Load data for Barnes 85 gr Match Burner

[MrTwister]

Thanks for the replies with much needed info!

[opsoff1]

I would be very careful with seating depth and it is critically important whether you are single loading these or are running them through a mag.

If these are at mag length - 3 words - Don't do it.

If they are to be single loaded - you can load them long. This will increase your case capacity and your velocities. Those listed velocities are anemic. Bullets of this design are very jump tolerant. If your rifle has a long throat (Wylde or even a 556 NATO) you can really seat these way out. Your powder capacity will go up significantly along with your velocities. Long heavy bullets seated deep in the case run the risk of collapsing the boat tail from the pressure. The optimal depth puts the bottom of the bearing surface at the bottom of the neck/shoulder juncture.

The load data for the 80 SMK can be used as a rough guide.

If you want to run a high BC, heavy 223 at mag length - there are far better bullets - the 77gr SMK for example.
As a point of comparison, my 80 SMK load (single load) runs 2.500 OAL with 24.5 Rel 15 - velocities 10ft from the muzzle run 2750. My LR (1000yd) load with 90gr JLK's runs 2700 with even more Rel 15. All of these are out of 20" service rifle bbl's.
I would also caution against using ball powders behind heavy bullets in 223. It will work, but you'll be far happier with a stick like Rel15, N140/N540 or Varget.
I was one of the test shooters for Berger when they were developing their 82gr Match Target and have shot some other exotic heavy 224's - the 90 JLK and 90 Swampy's as well as the PRL 87's and the the Hammond mag length 80's....burned a lot of powder testing and learning.

[markm]

I agree with opsoff1. I actually don't use ball for anything anymore.... except H335 for night shoot muzzle flash circus loads.