223 REM Varmint Rifle Load Development

Videos on this channel are for informative, and entertainment purposes only. Using any of the information is at the risk of the individual using the information. We (including KZbin) will not be held liable for any injury or damage resulting from attempting anything shown or discussed in any of our videos. By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.
Handloading/Reloading can be dangerous if done improperly. Do Not use the charges shown in this video without first doing a safe load workup. Failure to work up safely can result in damage, injury, or death. The loads shown were safe in my rifle and specific barrel used. Changes in any component, including lot numbers of powder, primer, cases, or projectiles can result in unsafe maximum pressures.
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[@DASchmetterling]

I enjoy all your content. It is really interesting though to see you apply your skills and knowledge to "everyday" rifles. I'd like to see more of this, especially load development. Thanks!

[@GB-zi6qr]

Hey Kieth, yes please on a bit more of this sort of content. I've only been loading for about 3 years and I do my best to listen when experience talks and demonstrates. Thanks again. P.S. and subbed.

[@jacobbrazell8684]

i love these varmint/hunting rifle videos!

[@Hunter4Life.]

Yes! Thank you Kieth! More Everyday Rifle videos! Although l enjoy all your videos- This is the content I’ve been looking for! Help us budget hand loaders thank you sir!

[@gruntardo7519]

I like all your content and variation is good, seeing ordinary rifle load dev and how they perform is really interesting. Thanks!!!!

[@jaycee1421]

Subscribed! Thank you for sharing your analytical load development. I am loading for a Christenson Arm's MPR with 20" barrel chambered in 223. It's been a ton of fun applying tidbits of youtube "wisdom" to my loads to see what works and what does not. Appreciate your efforts!!!

[@grassroots9304]

More every-day stuff, please. I'd really like to see you go through a powder hunt. I do this stuff by myself so I have no friend-group to learn from. I've seen a rifle shoot 2+ MOA w 2 powders then shoot 1 MOA w a third powder, all w the same bullet. Different charge weights w the first 2 didn't do much to improve the 2+ MOA groups, but just changing to a third powder sure did. The bullet, the rifle, and the shooter (me) were capable of 1 MOA or better, but not w that powder. I'd like to see that I'm not the only one who has to go through that.

[@jasoneverett7343]

Variety is good.

[@wilfdarr]

For most of us just starting out, we're using our “everyday”/“competition” rifle for both competitive shooting and varmint/hunting. So whatever you're teaching, I'm learning.

[@jimdodd3462]

Yes ! Everyday rifle info ! I'm always trying to improve my everyday rifle groups . A 223 sometimes a 204. Thanks ! I am trying to tweak my reloading skills. I appreciate it !

[@spragueclint]

Hey Keith, I always learn something from the “fancy match” rifle content; however, the “everyday” rifle content about load development and reading the groups help me the most in my stage of learning. Thanks for ALL of the content and keep up the good work!

[@Mr.J345]

Kinda bummed the video was short. I definitely enjoyed this factory rifle load development

[@glennaydell5871]

Thank you for this. Those of us using factory rifles often get discouraged with our load development when we watch you professionals working with match grade equipment. Don’t get me wrong, I love the professional content; however, it’s nice to see more realistic results for factory rifles included from time to time.

[@GunWodan]

Absolutely priceless seeing you struggle with the ordinary problems of us mere mortals 😅 those match rifles sometimes set unrealistic expectations when watching pros like you reload and shoot.

[@stephenkrampert3430]

Isn’t that the truth a couple it with good days and bad days and 70 year old eyeballs

[@mikecrafar6276]

Hey Keith, I personally enjoy the variety. I try to take everything you teach about match shooting and apply it to my hunting rifles/ammo so to watch you do the same thing really does help to gauge where I’m at personally with my processes and results. So thanks very much.

[@Sharberboy]

Now you're speaking my language. Been handloading for my 223 700v for 10 years now. Over 4k rounds through 1 barrel. The only bullet I shoot is a 53gr vmax. I use tac and a super short cbto of 1.775 and this gun still shoots half minute 5 shot groups. I've pushed it out to 650 yards which was a blast. Please keep videos like this coming!

