New Tools...

Well, I have finally made it out to the range to test out my latest tool for critter control. Recently I got a great opportunity to pick up a Winchester Model 70 in 223 WSSM. The salesman not only gave me a great deal but also cautioned me about the negative stigma of the cartridge in general. I figured this will either be a huge mistake or a great purchase, so I forged ahead.

With the cost of ammunition and reloading components climbing like a Sherpa, I was hoping to get a rifle that not only was a straight shooter but was hard hitting while conserving on the powder charge. I was impressed with the performance on the cartridge and with just 38 grains of Varget I was able to obtain an accurate and consistent load for a 55 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip. Of course one could milk out a few more fps with a hotter load, but I was looking for accuracy and precision. I have a few more bullets on order in different variety, so look for further load reports if you are interested.

So far the testing has been limited to load development at the range, but now that I have a load that I like, at least for the time being, I am looking forward to settling the mil-dot reticle on a critter and seeing just what I this load will do.


I was impressed with the rifle as it was delivered out of the box from Winchester. The rifle definitely would be improved with a little trigger work, but that is something an after market trigger will smooth over. I have a strong preference to after market trigger groups since most stock triggers don't have the feel and adjustment that I look for. I have not put near enough rounds down the chrome lined barrel to formulate an opinion, but the old adage of chrome lining opening up a group by 0.5 MOA doesn't appear to be a big issue as the rifle was still sub-MOA, with handloaded ammunition. Factory ammunition opened the group up, which can be expected for just about any firearm on the market I would speculate.

Legal Disclaimer: I am not paid by Olin, Winchester, Hodgdon or Nosler to promote their products. This is purely a review of my experience with the products and how they work for me and your mileage will vary. Since I have no quality control over your reloading practices, any load information that is given is strictly for research purposes and you are advised to consult current reloading literature and encouraged to follow safe reloading guidelines.