Butt Kickin' 5.56 Bullets - ep 8 - 75gr Swift Scirocco II

Testing out some 75gr Swift Scirocco II bullets. Today's test powders are Hodgdon Varget and Alliant Reloder 15.
About the test gun:
18" White Oak Armament SPR barrel 1:8 mid-gas 223 Wylde
Wilson Combat adjustable gas block
Upper, handguard, BCG from Palmetto State Armory
Anderson lower with a Magpul PRS stock
Standard rifle buffer and spring
CMC 3.5 lbs flat trigger
Burris PEPR scope base
Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44 scope
GG&G Bipod
Silencerco Omega suppressor and flash hider
UPDATED 09/27/2018 - All links have been removed to comply with KZbin content policies.
www.patreon.com/reloading

[@truebornsonofliberty554]

Kudos to the quality and pace of content output. The channels that grow quickest are those that generate daily output. Thx.

[@nrainfidelforlife]

Don't give up on these. I run them thru a 1/7 twist using IMR 4895. I have never shot a more accurate bullet than these at 300 yards. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed but maybe your right on the cusp of stabilization at 100 yards. I've been waiting, what seems like an eternity, for you to try these. Don't give up! Don't be cheap either!

[@joechrisman8257]

nrainfidelforlife & Johnny ive got a 1n8 on 24". I bet it would shoot these great & hammer both deer & coyotes :-) Johnny i got some rl 26 i wonder how it work in 223 w heavies & my 24" ?? Merrry Christmas great job keep up good work. What state u in? I ain't caught ya say? Many Blessings Brother

[@MyLonewolf25]

If it’s not stable out of the muzzle it’s not gonna be accurate

[@nrainfidelforlife]

@@MyLonewolf25 From what I've read no projectile is stable right out of the barrel. As soon as it hits the resistance of air it momentarily becomes unstable. According to Hatcher's Notebook.

[@THutch556]

Great vid JRB. I have the same seating die and the same problem. It's the feed ramp section inside the chamber portion of the die. I have polished mine with a .224 brass brush that I chucked in a drill and then wrapped the brush in steel wool and used Flitz for a polishing compound. It helped, but depending on the bullet (some bullets don't leave any marks with this die, it's really hit or miss) I still get the same scuffing you showed. I contacted Forster and was told the inside of that die chamber is tight (.224) and the close tolerances is what makes the die. Basically replacing the chamber won't do anything as everyone I've seen makes those Same Marks. If for some reason you get it figured out let me know, but the bright side is I have not seen any decrease in accuracy even with the bullets that come out scuffed. keep up the great work.

[@reelamor9950]

I have a ton of the scirocco .308 bullets that is found on clearance(think the were mislabeled). I load 30-06 with them. I love them, had no idea they were so pricey. Time to put them to the side for hunting only.

[@robkilcollins310]

Those groups are very representative of the swift sriocco in my experiences as well. I can take a known shooter, do a OCW with its and I'll have a bunch of 1.5-2" groups, with a sweet spot shooting .5 to 1 moa. They are a picky bullet, but terminal performance is impressive.

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

Thanks for the feedback. That makes me feel a little bit better.

[@TimKollat]

I have these 75 sciroccos and they definitely are butt kickn bullets! Expensive but sometimes you can find them on sale. These have a long bearing surface so keep on eye on pressure

[@jamesbird6173]

Really enjoy watching your videos. I have found great success with Alliant power pro 2000 MR with heavier weight bullets in my 18" .223 Wylde barrel and my Ruger precision rifle .308 win. Might be one you will have success with heavier end of bullets it is a ball powder and easy to meter. Keep the great vids coming have fun be safe!!

[@randallgibson3212]

I’d really like to see a video on the 62 grain version of these. I can’t find much info on them at all but I’ve heard from a few people they are really accurate and deadly on game. I just ordered 200 from swift to work up some data. If H335 pushes them like the 69 grain vmax we’re in business lol I also wanted to just say you have the best reloading channel on the tube by far and I greatly appreciate all the effort you put into these videos. You’ve helped me a lot in my own testing!

