A Few New Loads

[giggitygiggity]

I am interested in the following loads. I only listed the bullet weights and powders because I am most interested in whether the powders are adequate. Before anyone even starts criticizing, these are actual loads from the powder manufacturers. I am asking about these because I have not used these loads before and wanted to know if anyone has any experience with the powders used and/or the entire loads.

Most importantly, is IMR4198 a good powder for 55 grain .223 reloads to be fired from an AR15? Will it cause any ill effects with respect to cycling and what not?

These are the loads, I plan on making. Thanks.


.223 55gr IMR4198
.270WSM 130gr H414
.30-06 180gr H414
.308 150gr IMR4064

 

[Kernel]

4198 is capable of fine accuracy in the .223 w/55 gr bullets, but the potential for top velocities is not there. The powder is to fast to be ideal. IMO you would have better results with a powder that is quite a bit slower, like 748, 4895, Ball-C, or N135. 4198 will work, it’ll be fine for plinking, it should cycle your AR okay (however, some rigs are picky), but if you’re looking to maximize velocity for long range shooting or hunting, use a slower powder.

Otherwise, your powder picks for the other three cartridges and bullet combos looks spot on.

 

[giggitygiggity]

I am not as much concerned with accuracy as I am with being able to go bang and cycle in my AR (RRA Entry Tactical). Are the other powders you mentioned less proned to causing cycling problems than IMR4198?

 

[Walkalong]

Haven't bought that reloading manual yet? Seriously.

The powder is to fast to be ideal. IMO you would have better results with a powder that is quite a bit slower, like 748, 4895, Ball-C, or N135.

Agreed. 4198 will work, but the other powders mentioned, plus a couple more in that burn range, such as AA 2230, H335, Ramshots X-Terminator or TAC, would be much better choices.

Are the other powders you mentioned less proned to causing cycling problems than IMR4198?

Yes, they are excellent choices for AR 15 loads with 55 Gr bullets. Some guns on the ragged edge may have problems with cycling with 4198. Yours may not, but the other powders are a much better choice, regardless.

 

[Kernel]

Having to pick between a powder that's too fast (4198) or one that's to slow (4064), in a gas gun I'd go with the faster powder. In your case, 4198. Use it. You’ll never notice the few hundred “extra” fps you could be getting with a slower powder. When it runs out, buy one of the powders I or Walkalong mentioned above.

 

[ants]

Fair question, Gig.

All those powders go Pop.

The 223 and 270WSM powders you list seem a little fast for those cartridges, don't they?

The other two seem OK for their applications, but aren't the most common selections for those cartridges. Do some searches on this Forum for 30-06 and 308Win and you'll probably find that Varget, the 4895's and 4350's, R15 and R19, 760, and N140 are probably more common choices.

But none of them are wrong. Ultimately, the reloader is responsible for his/her own choices. If you are doing your book research, keep it up friend.

 

[giggitygiggity]

I am trying to work around what is listed as possible choices and what is in stock. Varget and H4350 and other common, more popular powders are hard to find. All I really need are rifle loads that can hit within 1.5-2" at 100yds. The .223 loads do not even have to be that accurate. I am not as concerned about making a single hole as I am getting some shooting in and saving a few bucks, although I want to make sure that those savings don't cost me in terms of poor quality ammo.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

'06 load is alittle slow powder IMO but will do. better with a 200gr slug.

 

[lgbloader]

Haven't bought that reloading manual yet? Seriously.

AC,I know what you mean. It is about time, ain't it.

+ 1 on what Walkalong / Kernel said.

LGB

 

[ants]

Sorry, Gig. But in my experience you cannot grab a jug of whatever is leftover on the shelf at the store, and expect to get a reasonably accurate load with no sweat equity.

Buddy, you're going to have to burn a bunch of powder and send dozens of projectiles down range to find a decent load for each of those rifles. Especially since you're an unkowledgable beginner. I know you're looking for the quick route, but there isn't any. Have you researched one of the tried-and-true development methods? Go back and search this Forum, you'll get lots of advice you didn't even ask for.

There is no substitute for a lot of hard work.

 

[orrwdd]

Accurate 2460 gives good results in the 223 and 308. Accurate has the latest load data available as a PDF Download

 

[TooTaxed]

IMR 4895 will provide you with accurate loads in every rifle cartridge you list. I like 25-gr in my 55-gr .223 loads.

Actually, after looking at a dozen or more different small expensive cans of powder taking up a lot of space, I started researching the reloading manuals and wound up standardizing on IMR 4895 for all rifle rounds between .223 and 8-mm Mauser...it's also fine for light bullet loads in 300 Win Mag. My .45-70 and heavy bullet loads in the 300 Win Mag require different powders.

Similarly, I've standardized on Win 231 (HP-38) for all pistol from 9-mm Mak through .45 Long Colt.

Advantages: I can buy inexpensively in bulk, and you may find the IMR 4895 even more cheaply from surplus dealers! My performance at the range to 500-yd is excellent, I've regained a lot of space on my powder shelf, and I laugh all the way to the bank!