Best Grain Bullet/Powder mix for 5816 Mini?
 

I have begun to reload .223 for my 5816 Ranch Rifle, and I know that following and keeping a good recipe depends upon a whole lot of scenarios, but I typically shoot matches at 25 meters (82 ft.) and want a round/recipe that compliments that style of shooting. FPS means nothing to me at this distance. I just want a nice, smooth, ACCURATE round.

Remember I have the newer 5816 rifle with the 1:9" twist.

In the past I've gotten advice to mix 24.5gn of 2230 with 55gn bullets and CCI primers, but what I'm wondering is: Because I'm shooting at short distance, can I shoot a lighter bullet and load?

Your wisdom is GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks,
Glen

I doubt many people load for 25 meter accuracy so don't expect many positive responses. Most load manuals list minimum and maximum loads. Try running some minimum loads.

I have found slow loads are inaccurate loads in my 581 series Mini14. Hornady 53 Grain JHP and 25.5 grains of 2230 yielded 1/4 to 3/8 inch groups at 25yds during my initial load workups but left unburned powder when using std CCI Primers. Magnum primers worked better.
I since switched to H335.

Good luck.

Thanks TOF
 

I ended up buying IMR-4198 and 40gr Sierra bullets. I'll let you know how it goes!
BTW do you know if there is a minimum TOTAL LENGTH for a 223 shell? Those little buggers are short!

Thanks again!
Glen

I can only suggest you obtain a loading manual to use as your dimensioning guide.

Manual??? I'm a man! I don't need a manual.
 

TOF, of course I have a manual, and would never jeopardize my rifle OR my body:D
I am only using recipes from my Lyman 49th Re-loader's Manual.

But here are my results:
I was a little hesitant on the lighter weight 40gn. bullets, due to what my manual said, "barrel twists of 1:9" or more should use lighter weight bullets (36gn - 50gn,) but barrels with twists of 1:9" - 1:12" are MORE ACCURATE with heavier 55gn - 65gn bullets."
But my recipe 20.5gn of IMR-4198 (right out of my Lyman Manual,) paired with the Sierra 40gn bullet, I was shooting -1" groups @ 25 yds!!!!!!!!!
I am QUITE sure that @ 100yrds the tables might have been turned, but @ 25 it was the ticket I've been looking for! VERY accurate in my Mini-14.

One thing's for sure... This whole reloading thing boils down to this: USE YOUR MANUAL, and find out what works best in YOUR rifle! For me: I think I found a GREAT recipe for my 25yd shooting needs!

Thanks again for the input,
Glen