[@kylevanwinkle2081]

looks to me like the bullet likes to be loaded slow. it also looks like both of the flyers on the lowest charges were the cold bore shots and the cold bore shift was consistent both times

[@ILOVETOSHOOT]

My white oak barrel seems to like these bullets over 23.6gn tac, fed brass, and fed match at primers. Kind of wish you'd revisit some butt kickers using your white oak barrel.

[@WestDesertShooter]

Perfect test, I only have Varget and RL-15 I could've tried these with and I saw what they would've done. Your barrel is awesome I really need a better barrel on my PSA

[@darrellblanchard2362]

Another thing i thought of some of the more firmly built bullets like a good jump to the lands like around .050-.100"

[@darrellblanchard2362]

Lesser bullets kill cleanly on good lung shots but on quartering shots a more robustly constructed bullet can mean the difference between a clean kill and a lengthy tracking session. Great reloading/accuracy testing videos by the way. I test in a very similar way but prefer testing loads at 300 yards. Keep up the good work Cheers

[@fockisilicocker]

Maybe try some IMR 8208XBR behind these? Great video as always!

[@benny1235]

NeMo Gas 8208 is great for .223, I have stopped using varget in .223 because of powder crunch. Even max charges with 8208 doesn't crunch while still getting great accuracy

[@yugbe]

I use the 8208xbr on mine as well. I started using them when he did the 77gn M262 clone series. I have to say that the groups im getting using the TSMKs are the best I have ever gotten. I love JRBs series. I actually listen to it at work. Its almost as relaxing as reloading itself. The marks may be due to the 100% copper jacket that Swift uses on these bullets. Its really soft, regardless I just ordered some to see how they do. Also. I had to take a little 2000 grit sandpaper, and a Q-Tip to my die to ensure it never left a mark. (Used VERY sparingly)

[@jjsens0919]

I would like to see the swift soirocco .224 75g in the valkyrie

[@wesjwaandrews7524]

I once read a comment on one of your videos so I can't take credit for this but they said to use an electric toothbrush to buzz the case and make the powder settle I've never tried it but seems like a good idea.

[@jonlockhart8436]

wesjwa andrews That's an interesting idea. Be easy to test a string of good shooting loads and see what happens when you buzz them.

[@wesjwaandrews7524]

Jon Lockhart if I can find an electric brush I'll test it out.

[@mitchanderson8154]

What would happen if you had a second press which would complete seating the round upside down?

[@wallyhaskett6737]

How about CCI 400 primersThey work good for me man.

[@MichaelJones-tk4xt]

The heavy bullets seem to work better out of a longer barrel in my experience

[@dontbetreadin4777]

All about twist rate

[@Samuel_Lipscomb]

I can't help but wonder how fast your printing and I know you get a little bit of bore Boost from that can but it's also holding a lot of heat in that system. And identical run with and without the can & proper cooldown times I think would be more warranted.

[@davekri1662]

whats that other long black die on your press after the lee crimp die?

[@justinmclellen1007]

ive been working up a load with these using XBR, and when i had some grouping issues i contacted swift to ask about load data. they called me the next day, and told me to load these to the shortest COAL i could get, he said these bullets are more accurate when they have a jump before they hit the rifling... 2.240 COAL, with 21.3gr of XBR and a CCI 450 is the current load im getting ready to test.

[@jnordwell]

H4895 would be a fun one to try as well..like the videos

[@elvisammo]

Coffee w/JRB. 8:00 am. Swift Groups 2.50 each, Bobs' groups .40 cents each. Bobs' tastes better! Sweeter W/Bobs' Nice Going! : )

[@jonlockhart8436]

elvis ammo yeah I can't believe how well the Bobs' bullets did and these didn't, comparatively.

[@Thorsaxe777]

I have shot these before. They are for hunting and what Johnny said was true about the way they perform. I never had any luck with them as a ragged hole shooter, However, for hunting, they are more than adequate for reasonable distances that you would use a .223 for on Coyote to Deer size game. Bobs' bullets just sold a huge amount of bullets because of Johnny's review. I looking forward to putting them to the test myself.

