Reloading for AR15/Bushmaster Varminter (.223)

[DMan]

I just purchased my first AR15 which happens to be the Bushmaster Varminter. I reload off of my 550B for all my handgun rounds and my bolt action 30.06. I have never reloaded for a AR 15 or .223 I am curious is anybody has any advice for this particular combination, and if there are any economical but accurate starter loads that the Varminter may like. Of course any load I start with, I will modify to what this gun likes, but looking for a starting point. Make/weight of .223 round, etc.

Thanks.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Ghuqu2]

I've used a AR w/ 1:8 twist hb for prairie dogs in CO for the last 3 yrs. My load of choice 26.4gr of BLC2 under a 55gr sierra blitzking (1455). OAL 2.229. Hard on dogs out to 500yds, past that I have a hard time seeing them per the mirage. We have a good time hitting 2 liter size targets at the home club range at ~550yds. I use Sierra 2nds because they are 1/2 the cost of retail. If you can make the pilgrimage to Sedalia, MO, it's worth the tour and low prices on 2nds. Use once fired brass; buy sized, trimmed, and primer pocket swaged if available, usually well worth the few extra bucks if your doing over 500.

[Ring]

the new horandy 53gr vmax is the new king of BC for varmit rounds.... lots of good 55/53/50gr load data to use...

75/77gr are fun out to 1k

[airslot]

60gr Nosler BT over 23gr Benchmark 2.26 OAL 3000-3100fps (have not chrono'd)

Good accuracy from my 16" flattop. Looking forward to trying them on some coyotes soon.