.223 suggestions for my new mini-14

[slippingaway]

Hey guys,

Just wondering what you guys have had good luck with (accuracy-wise) in your mini-14s, as far as powder, primers and bullets. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to find all the components I need for a little while, I couldn't have picked a worse time to start loading a new caliber. I would like to stick with a 55gr bullet, and have heard good things about Varget powder in the .223. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

 

[96/44]

I have had pretty good luck with 25gr of Varget, and just about any 55gr bullet for a plinking load. The 45gr Winchester hollow point with the same powder chagrge will actually approach MOA in my mini. Components are starting to be found again, last week the local shop had primers in every size, but the selection was somewhat limited. Good luck

 

[gerryb158]

I too have heard that Varget is a top-notch powder for the .223, unfortunately that powder is just not found in this area. Don't know why. I don't want to order powder because of the haz-mat fees. In any case, W748 or Blc-2 also seem an excellent choice and I've had good luck with both. Gerry

 

[JohnnyRingo]

H322 is the BEST powder ive found in 35 years of handloading for both the new and old model mini 14. i dont know how the admin feels around here about posting exact load data, but try looking to either the hornady 52gr match or the hornady 55gr ballistic tips and H322. i also have superb luck with the (believe it or not) armscor 62gr FMJ and H322 in the mini 14.

all of the bullets and H322 i posted are all capable of single hole 5 shot groups at 100 yards all day long.

 

[slippingaway]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I think the local shop has some H322 in stock. They're pretty good about stocking all the Hodgdon stuff, except for Varget. Now, if I could only find bullets and primers...

 

[Cherokee]

I've been loading for the mini since 1975 and my best powder is H335 followed by AA2230 for 45-55 gr bullets. I like H380 for 69 gr bullets.

 

[slippingaway]

Well, after scouring the sites, I managed to place a couple orders for the following:

Armscor 62g FMJ - 1000
Barnes 62gr Tripleshok - 50
Wolf 223 primers - 2000
H322 powder - 8 lbs

And for the handguns:
Wolf Large Pistol primers - 2000
Win AutoComp powder - 8 lbs
Magtech 250gr LRN - 500

Luckily I managed to find all the dies already. Now I'll have something to keep me busy at the bench for a while!

 

[slippingaway]

H322 is the BEST powder ive found in 35 years of handloading for both the new and old model mini 14. i dont know how the admin feels around here about posting exact load data, but try looking to either the hornady 52gr match or the hornady 55gr ballistic tips and H322. i also have superb luck with the (believe it or not) armscor 62gr FMJ and H322 in the mini 14.

all of the bullets and H322 i posted are all capable of single hole 5 shot groups at 100 yards all day long.

Johnny, if you want, you can PM me with your load data for the 62gr. I'll start lower, but would be interested to see what your best load is.

 

[txpete]

I know its late but AA2520 has always turned some nice groupd for me in my 223's.my mini seems to like it and it meters great.
pete

 

[Big Bubba]

I have standardized on AA2230 in all Ar15's and .223 bolt action rifles. I use it with all bullet weights from 50 gr. to 69gr.

It was designed for proper chamber pressures and port pressures in the AR15/M16 rifle system. (there are others as well).

 

[slippingaway]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the other suggestions. I may have already ordered some powder, but will definitely keep these in mind as well. We'll see how the 322 works, and go from there.

 

[mattsbox99]

I'm using TAC and 69 grain Sierra Matchkings for top accuracy in my 2001 Mini.

W748 and AA2520 work well also, but TAC is a bit more economical and offers a worthwhile velocity advantage.

 

[Sig685]

H322 is an excellent powder that meters very well for the regular weight bullets in .223. I have had very good results with AA2230 and W748 also and these all meter very well.

Varget is a better powder once you get into the heavy for caliber .223 bullets, 75gr and up. Seeing as that's all I shoot in .223 anymore, I use Varget exclusively now, but for your goals, the other powders are better. Also, Varget doesn't meter well, but punches out of my Chargemaster very well. I also use it for my match .308.

I think you have chosen well and you will be busy for a while. Good luck.

 

[kyhareraiser]

i use 26 grains of varget to push a 55 grain hornady sp down the range and i get good groups