[@ILOVETOSHOOT]

Try TAC for me. I just bought a box a few days ago. Wonder if we could just load it like the OTM and get close to the 262 mod 1.

[@markcarlton1182]

I was also expecting more out of these bullets. On the other hand, I have had a hard time shooing MOA with anything but match grade bullets like Nosler 77gr BTHP, Sierra 77gr HPBT, and Hornady 75gr HPBT bullets. But these match grade bullets will come apart and not penetrate when shooting big game like a deer. I am also using a WOA 20" stainless barrel. All hunting bullets, like these Scirocco's are reasonable accurate but consistently expand in soft tissue. The emphasis on hunting bullets is terminal performance on game and then accuracy. What difference does it make is your shot is off by 1" and you hit the top of the heart instead of the center? The deer is on the ground regardless.

[@TommyboyGTP]

I'd like to see these Swift's loaded in a 22-250 or 224 Valkyrie

[@jimhans1]

JRB, in my 223/556 rifles, these Bullets like to be run dang near max to max velocity and pressure, whether from my 14.5" barrel up to my 20", they want speed to group, they wanted to be in the 2600-2800fps range at the muzzle to group. Thankfully, my Redding competition seater doesn't leave any marks on the bullets, both my Forster ones in 5.56 and 308 do :( so switched to the Redding units. Also, try the Winchester small rifle primers, I've had much better luck with them accuracy-wise than any of the CCI primers, even their BR primers. Maybe yank the can off and put on a break also for accuracy testing to remove any variables, I've got some rifles that shoot great with a can, and some that just won't due to the harmonics being switched on the barrel. These Bullets will be awesome also in your new 22Nosler rifle!! Edit: All of my 5.56/223 rifles are 1:8 twist barrels, so it's not the twist causing the issues, it's the lack of speed from my experience with these bullets.

[@jordanhays732]

I would love to see Hornady 55gr gmx

[@samlebo4704]

Vithavori has data in their loading charts

[@davekri1662]

wonder if group would change out to 200yds

[@raytribble8075]

I shoot this bullet in a .220 Swift I built with a Shilen 28-1/2” 416 stainless barrel with 1-8 twist. I can print .3 MOA with my load at 3148 fps, 8211’ elevation, 68 degrees. My thing is you are not driving that bullet fast enough with your 1-8 twist. My 19 cents anyhow. Great test and video sir!

[@jnordwell]

Do you ever use h4895? I have a few 556 /223 guns that do well in the 60-65 go range with h4895 and the 69-70 I use cfe223. Any thoughts

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

I have used a lot of IMR 4895 and had success. I picked up a can of H4895 recently and will definitely be trying it. You've made some great powder choices!

[@livincincy4498]

I think your camera got hit by Brass during the filming !

[@SirFornicateRectum]

Are you going to be doing any 69-75/77gr work ups for an SBR? I'm looking at building a 12" upper with a Ballistic Advantage barrel and I'd like to stick with a heavier bullet.

[@MrPaco1013]

Maybe the loads where to conservative. There is plenty of data for the 62gr. Sorroco 'll out there. Try some CFE 223.

[@1Alexville]

This. CFE 223 meters very nicely.

[@MrPaco1013]

Romeo Boom Yes it dose. Works very well with copper solids.

[@uelhunter8160]

Longer barrell?

[@longridge3078]

I've been waiting for this one!

[@longridge3078]

Or the 62grain one.

[@wayneshingleton1985]

Do you lap the uppers and bed barrels with loctite? I know you can shoot and have good scopes. You keep getting one flyer in your groups.

[@vegapower454]

A heavy wall upper, and a stiff handguard helps as well.

[@vegapower454]

I like the side charge uppers from Fulton Armory. I have a 6.5 Grendel with a Lilja barrel that I use for a local F-class match, shoots amazing.I was beating the Ruger Precision Rifles with that little 6.5 Grendel.

