powder.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The remaining question was this: Would these four loads also work well in my 5.56 NATO chambered AR-15? I dropped all the loads to slightly below the maximum listed powder charge and reduced their overall length to 2.248 across the board to work with AR-15 magazines. CFE 223 powder does not crowd the case, so seating bullets deeper was a non-issue. Out of that rifle\u2019s 16-inch barrel, which also has a 1:8 twist, velocity consistently was similar, and based on all the AR-15s I have tested over the years, precision on target was better than average \u2026 with flawless reliability.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3.jpg\" alt=\"223-target-3\" class=\"wp-image-291988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3.jpg\" alt=\"223-target-3\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-3-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some folks will tell you Nosler Partition bullets are not accurate. They\u2019re wrong. With the right combination of powder, primer and twist rate, they\u2019ll shoot with extreme precision.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Goals Achieved<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Initial terminal performance confirmation was conducted by shooting into blocks of Clear Ballistics. (See table below.) Last spring, I used the Ballistic Tip load to take a turkey gobbler at 239 yards (rifles are legal for turkeys in West Virginia). I also put a doe in the freezer with the Partition load, and a 200-pound whitetail buck on the meat pole with the AccuBond load. Both the Partition and AccuBond bullets will penetrate more than 16 inches and upset to about 1.7 times their original diameter. They are much deadlier on big game than conventional wisdom and most hunters realize.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-table-2.jpg\" alt=\"223rem-table-2\" class=\"wp-image-291986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-table-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-table-2-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-table-2-768x192.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-table-2-696x174.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-table-2.jpg\" alt=\"223rem-table-2\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-table-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-table-2-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-table-2-768x192.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223rem-table-2-696x174.jpg 696w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NOTES: Reported velocity is the average for 10 shots fired over a Caldwell G2 chronograph with the screens set 10 feet from the muzzle. Reported penetration and recovered bullet frontal diameter and weight are the average of three shots fired into blocks of Clear Ballistics at a distance of 50 yards.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I do think there is some tweaking to do with the AR-15 loads; I might have left a little velocity in the powder can. But, as they are, and for both of my most-used .223 rifles, this collection of handloads is capable of handling any task I need to tackle with a .223 Remington, and all I need is one powder, one primer and four bullets to do it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2.jpg\" alt=\"223-target-2\" class=\"wp-image-291989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2.jpg\" alt=\"223-target-2\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/223-target-2-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Though from a velocity consistency standpoint it might seem that CFE 223 is not a good match for heavy bullets in the .223 Rem., this target would beg to differ.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Handloading is an enjoyable pastime that will allow you to create loads not commercially available, while possibly saving a little money. And it\u2019s all much easier to do if you can use a single powder and primer. If you\u2019re looking for a stable of .223 Remington loads that will allow you to extract the most of what the cartridge can offer, these four bullets are a good start, and I suggest you give CFE 223 a shot.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the January 2024 issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gundigestservice.com\/customer\/subscribe.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>More On Reloading:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-27\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<div style=\"border: 2px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #333; text-align: center;\">Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack<\/h2>\n<p>Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter<\/strong> and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- AI CONTENT END 1 --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A look at four .223 Remington loads that cover four distinct applications, all using one primer and powder. The .223 Remington is one of my most used rifle cartridges, and I wanted to develop four loads for it that could be relied upon to do everything I need to do with that chambering. I wanted [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":798,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-797","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tactical-gear"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/797","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=797"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/797\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":799,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/797\/revisions\/799"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/798"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=797"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=797"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=797"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}