Favorite powder for .223/5.56?

[sjd78]

Just looking for recommendations on your favorite powder for .223/5.56? I'm not looking to build match grade ammo just decently accurate for target/plinking. This will be for an AR platform with a 1:7 twist barrel using Hornady 55gn fmjbt bullets. What do you suggest?

 

[Texmex247]

powder for the 223

To answer your question intellegently, I would first need to know what kind of gun you are reloading for. I'm not trying to be an ass, but certain powders that are very accurate for that caliber would short stroke a bolt in an AR(H4198 comes to mind). If you are loading for a bolt action rifle then the field is wide open. Overall, varget is a great powder for any action type for bullets 60gr and up. If you are running lighter bullets through an AR (50-60gr) I would use AA2230,WIN 748 or H335. I have also heard good things about Ramshot Tac rifle for the Ar but haven't used any yet myself. If you really want to get your options narrowed down, I would list your twist rate, action type and prefered projectile weight to really nail down the best powder for what you are trying to achieve.

 

[sjd78]

Edited original post to include more info. Thanks

 

[beatledog7]

Varget, followed by H335.

 

[MtnCreek]

I use 24.8gr of imr8208 with that bullet. That's a warm load, so work up per your data.

 

[Tomcat53]

I suggest you move to a heavier bullet for the 1:7 twist, go up to 62-75 grain bullets. I shoot 69 grain HPBT in a 1:9 twist AR15 over 24 grains of CFE-223 with MOA no problem.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

H335 is probably the most common

TAC is popular

the CFE-223 seems to work for a lot of folks

W748 is an old standby

 

[45lcshooter]

IMR 4895, H335, and AR COMP. Work all good for me.

 

[jack44]

varget

 

[cfullgraf]

AA2230 with 55 grain bullets.

Varget with 69 grain and up.

All in a 1-7 twist barrel. With quality bullets, the 55 grainers shoot as tight or tighter groups than the heavy stuff.

Other powders work well as well.

i am having good luck with CFE223 in my 204 Ruger AR and plan to try it in the 223 Remington AR in the near future.

 

[mike.h]

I'd like to try the CFE223. Now if I can just find it locally.

 

[Texmex247]

AR load

Damn, I think I heard an echo here. I also load a similar bullet(hornady 55gr SP w/cannelure) for a standard plinkin' load for my Armalite w/a 1:8 twist and 16" barrel. I typically use AA2230 because at only 24.5gr it runs the AR reliably, shoots softly, burns clean, meters well and I've got plenty of it. For the 55gr projectiles you do have a lot of good options out there.

 

[Mike 27]

I have been running TAC under a 50gr Hornady Zmax. Good accuracy, and no issues with it.

 

[FROGO207]

Pats reloading has some pull down propellant for ~~$85 per 8# (WC844) that is equivalent to H335. If you are going to shoot it up soon that is the way to go. If you are putting some ammo away I would not use it as the shelf life will be shorter on the ammo. I would use H335.

 

[GLOOB]

That works out to 17.00/lb.

Tac is 17.85 for 1 lb. Or 15.94/lb if you buy an 8 lb jug. (At PV, anyway.)

Surplus powder needs to be cheaper than that before I would try it.

Edit: just checked Pat's. I guess you made a typo. $85 for 8# comes out to 10.63/lb. Now we're talking!