[@foghornleghorn3478]

I shoot these bullets out of a home build and send em they like living on edge where i dont like to live but they love a 1.9 twist 18" barell woa . Right at pressure max these are my close to blowin up which i never have done have had a couple case failures but went down .2grain no problems little primer bulge but sub.05 moa

[@1976kingdom]

You should load up a few with a different seating die then compare.

[@drewgrandi5413]

Love the videos.. listening to this as I replicate 124 grain gold dots non +p

[@drewgrandi5413]

5.6 of auto comp

[@isaidme0]

Maybe try CFE223 with these?

[@joechrisman8257]

isaidme0 yes i agree 25-26 grain of cfe223 & good speed too

[@Oregun]

Curious as to why you selected Magnum primers? Great video!

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

The cci 41 that we normally use is a magnum equivalent, so I went ahead and used the Magnums this time. Just about anything works. I am going to do a primer video very soon that will cover this topic thoroughly.

[@sdvten]

CCI BR-4 primers would be a better choice than the magnums.

[@kirkboswell2575]

Hi. Yes, I like these bullets too. Really wish that they were less expensive, but as they say, you generally get what you pay for. One comment. You said "Reloader 15", but grabbed the Varget. I'm assuming that you were just getting the Varget off the table for the duration, but the video gives the impression that you grabbed the wrong can. I do recall an earlier video where you stressed having only the components being used on the table. This might be a comment to stress each time for newbies. As far as excuses are concerned, definitely look for one. Groups that are that tight for 4 out of 5, but keep having one flyer surely have an external reason that needs to be fixed.

[@yeates26]

Let’s see some 77gr mk’s! How fast can it go?????

[@shaundoodles]

Let's see you use XBR

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

The ammo is loaded, sir. I'll be on the range with XBR and AR-Comp tomorrow. Look for the video early next week. :)

[@highpowermarsh1046]

10:58 is basically how 2020 went. Hot brass in your face.

[@homiegali]

Was that bur from the manufacturer or just gunk?

[@michaellavazza960]

You need to try 6.5 guys 10 shot load dev.

[@pony_4759]

When can we see how Elvis's 75gn pills do ?

[@ericrussell2378]

www.bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/ I've been using this to pick rounds based off my gun and it has so far not steered me wrong. It does call for a 7.5 twist minimum for this round to be comfortable stable with a 7 being better. by numbers there is absolutely no reason they shouldn't be phenomenal shooters with their high BC and sectional density. Just not stable enough in your barrel.

[@nickp862]

I have a swift load manual if you would like copies.

[@pcbulletempire9872]

75 grain bullet is best served through a 24 caliber rifle if you only had one

[@jarredlkling]

good mornin folks

[@coreymerrill3257]

" seer-ocko 2" . Your gun may not particularly love the scirocco II . Be it the twist rate itself or the propellent or even the primers or the brass itself. Something About the mix is not getting what you desire and experimenting is about all you can do to solve the issue. Though it will eat time, weighing each component and grouping them all by that weight will help somewhat. At least weighing bullets and grouping them by the 10th of a grain will create a more consistent situation. It is important to remember,these are hunting bullets for medium game like deer, pronghorn,feral hogs, blackbear, ect. So match grade accuracy isn't required to meet their design goal. 1.5 moa is more than good enough to reach the farthest effective range of .223 rem /5.56 on any of those animals. Typically about 150 yards is max for .223 /5.56 with the best bullets ,loaded as hot as safely possible. If you want true match grade accuracy from a big game bullet, you really have to work for it or luck out. I know that typically the best accuracy and highest velocity possible are from vastly different loadings. 80% of maxis normal,but certain propellants burn more consistently and give better accuracy while never giving that highest possible top velocity of other propellents. Imr has some fantastically "accurate" propellent for small cases and heavy for caliber bullets that is exactly like I described . Groups shrink but top velocity is less than others. So try grouping stuff by weight First, it's free to do and in my own experience ,it makes a huge difference in group size when everything is as close to identical as possible.(Dont forget to write down the weights and separate them into those groups ).Then start switching up components if that doesn't help enough.

