I recently purchased a new Rem VSL in 223 Rem. I have tried several different powders and bullets and can't seem to get this POS to shoot any better than 1" to 1 1/4" groups which I feel is pretty lousy for a 10 lb. rifle. Tried 2 different scopes and even fully floated the barrel and tried different barrel tensions. I called Remington and was told that the rifle was performing well within their specs. Does anyone have any ideas or like to share their pet load and OAL that I could try. You may have a favorite load that just might turn this thing on. I've tried both 40 and 50 grainers any haven't had much luck. The barrel is a 1 in 12" twist so it should handle these bullets. Help!!!! I need your input!!!

Thanks Panhandlepr

I would try 55gr Sierra Match Kings. Your 1-12" may like slightly heavier bullets. I'd say if you consistently getting 1 to 1 1/4" already, there is a pet load out there that will get you below an inch.

Ditto on the 55 grainers. What powder/s have you tried? If you haven't tried Benchmark I'd give it a whirl.

I've got a different twist, but mine likes 55 grain V-Max, and 3031. I weighed my bullets to see which brand weighed out the best, and the ones I tested that came out the best were the V-Max. I used to use nothing but Sierra's,but the V-Max's weighed out better for me. More consistant from bullet to bullet. Like the others said, Benchmark is a good .223 powder along with VV133 and Varget.

The Sierra matchking by the way comes in 52 and 53 grains. The 52 is a boat tail and the 53 is a flat based.

i use nosler 50 gr. ballistic tips, i think my charge is 25.5 grains with a WSR primer (please double check my load against a manual) have you tried any bedding, either glass or pillar or both?

The Sierra matchking by the way comes in 52 and 53 grains. The 52 is a boat tail and the 53 is a flat based.

It is the 55 gr boat-tail game king that I have shot my best groups with. They are a soft point bullet, but the tips are very uniform.

I have a Rem 700 LS 221 Fireball rifle . After free floating the barrel, adjusting the trigger pull down to 2.5 Lb, glass bedding the action , and haveing a gunsmith lapp the bolt locking lugs ,I now am getting 1/2 inch five shot groups from the rifle. I have had two Remington rifles where only one locking lug was contacting the action. The other rifle was a Rem 700 BDL 25-06 that I got used. It,s best groups were about 1 3/4 inch groups but after lapping the bolt it will do 3/4 to one inch groups. I dont like the stock on my 221 fireball rifle but the way it shoots now I,ll keep it as is.

Isn't Remington fun to deal with? I have the same problem with my Remingtoin 700BDL in .25-06. It's not very accurate, but Remington says 1 1/2" groups are well within its acceptable level. I have to admit that my Remingtoin VLS in 6mm Rem is quite accurate grouping about .4- .5" (5 shots/100yds). I'm turning a bit sour on Remington, but will try a little more to get the .25-06 to whoot well. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal