I have two big pickle buckets full of assorted 223 brass from my local range. Its a mix of what was swept up there. I dont own a .223 rifle yet, but I want to reload it for the newer AR's and bolt guns that have the 1:7 to 1:9 twist that everyone is buying now. Can you give me an idea of what bullet weight and powder types to buy? I was considering either H335 or BL-C(2). With a more modern heavier bullet, which would be best? I was leaning towards BL-C(2) because it can be used in almost anything from .308 on down and I plan to buy it in bulk. I understand that H335 was an original 5.56 powder too. Any opinions anyone?
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RustySocket
January 30, 2009, 08:35 PM
Sierrea 65g boattail. 22g benchmark
NCsmitty
January 30, 2009, 09:15 PM
I suggest sorting the brass as to brand. Not all brass are equal in case capacity, and pressures will vary between brands.
H335 is generally the powder of choice with a 62-70gr bullet ignited by a magnum primer.
The best is the one your rifle likes. The 223 seems to be very forgiving as to which powder one uses in it.
ZX10Aviator
January 30, 2009, 09:40 PM
best for me so far, tightest groups with IMR 4198 and a 69gr BTHP in a 1:9 twist bolt gun
LTR shooter
January 30, 2009, 09:54 PM
H335 has given me great results in various 223s especially with 52 and 55 grain bullets. Other powders that I have used that worked extremely well include:
Benchmark
H322
VV N133
Varget
748
evan price
January 30, 2009, 11:31 PM
H335 and BL(c)2 are both (more or less) current military powders usable in .223 ammo. WC846 is BL(c)2/Win748, and WC844 is H335 (more or less). So both H335 and BL(c)2/Win748 are great choices for .223.
delta5
January 30, 2009, 11:50 PM
Im wondering what the difference is between the two. My manuals show that I can use BL-C(2) in both, but I have read H335 was the original 223 powder. If I load with a heavier bullet, is one better than the other, or will they perform about the same?
flynlr
January 31, 2009, 05:49 AM
not shown yet is AA2230
steve4102
January 31, 2009, 10:06 AM
Tac or X-T
TAC
Ramshot TAC is a versatile rifle powder that performs well in a number of different calibers. TAC has the ability to provide some of the industry's highest velocities for 80 grain bullets in the .223 caliber while maintaining SAAMI pressure guidelines. TAC is a double-based powder providing for ease of metering and consistent charge weights.
Ideal Calibers:
.223 Rem, 308 Win
Bulk Density (grams/liter) 985
Packaged in 1lb. and 8lb. containers.
X-Terminator
X-Terminator is a double-based, spherical powder that is designed for the high volume, .223 varmint hunter who demands a clean burning powder. X-Terminator will not bridge going into the small diameter necks of the .22 centerfire calibers and produces excellent velocities.
I've had good luck with AA2230 and 55gr Hornady FMJ. I also use Varget for 68gr+.
carbine85
January 31, 2009, 01:18 PM
IMR4895. It's been around for a long time. My best loads are with it. I use 23.0 with a 69 gr bullet.
Seafarer12
January 31, 2009, 05:40 PM
For fodder it is hard to beat a 55 gr fmj or sp with 335 behind it. 335 might not give you the hottest loads but it is consistant, meters very well, and everyone has load data using 335 and you can use it in a lot of other rounds as well. I use to like the idea of the Ramshot powders because of their cost but prices went up on them so I will stick with 335.
Ky Larry
January 31, 2009, 07:08 PM
Sierra 52gr HPBT Match and 22.5gr AA-2460 in my old Ruger 77V two-tone.
Old 06
January 31, 2009, 09:44 PM
Benchmark for my .223. Very accurate.
delta5
January 31, 2009, 10:41 PM
Can anyone tell me what I can expect from using BL-C(2) in .223? I have been loading .308 with it and it seems to perform fairly well (at least for plinking..).
748
January 31, 2009, 11:40 PM
Can you guess what powder I would recomend?
(look just to the left of this sentence.)
NuJudge
February 1, 2009, 08:15 AM
See what Hodgdon has to say on their website:
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp
For the following link, look under the "Reloading Stuph" hyperlink at the upper left, then way down the page for WC846 data, which is a bulk, non-canistered version of BL(C) Lot 2 powder with a considerably more variable burn rate:
http://radomski.us/njhp/
Another WC846 link:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=40322
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