Benchmark, 223, results.

MARKZERO

Active member
I worked up a couple of loads for me ctr tikka,223, with a 1-8 twist. This target was shot off the bench with a rest. [ 3 different bullets] Load, 25.5 Benchmark, cci 400, bullets are, 52 gr hp Sierra, 52gr hp, Speer, and the last bullet is Hornady, lead tip, 55 grain SPSX. A slight amount of jump...
I have not loaded much Benchmark but will probably stay with it this season.
The three holes above the orange are first shots from the three different bullets, the three right are my second shots, thinking too much.
Deer season is over for a bit, headed out... MARKZERO
 

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I have seen very similar accuracy from several 223(AR and bolt guns) with benchmark. I'm usually loading 53 gr vmax for prairie dog or the 50gr SX as a general coyote/fox,raccoon hunting rd. I bump the powder up some for the 50 gr. Out 200 yards and beyond you will see the various bullets brands start to show divergence due to the bc differences.
 
Its not worth messing around with a life of testing.... But, AA 2015 will do everything BM does. Some "cases" much better. Especially when considering the 60 grain V-Max.
 
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I shot Benchmark at 25.8 grs. or 26.5 grs. depending on the rifle with excellent accuracy and velocity in the 50 gr. bullets. It got so hard to get and high priced that I switched to A2230 or Xterminator with very similar accuracy and equal velocity at about 60% of the cost of Benchmark.
 
Try H335 w/ 55ish pills. Seems a lil more accuracy to be had vs Benchmark in my experience. ES is high with both though. 69 sierra over Varget another great combo...
 
Benchmark ain't cheap but its served me well from minus 20 to 100, very temp insensitive and super accurate in every rifle I've tried it in, I'll buy it until they stop making it!
 
I shot Benchmark at 25.8 grs. or 26.5 grs. depending on the rifle with excellent accuracy and velocity in the 50 gr. bullets. It got so hard to get and high priced that I switched to A2230 or Xterminator with very similar accuracy and equal velocity at about 60% of the cost of Benchmark.

I have excellent success with 2230 and any 40 gr plastic tip, about 3600, little touchie in the wind at 400yrds
 
I shoot 25 gr with a 55gr Vmax out of my 20“ REM 700 with a can it will shoot dots but only 2950fps. Looking to try to work up a little more speed if I can keep the accuracy.
 
My Remington LTR and POF love benchmark! Both will shoot in the same hole at 100 yards with a 60 grain vmax along with 25 grains of benchmark. Also 25.5 grains of H4895. The LTR also shoots just as tight with 27 grains of benchmark and 40 grain Nosler ballistic tips. Both guns will shoot .3” groups, and better at times, at 200 yards with all three loads. Benchmark is $52 at cabeoas but they have 15% off Mondays fie club members through December. Might have to stop and grab a pound tomorrow since I’m out.
 
Do you use an arbor press while at the range? If not, borrow one or buy one. You can reduce the group even smaller.
 
Here are some if my old posts with groups using benchmark. Great powder for the 223/5.56.




 
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