.308 - 30.06 and maybe .223

[kestak]

Greetings,

I have been pouring through my reloading books and websites reloading data and I am seeking some advice that I am sure I'll get here...

Right now, I am using Ramshot TAC for my .223, .308 and 30-06. I know this is not the ideal powder for .308 and 30-06 but it simplified my life and it worked quite fine for .223 at 100 yards and worked ok for the other 2 calibers.

First question: I shoot a LOT of .223 per month. I put 25.1 grains under Hornady sp 55 grains. Any of you use a powder that will make it more economical to shoot with good results? My plan is to try to find maybe another powder and if I save 2 grains of powder, that means for each 100 rounds I can reload 8-9 more rounds. Maybe I am hunting for a unicorn, let me know.

Second question: What about using Ramshot Biggame or Hunter for the .308 and 30-06? What other powder would you use for both of these calibers that give you good result? I read other threads and it looks like some people prefer to use 2 different powders for those 2 calibers. My goal here is to use a powder better suited than TAC for those 2 calibers. I would prefer one powder for those 2 calibers but maybe your advices will be to use 2 powders and get over it.

Thank you

 

[Ky Larry]

I use 23.5gr of AA-2460 with 55gr bullets in .223. I haven't used Hunter or Big Game in my .308 or .30-06. Re-15, IMR-4320 and IMR-4064 have all worked well in all three rounds. It all depends on what is acceptable accuracy.Individual powders give me the best accuracy but the three listed above are pretty good. YMMV.

 

[coloradokevin]

Maybe I am hunting for a unicorn, let me know.

I definitely think that you should use the .308 or .30-06 for the unicorn hunt, as it will be more likely to produce a clean kill.

In all seriousness, I've found myself trying to make similar calculations about how to save money while reloading in volume. While I can't provide an answer to your specific question, I can offer to e-mail you an Excel spreadsheet I made that calculates your per round cost, given the cost of each component you use. If you would like to take a look at it, just shoot me a PM with your e-mail address!

 

[WNTFW]

Kestak,
I have always heard good things about TAC in the .308.

.223 & .308 share a lot of the same powders.

TAC is one of the cheapest powders out there by the pound. Problem is you won't know cost per load until you figure out what charge weight to use.

Are you going for accuracy or just wanting to shoot a lot of blasting ammo?

RE:
"My plan is to try to find maybe another powder and if I save 2 grains of powder, that means for each 100 rounds I can reload 8-9 more rounds."

This thread might help as a gentleman has a reduced load that may be just the thing in post #8
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=473741

 

[sourdough44]

Powder last a long time. Some can be used in several rounds but with different weight bullets in a case the ideal may change. Like the 30-06, I like H4350 for 180 grns & maybe H4895 or another for 150gr bullets. H4895 would work in many loads, maybe 4350 if you want to load 180 in the 30-06.

 

[243winxb]

IMR4198/223 or IMR4895 for all.

 

[Maj Dad]

W748

I use 748 in my AR and M-14 (7.62x51) with outstanding results, and have tried it in Garands a few times with good results for not working the load up properly. I bought 8 lbs last time since I have decided to standardize on it for the previous 2 rounds, and may try it some more on the Garands. I have other powders for them now, but if I run out/low, I may switch over. I really don't want to limit my choices arbitrarily; there are too many other good powders that do as well or better and cost the same. Necessity hasn't given birth to invention yet, but I'm ready to coach (pant, blow, pant, blow, pant, blow... )

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't know much about Ramshot powders so I can't suggest what to use.

There are several powders out there that will probably do all 3 calibers fairly well. Like already said, H4895 and IMR 4895 will do well and I'll add Hodgdon BL-C(2) too. BUT, I am sure Varget will load the .223, .308 and 30-06 very will with good accuracy too. The more I use Varget the better I like it. Some reloaders are calling Varget the Unique of rifle powders and I'm starting to realize why... Unfortunately you won't use less of it in your .223 with a 55gr bullet than you are now using with TAC bu you will probably get much better performance in your .308 and 30-06 rounds.