[@mikemckeon3201]

I love the variety, a bit about the match stuff, a bit about the standard / regular rifles, it’s all great stuff. Thank you.

[@kevingeary1472]

Perhaps a series on how to tune/trouble shoot load development in a factory gun. I had been working with a winchester 70 classic 7mm rem mag for quite a while and I've learned so much recently I feel like I should start over. Are there any tips or things you do differently for a factory gun? What type of dies do you use for a hunting rifle? Do you do anything differently for a rifle with a sporter weight barrel?

[@bwuest]

No matter what the content, I always learn from you. However, I will most likely never own a match rifle. Therefore, I'd like to see more hunting rifle content and distances for 300 yards and under.

[@graywolfnative1679]

i would enjoy both match and the every day gun. Keep the good work up

[@yansilva8921]

Yes. More contents like this.

[@tinfoilsombrero1439]

The every day rifle stuff is a nice break from match stuff. Reason being, factory rifles are usually more finicky and require match rifle techniques. Keep it up,

[@joelclark2130]

Just did the same procedures on my new Barrel I put on my critter gitter oh, got the same results found a powder charge that it likes. Now going to start with seating depth. I swear by 2230

[@timshamblin2351]

Quick loads yes or no? Barrel exit time predictions? (Reference Chris Long spread sheet /app) Chromoly (41XX) vs Stainless Steel (416R) Speed of sound in the metal? Accuracy? Round counts? Seating depth as a method of adjusting barrel exit time Airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow. I really enjoy your channel Thanks for sharing

[@mikecollins8241]

YES< More of these kinds of videos!!! I (like I'm sure many veiwers) like the idea of dedicated long range rifles, BUT realistically have a bunch of hunting rifles and want to be able to come up with accurate loads, with the minimum amount of componants used. I started reloading a long time ago, when it was standard practice to try multipule bullets and powders, and look for something that shot OK.. then try and fine tune. This approach of picking one powder and bullet, then trying varying charges and seating depths is such a leap forward! And obviously loading for multipule shots/ magazine capacity is needed for hunting ;)

[@Pro-tip]

This was a very helpful video. I love seeing both sides of the load development process from match rifle to factory rifle.

[@pauli2559]

I like your style. I can relate. So I'm a old loader from about the late 1970. Powder choice is one of my biggest challenges. I at one time or so looked for a powder with higher Velocitys but lower pressures and found it helped in some cases. Oh how I hate this shortage stuff. Yours truly 222 22kh 6cm

[@ericrumpel3105]

I like all your videos about everything,....btw - I appreciate your ethical & real approach with the 223 !! - you are spot on !! (which goes for every calibers limitations,....not to mention shooters limitations),...& hope for your ethical-reality to be contagious. Thanks again for great content & info.

[@5150miner]

I actually love the everyday stuff, I’m new to reloading, don’t shoot F Class but do shoot critters. I’m also a big fan of .223 because of the affordability of loading and shooting the round. It’s just a lot of fun and shooting is a perishable skill. For me this is a constant learning experience and I may never get on an F Class rifle but I do love chasing that one hole group with my factory rifle. Keep up the good work and for this type of content.

[@Xenophon120]

Match rifle

[@johnventers5128]

I like the fancy match stuff because It's somewhat alien to me. But, getting your advise and experience on an everyday rifle would be great.

[@johnh4957]

I watch all your content(guess I need to join Patreon!), My cartridges are 22lr, 233 and 224(Valkyrie) and only punching paper at 50-100, (200 and 300 are for when I'm better) yd range, would like to start reloading in future if price/availability reasonable, but now it's factory ammo.(considering trying to disassemble and remake into better but I'm sure it wouldn't end up better!) I glean important knowledge and enjoy your humor and presentation so surprise me! Oh your groups are already far beyond me but then why would I watch if they were something I could do myself?

[@GeographyNerd48]

I would like to see more varmint rifle stuff. Love your channel but everything I learn is to make me a better prairie dog and ground squirrel hunter. Like to see you try 53 grain VMAX check out the bc on that one. Also like to see u do a wildcat. 20 practical or 20 vartarg maybe.

