New Practice Rifle in 223 Rem

[hidesert]

I just purchased a Howa 1500 Mini Action in 223 Rem Standard barrel (22"). The twist rate is not specified but by looking at the specs for their barrelled actions I am assuming it is 1 in 9".

I will be using this strictly for practice at the range. My local range maximum is 300 yards. Is their any reason to use more than a 52-55 grain bullet? Any recommendations for powder?

 

[Barrelnut]

If it's a 9 twist it will run the Sierra 69 Gr. MatchKing really well. Varget is a great powder for it.

Sierra has a killer accuracy load for it:
25.3 Gr. Varget, COAL 2.260, 69 Gr. MatchKing HPBT

If you run the 55 Gr. Bullets, then Benchmark is a great powder. It is a real small stick powder that meters incredibly well for consistent charge weights in the small case.