It seems we all are using 77gr Sierra's
loaded to magazine length 2.250" oal for 200 & 300 yds. You can use
them for 500/600 yards, but they will have more wind drift. The 75 gr
Hornady is an option.
For 500 or 600 yds the Hornady A-Max or Sierra 80 gr, loaded too long
for the magazine (2.400" or longer)
Steps to reload ammo:
- tumble the brass to clean it (optional, but a good idea, I use
walnut, some use wet stainless media)
- lubricate it (I use RCBS and a lube pad, but spray on can be
used. Some are not as easy to clean off with hot water)
- size the brass (I use a single-stage press)
- clean the lube off (I use hot soapy water)
- dry it if you clean it by washing (either in the AZ sun or a food
dehydrator)
- trim the brass, chamfer in and out (my Gracey does the chamfer
with the trim cut)
- clean the primer pocket (optional)
- remove the primer crimp (this only needs to be done once with mil
surplus brass)
- prime
- powder (I use a Redding powder measure for 200/300, but weigh
charges on an electonic trickler/scale for 500/600 yds)
- seat bullet (set seating length for bullet type)
- mark the cartridge (it makes it easier to find my own brass after
the match, I use colored magic markers)
- box the ammo
- repeat... again and again
Bullets:
- 77 gr Sierra Match King
- 75 gr Hornady BTHP
- 77 gr or 69 gr Sierra Tipped Match King
- 80 gr Sierra Match King
- 75 or 80 gr Hornady A-Max
Powder:
- H4895
- Varget
- RL-15
- IMR-8208
Primers:
- Rem 7-1/2
- Rem 6-1/2
- WSR
- CCI
- Federal
- Wolf
Brass:
- LC (probably the best for general use)
- Win
- Wolf - I found a source for Primed Wolf .223 for about $150/1000
with shipping.
- Rem
- FC
- Lapua
- Norma