[@blackcreekoutlawspa344]

Great vid! I like seeing both. But got one thing that drives me nutz an it’s hearing accomplished shooter say “drive the rifle”. If you could do a quick vid of the basics that would be AWESOME! Thanks for all the great content. My brother n I always go over ur vids on the phone. We’re capable but boy do we struggle at time. Thanks again.

[@jaybigboy34]

Great video, but how about a video about match brass prep after at least 4 firings? Thank you

[@lukesthedrifter2809]

Keep a little variety in your videos, you have great content. Not everyone can afford the high dollar match rifles.

[@wayneschenk5512]

Great information I’m shooting a tikka 223 so am interested in sports rifles as well.

[@MatthewWarehamlaw]

I just discovered your channel about a few days ago, and I have been binge watching your channel- great stuff - yes everyday rifle stuff would be great - also if you could add more B roll during your narrative that would be great! Keep up the great work!

[@MrBoostin18]

I enjoy all your content. Sometimes the fclass stuff can help the everyday guys. I too shoot a 223. Ruger American predator in a chassis with 26” PVA barrel :)

[@stevenzagrodnik7243]

Prefer more all round f class match content but enjoy all of your videos. If you shot 600yd f class with a Barnard 223rem rifle would you shoot berger 85.5hybrid or some 80gr bullet?? Our state f class championship is coming up in September. Thanks Keith.

[@gristlepounder]

Use what you have. I put a Nightforce ATACR which I had just shot 2,000 yards with a.338 LM on a .22 to engage some targets at distance for a .22. Turns out it was the perfect scope for that.

[@sugargoldy]

I like both I have a Savage model 10 with a 20 inch barrel 1 in 9 twist I use IMR 4198 20 grains of powder with 55 grain V-Max and it does awesome at 100 yards I can put five and a dime will cover them up.

[@kevinhart313]

Appreciate all the content. I like a mixture of both match and off the shelf rifles. Thanks for sharing

[@CplSkiUSMC]

I'm starting load development for a Savage Axis II Precision in .223 Rem right now. I've started with Reloader 15 but I do have AR Comp if I don't get good results from RL-15. It's a 1/7 twist so on deck I have 75gr Hornady HPBT Match and for varmints I have the 60gr Hornady V-Max. I have both series (some call ladder loads) loaded at .3gr increments but I still need to finish barrel break in and the weather here in NW Wyoming is not cooperating. My Savages tend to really like a short jump to the rifling and I'm beginning with a .005" jump which works well in my Savage 6.5CM, .308 Win, and .338LM so why not the .223 Rem? Well, we'll see. I will follow (as you do) with seating depth testing to shrink groups if possible. I don't have any custom rifles, so I've learned to make factory rifles shoot for me. It's a fun challenge.

[@robertmumford43]

Everyday stuff for me. I can't afford the fancy rifles! Whichever way, your videos are very good!

[@Pmfarm9168]

Yes! More everyday rifle videos please

[@stevewilson5743]

Great content Keith. Oh, I forgot, what day are we leaving for dads? lol

[@sawhill729]

Loved this video. I'll be watching it two or three times. My new .204 barrel from Bullberry will be here Wed. So I hope to get my multiple watches in by then. Nice to see you shoot guns like most of us do.

[@LIVElifeLOVErock]

I found 23.6 grains of AR Comp under a 60gr Vmax in my AR shoot very well. Average is around half to 3/4 of a minute. Which I was happy with when I first started. Not sure how fast this is going, but it shoots well, and no pressure signs.

[@ontarget765]

Really like the every day rifles. Love to see more

[@Elkblood01]

I like both forms of content. I just prefer more of an essence on the match stuff keith. Keep up the great work!

[@treece1]

Its more content for videos down the road. Keep doing these kinds videos. Im shooting about every day now because I watch videos and get an idea and want to go try it out. Many have came from this channel

[@craignmz5264]

I really like this kind of video. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy you f class stuff, your content is great!

[@misterlewgee8874]

Gob smacking great results for the rifle, rest system and shooter. Thank you for sharing and informing.. I'm sure your marksmanship will be up to the challenge of your varmint shooting ..given reasonable ranges. ... Always nice to have plenty of scope! Thanks Keith

[@mrjmartinez15]

I definitely enjoy the match rifle content. Thanks for the videos.

