Here's my 2 cents with my favorite .223:
I am into 800+ rounds with a .223 VLS that is kinda my test bed. I haven't seen that much difference between 1.750 to 1.760, but the best groups have been with cases 1.750 to 1.754. I think there are more important things as far as accuracy.
The biggest factor to "my" rifle has been headspace. Using the old "close the bolt on the case" method, I found my headspace was at .005 off to the loose side. Obtaining and using a RCBS Micrometer, I now set my dies to 0.0 headspace (+- .001). This has been the biggest factor in making the rifle a dependable 1/2 MOA shooter.
Another small factor has been indexing the cases and shooting the heavy side of the case aligned to the top bolt lug. I measure the wall thickness about a 1/3 of the way up the case.
Get a number #25 seating plug if you're using standard Redding dies. This plug allows for a more precise alignment of poly-tips and similar ogives. Since I obtained this plug, my concentricity seldom goes past .003 on the runout.
Just my 2 cents. I figure if the good lord lets me do this a few more years I might figure this stuff out...maybe.
Hey Steve, how many standard loads will a Remington barrel go through before I wear this thing out?
God Bless America and All Here