[@marcrobert2603]

like i said Lee rocks, oh yes i have to dril my seating plug to let it not damage my tips.

[@saltcreekammo]

Dude, you need a brass catcher...

[@japwisem]

Back the powder off.....get some 77gr sierra TMK....getting close with your white oak barrel

[@MrTrekFanDan]

With those groups, the powder weight didn't even seem to matter. You could've shuffled the whole batch and it the POI wouldn't matter.On the flier issue... 1) maybe trigger control?.... I'd like to see you clamp and sled the rifle and set up a consistent trigger string for less interference from human error. 2) I may have missed it, but have you weighed the individual bullets before loading? ..Or maybe seat the bullet to touching the lands to achieve better groups...Just a thought. 3) I wasn't watching, but maybe re-check your video for matching velocity vs P.O.I. and see if there's a pattern...maybe your powder charge is off just enough to throw a couple of fliers.

[@michaellavazza960]

You need to take longer breaks like 20 minutes between groups. The last Swift load was the one....but your barrel kept it from grouping. You make this mistake over and over unless you are editing the long breaks out.

[@kylevanwinkle2081]

Michael Lavazza he edits out the barrel cooling. his 5 shot group aren't shot terribly slow but the barrel isn't shifting much for 5 shots

[@michaellavazza960]

ah o.k. man it looks like he shoot one after another.....lol

[@kylevanwinkle2081]

Michael Lavazza movie magic, no one wants to watch him wait for the barrel to cool

[@MrMd5555]

Kyle Vanwinkle. I Do! ...I fast forward through all the boring educational parts, and past all footage shooting groups, I prefer to skip right to the dead air of watching the barrel cool off!!

[@stefanschug5490]

Scirocco bullets are much superior to the Sierra Game King for hunting deer! You cannot judge the performance of a projectile by one deer dropping in its tracks, you need to have a statistically sound sample size! Game king bullets are just somewhat improved target bullets for hunting and sufficient for coyote size game but very mediocre for deer under non-optimal conditions. Sciroccos are bonded bullets like the bonded Nosler projectiles which makes them more expensive but these cup and core barely ever come apart. By the way I loaded bullets with the tip damaged and ones like the ones you show in your video on purpose and as long as they were of equal weight and had no damage or nicks at the base they grouped well together. The tiniest nicks at the bullet base cause problems when the gases exit the crown of the barrel and destabilize the projectile somewhat. Cup and core bullets have two variables that influence performance, minor metal imbalances due to pouring or swaging the core and tiny weight differences. The reloader can only eliminate the later by sorting bullets under a bell curve! I found in my tests that even powder charge variations of up to 2/10 of a grain had less impact on accuracy than projectile weight variability. Also even the most expensive cup and core bullets have these variations and some indiviual lots and boxes are particularly bad. Not that it matters for traditional hunting distances and purposes where a 2 MOA is okay and target ballistic is more important. Only for long range paper punching and to achieve tiny groups these things come into effect. Keep up the good work, love your videos and tests.

[@Gmar69]

Johnny, there is just too much research the you can do to figure out the ballistics. Everyone hasn't to figure it out for themselves.

[@wesjwaandrews7524]

First like Ha and yes I truly do like your videos!

[@VitoBb1978]

Johnny you made a couple of mistakes, first was using Magnum Primers in the 223/5.56 which doesn't need a Magnum primers and no data calls for a Magnum Primer, Hodgdon use's a Winchester Small Rifle with a 75 Grainer and Alliant's use's a Federal 205 M with a 77 Grainer. Second mistake not having consentance in your OAL, every round should have been 2.260 no more no less, you had 2.263, 2.261, 2.260. Could your groups be a result of those Magnum Primers or variations in your OAL or both? Because there was no cross wind that could have made your groups spread like they did !

[@hidesinlonggrass3229]

Yeah? Check bullet runout, and get back to us. Like your channel.

[@tomclements7590]

Not to impressed

[@pcobra5427]

Just looks good on the outside stick with nosler and have no weary’s