What bullet do you guys like to use for target shooting for a .223?

It depends greatly on the twist of your rifle; in the .223 you'll see a wide range of twists from 1:14,1:12,1:9,1:8, and 1:7.

The faster the twist (1:7 being the fastest), the heavier bullets it will likely prefer. That said, I've had great luck in all twists with Berger and Sierras above most other manufactures.

68 or 69 grain bthp for my 1:9" twist, and heavier for my 1:8" twist. Plinking rounds can be 60 grain V-max, 55 grain SP, or anything else that was handy when the Dillon was set up for 223.

Thanks for the info. Oh and by the way my twist is 1:9.

I have a standard twist rem 700 believe it is 1:12 It will put 55 grain v-max in a ragged hole as long as I do my part.

Then keep your bullet weight to 68/69 grains or less for lead bullets and about 60 to 65 grains max for copper bullets (like the Barnes), and you'll be fine.

Chad is right; 68/69 is the optimal range. That said, I've seen 55/52 gr shoot well in most .223s and twists.

I'd buy an SMK or Berger VLD in 69-52gr range, and give it a shot; chances are you'll find one that shoots well.

From my experience, all twist rates will shoot 55gr bullets very well, if they are of good quality.

The 40 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip shoots great in my Ruger Hawkeye with the 1 in 9 twist. The 68 or 69 gr (I forget which one) didn't shoot that well in the rifle. I tried several powders, but just didn't get great accuracy. Still coulda been my fault.