[@douglindley179]

I like both every day rifles and match rifles content

[@coreystock5361]

All of it Keith. You’re doing great. This particular rifle tho is def an interest.

[@bradpittman5075]

You are so badass!! Keep them coming. Much appreciated. Let’s go.

[@robertmeyers1557]

Thanks again now you are talking my kind of reloading and rifle quality. Yes please do more.

[@robertmettler1910]

I would love to see more development with this rifle because I have the same rifle

[@RWeeks-hx9ut]

I agree with Wilfred Darr. I enjoy a combination of content and I learn from almost every video.

[@LCdonkeyshow]

I like to hear more about hunting rifles. Long distance is cool, but most of my stuff is family members that I love, and reload for.

[@lovetoflylovetofly3843]

Love this stuff, especially from the caliber of people you are Keith! Would love to see the hunt too!!!

[@DavidJones-xl4iz]

From my point of view all information is interesting but the use of it with standard factory rifles and barrels is a very interesting turn that I personally would be very interested in finding out more about

[@derekb892]

Let's see some video with your dad ;)

[@brianvoegeli5067]

Very cool to see a video like this from you keep them coming. I also have a 700 ADL with a 26-inch Barrel using the same exact primer and same exact bullet except I'm using XBR 8208 powder its sole job is prairie dog and squirrel control I got lucky Factory Barrel I can pretty much shoot quarter-inch groups consistently keep up the good work.

[@medfloat5001]

I like a mix of competition and recreation information. Keep sendin then down range!

[@CRBW]

I liked the average shooter and rifle approach. Thanks

[@thomasjansson2019]

Looks like you can shoot! 😎✌️

[@DLT704]

I’m going to make a vote for more load development vids !!!!! With more factory based rifles

[@nt_wicked_bunch2717]

Like many said, I enjoy it all

[@jons614]

Keep doing what your doing please Keith.. knowledge is key, the more your willing to share. The more great full we will all be..thankyou one agean

[@stuartsmith4882]

This is a nice mixup from the usual. Both types of content are interesting, just happy learning from you.

[@tallyman15]

Like the every day rifle stuff.

[@rcg5317]

Great timing on this video. I have been contemplating this topic a lot lately.

[@macdaddy32]

Both kinds of content is great! Thanks for another video.

[@think_critical]

Three-shot groups for load development: A "trend" with 3-shot groups usually evaporates when you extend the groups to contain a (statistically significant) higher number of shots. You demonstrate this in your video: your "shoots in the 2's" rifle ( a single 0.220" 3-shot group at 100 yards) is really a 1.25 MOA rifle (your 10-shot group at 600 yards: 6"-8" depending on whether you count or exclude certain shots). For a different methodology that can prevent range day surprises, see the Hornady channel episodes #50 and #52: "Your Groups Are Too Small" and "Your Groups Are Still Too Small"

[@winninginthewind]

You are absolutely correct! That is why I showed the 600 yard group in its totality. Unlike some KZbinrs, I show what really happens, good, bad, or ugly! For which shots to count, count them all!

[@cbsbass4142]

Then again, if the first two shots are one inch apart, shooting three more will not make that two-shot group any smaller. Someone here also said something like that.

[@emoryzakin2576]

My vote for variety, enjoyed it Keith thank you!

[@seantube121]

Id like to see the regular rifle content

[@Mrjaspgu]

Yes please! 👊🏻

[@mematyi]

Hi Keith! Keep it on with the "regular" shooting approach. We admire you for your match results very much, but as others said, it may set very unrealistic goals for us mortals with factory barrels, cheap rests and reloading gear fighting with hectic remington barrels 😂

[@jamesdean8809]

I like all your content. Keep up the good work.

[@chaddfry5345]

Great video! I vote for a mix of match rifle and factory rifle reloading. Do you have another round of powder charge testing planned for this rifle? I believe your process starts with an initial seating depth test, then a powder charge test, then a final seating depth test?

[@winninginthewind]

Ive been thinking about a series of tests on this rifle, like "what effect does annealing have?"... Those might cause a charge tweaking requirement, but this is the only powder I have in the correct burn rate range.

[@chaddfry5345]

@@winninginthewind That would be a great video and perfect timing. I have some 4x fired Lapua brass and I'm considering buying an annealing machine. Lapua doesn't recommend re-annealing their brass, and flame vs. induction annealing is always a hot topic. A video about the subject would be greatly appreciated.

[@FranciscoGarcia-ni9eg]

Every day rifle

[@leonfourie7404]

Hi Keith. Thx for a great video. This is super helpful!!! I think many of us get quite frustrated when we’re trying to squeeze the group you guys get with match rifles, out of our factory rifles. Great to see your process/progress with factory rifle!! I’m now much more relaxed & content with my own process & results!! Thx for the great content! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!

[@philipcrawford7415]

Just started watching some of your videos, very good content and interested in both custom and factory accuracy. Good work. 👍🏻

[@aaronarcher2356]

This was great. An honest and truthful view. Thanks for showing us

[@winninginthewind]

Thanks for watching!

[@rob9263]

Enjoyed the video Keith. Great to see .223 get a mention 👍

[@prestonlynch3421]

Love all the videos. Keep them coming

[@georgekelagis647]

luv the every day rifle stuff

[@garymartin8451]

I just bought a CZ 600 Alpha in 223, supposed to arrive next Monday. I am going to load 80 gr Nosler JHP bullets and see how well it performs. Barrel is a 1:7 twist and should handle the round really well. Also going to load 75gr A-Max as well as 62gr FMJ. Going to be fun. BTW, I'm subscribed and enjoy your content, but videos such as this are exactly the content I look for.

[@dannywarren5204]

Just wondering... so you wasn't looking at velocity?? Just groups??... I'm new to this and trying to learn all I can...

[@JimWooddell]

I enjoy it all. Be all you can be!!!

[@donbenson5292]

Great video. I do think with enough tuning, powder, bullet, primer and seating depth, and BARREL PREP AND CONDITIONING AND BEDDING, most factory barrels can get you easy 500 yds in a 223 but takes work. With a 223 thats good for me and 65gr Sierra sbt's. Scopes, for varmint like ground hogs, if you can find a varmint scope with 1/8 inch clicks is my choice.

[@newcreation2521]

This content fits my personal niche better than the match rifle stuff but I like both and always learn something.

[@rfdsrd]

I load .223 for an AR and a bolt rifle to achieve MOT (minute of torso) groups at 200-600yds ... yep, everyday rifles :)

[@cbsbass4142]

I traded a Stevens 200 22 inch barrel .223 and about $245 for a Remington 700 SPS Varmint with a 26 inch 1 in 12 inch twist barrel. Now, it shot just okay but not any better than the rifle I traded for it. So I got a Stocky's M-50 stock and a Timney Elite Hunter trigger set at 1.5-2 lbs to replace the okay, but not-so-great X-MARK Pro trigger. 6-24X50 Vortex Tactical for a scope. Literal sand bags (Sand inside some socks and Lead shot bags filled with play sand.) Really didn't do much load development after the stock and trigger changes. Loaded up 55 grain V-Max with BL-C(2) and W748 with Remington Small Rifle Bench Rest primers, and it was doing 3 shots in .88 inches at 200 yards and 5 shots in 1.112 inches at 200 yards. I pretty much left it alone load-wise. Different 55 grain bullets (Nosler 55 grain Ballistic Tip Varmint did not perform as well with the same powder and charges) The sweet spot for bullets, so far for this Remington, are the Hornady 55 grain V-MAX Flat base at 200 yards.

[@Xsheaffer]

Great to see the common stuff. A bit jealous, your results in one try are better than several of mine on my 223! Great content.

[@winninginthewind]

There is some luck involved. Factory barrels are quite variable in nature.

[@carlread3494]

Thanks Keith for that video, I shoot 223 rem out to 770yds(700m) at our club range and do rather well, with the unavailability of bergers at the moment I'm using 80 grn Sierra match kings. With my ludicrous sightron 10x50x60 scope. Lol. But it works for ME. Once again thanks. Carl.

[@tecovas3998]

I very much appreciate you bringing your knowledge from the competition realm to the production-gun shooter and hunter.