.25-223 Gel Test with 100gr Sierra Game King - UPDATE: 85gr Nosler BT Tested

[Altair]

A while back I did a gel block test on my .25-223 wildcat using an 87gr HotCor. I decided to try another one with the 100gr SGK. I shot the block this morning with a 100gr SGK loaded over 22.0gr of H4198 which gave me a MV of 2496fps. The block was 10 feet from the muzzle (per FBI protocol) and I checked the block calibration with a BB going 598fps (that was as close as I could get to 590fps with my BB gun).

Overall I think the bullet performed well. My gel block was only 13" because the mold swelled in the middle, cutting about an inch off the overall length. I used water jugs behind the block to catch the bullet and the bullet passed completely through one and was caught in the second, so the 100gr SGK might have a but too much penetration for the FBI standards for duty ammo. For hunting, however, that isn't a bad thing.

I don't have measurements yet and I have to leave soon but when I get back tonight I'll try to take some measurements. I'll also try and get some cleaner pics as the block was starting to get condensation from the humidity and it made it harder to see the cavity.

Right side:


Top:


Bullet:



BB penetration:


Just like before, any constructive criticism is welcome as I'm just learning how to do this.

ETA: I did some quick measurements.

Neck Length = 1"
Cavity = 1" to 11"
Max cavity = 5.75" @ 4.75" of penetration
Penetration = 13" gel +2 water jugs
Retained Weight = 65.6gr (65.6%)
Recovered Diameter = Max .617", Min .589", Avg .603"

To compare
87gr Hot-Cor:
Neck Length 0"
Cavity 0" to 12"+
Max Cavity = 5.625"+ @ 5" penetration
Penetration = 12" of gel +1 water jug
Retained Weight = 21.1gr
Recovered Diameter = Avg .394"

[DocGKR]

Good job!

From the photos above, it looks like NL might be closer to 2-2.5"; max TC diam around 5-7" extending from 3-11"; of course, the actual measurement from the dissected block is more accurate.

[Altair]

Thanks Doc.

I plan to section the block in the next couple days, time permitting. Is it possible the camera angle on my photo may be why it looks longer in the photo than it does to me? The block also has a slight taper. I don't know if that would have any affect.

How exactly do you determine where the neck ends and the cavity starts? Is it where the temp cavity exceeds the simple bullet path or is there a specific diameter of temp cavity (crack) where the measurement begins?

[Nightvisionary]

Very interesting post. I had not heard of the 25-223 prior to this. I just picked up some 95 grain Nosler Partitions today to load for my 6x45(6mm-223). I am expecting a velocity of 2500-2600 FPS based upon previous 95 grain loads I have worked up.

It's nice to see a gel test for a similar loading.

[vicious_cb]

Whats a 25-223?

Maybe take a picture of it next to a .223 rem?

[Nightvisionary]

Whats a 25-223?

Maybe take a picture of it next to a .223 rem?

It's a .223/5.56 case necked up to accept a .257 caliber bullet similar to the 6x45 or 6mm-223 which is necked up to .243.

25-223 is on the left .223 on the right. It looks like the case has to be trimmed slightly for the 25-223.

[Texas42]

Cool post!

So many wildcats, so little money.

I think it would be really fun to have one of these. . . one day. Espicially since it looks like it will fit mag length fine. Thanks for posting.

[Altair]

It's a .223/5.56 case necked up to accept a .257 caliber bullet similar to the 6x45 or 6mm-223 which is necked up to .243.

25-223 is on the left .223 on the right. It looks like the case has to be trimmed slightly for the 25-223.

Correct. The .25-223 is a very simple wildcat and a very easy conversion and reloading prospect for someone new in the wildcat game. You just neck up .223 brass and trim so it will accept the .257" bullets which have a longer ogive.

It will generate up to 2800fps with 80-87gr bullets and up to 2600fps with 100gr bullets. Most bullets over 100gr (and a few 100gr bullets with poly tips) are too long to load to mag length and anything over 100gr is difficult to get usable velocity out of, at least in a 16" AR. Usually you are looking at a 25-30% increase in mass and energy over comparable .223 loads.

[Altair]

I cut the block every 2" to get more accurate measurements. I found small frag all along the wound track but the bulk of it was around 4-6" (3rd section) which also coincides with the maximum cavity. I found the cavity started at about 1.5" (not quite as short as I initially thought) and extended to about 11".

Penetration.....Cavity
2"......................3.5"
4"......................6.125"
6"......................6.125"
8"......................5.25"
10"....................2.625"


Some pics of the block after I sectioned it:

Front:

2"

4"

6"

8"

10"

[Altair]

I tested an 85gr Nosler BT over 22.5gr of H4198 at a MV of 2625fps from my 16" .25-223 today. Here are some preliminary measurements, I'll section the block tonight if time allows for more exact numbers.

Neck Length = 0.75"
Max Cavity = 5.75" @ 4.75" penetration
Penetration = 12.5" gel + 1 water jug
Retained Weight = 24.2gr
Recovered Diameter = .455"

Right Side:


Top:


Bullet:


There was significant fragmentation starting almost immediately and continuing along the entire bullet track. The 85gr Nosler looked more like the 87gr Hot-Cor than the 100gr Game King because the frag was larger and easier to see in the gel. It penetrated over 12" but again my block was far too short to catch the bullet. I really need to get that larger mold made soon.