mini 14/semi 223 Handloads

wolf308 · #1 05-05-2011, 01:15 PM

hey semi auto/223 loaders, just seeing if youd help me out with my mini 14.
just tried my first handloads with the mini 14, using 62 gr speer fmjs and varget,win cases. 24.5 gr of varget was most accurate,bout a 2" group(4/5),i realize it aint gonna be as accurate as a bolt,i was gonna try the hornady 55gr fmjs next and see if it like that better, but i was wondering whats the powder of choice for you guys in these semis??? 24.5 yielded 2563 fps and 41 fps spread. ill try benchmark maybe next cause i have some,but blc2 is also popular i think,any other powders you recommend???or had luck with?thanx

bubba300 · #2 05-05-2011, 07:27 PM

Loaded some for a friends , he has the target model , 25 gr. Varget 53 gr. BTHP
Hornady's. He said they were right around the 1 in. at 100 yds

Supermag · #3 05-06-2011, 03:23 PM

I have the target model too. I found that Sierra 69 gr match bullets worked way better than the lighter stuff. 1" group. Haven't tried to tweak it because the range I paid my 1 year membership to is STILL closed.

wolf308 · #4 05-06-2011, 06:03 PM

yeah im getting my ass kicked,tried two powders and bullets each, handloads so far tell me to go with a bigger bullet.

Supermag · #5 05-06-2011, 06:06 PM

I'll check the load data and get back to you. It was Varget for sure with the 69 gr match bullets. They shot awesome in my Savage too. Bonus

wolf308 · #6 05-06-2011, 09:38 PM

cool please let me know dave , im gonna go with the 69 sierras probably cause they specify twist rates for it so hopefully it will catch better in my rifle. ill start over again with varget for sure

the joys of handloading. its very rewarding though at the end.

Supermag · #7 05-15-2011, 08:02 PM

Sorry for the late reply. I couldn't find my box of reloads.

We loaded up 25.6 gr of Varget with the 69 gr Sierras (you might want to start a little lower first. 26 gr is max) This will fill the case completely, with a little bit of a compressed load.

Works great for me, and my buddy. Same load in 4 different guns works awesome

wolf308 · #8 05-18-2011, 11:00 AM

copy that dave. ill rig some 69ers up with your advice and some other powder that i just got and ill let you know how i make out