Favorite powder for both .223 AND .308

[drsfmd]

All-

Those of you who are reloading both .223 and .308 with the same powder-- what powder are you using an what do you like about it?

In scouring the reloading manuals, there are is a dizzying array of powders that can be used for both applications, but I'm not sure if any one of those powders is ideal for both applications.

 

[rsrocket1]

I like the performance and temperature stability of Varget, but bought an 8 pound jug of H335 when it was on sale because of its economy. Plus, I figured that if H335 works well for my needs, I can eventually get WC844 and know that it would work eqully well at a possibly better price. It meteres nicely and works fine for 55g .223 and 150g .308. I'm sure there are many good powders out there and better ones for heavier bullets, but that's a starting point for you.

 

[flyskater]

I've tried H322, 10x and varget. For plinking, i use 10x as it requires less powder and thus cheaper to achieve the same velocity as varget.
When things matter (hunting, defense), varget is my go to for 308 and h322 or 10x for 223

 

[MtnCreek]

Best all around would probably be 4895. Good w/ light loads, target loads, hunting loads....

 

[RhinoDefense]

Varget, TAC, either of the 4895s.

 

[rbernie]

Ramshot TAC, based solely on economy and being a decent performer. I do not wring my loads out at 600 yards, so I cannot comment on its ultimate accuracy.

 

[Bowfishrp]

Varget is my favorite for .223 and while I know you can use it for 308 I have been using 3031 lately. I think I used some other hodgdon powder but cant remember the number now so wont try to guess.

 

[Slamfire]

Anything in the 4895 burn rate will do an outstanding job in the .223 and 308.

Cross over powders I have tested: Varget, IMR 4895, H4895, IMR 4064 (have to weight each charge in the .223 as the sticks are long), N140. These all shoot well.

I got to Varget late but it is an excellent powder and would be my first recommendation.

 

[Ky Larry]

TAC,IMR-4064, and Varget are all okay for .308 and .223. I tried for a long time to find one powder that would give me outstanding performance in .223, .243, .22-250, .308, and .30-06. IMR-4064 and Re-15 came closest but never gave me great accuracy in everything I reload. I gave up and went back to my old standbys such as AA-2460 for .223, IMR-3031 for .22-250, Re-19 for .30-06, and IMR-4320 for .308. Good luck.

 

[DoubleMag]

Varget or 4895 was my 1st knee-jerk reaction to the post although recently I saw on THR, where some ppl said V doesn't meter good thru their drop. I'd look it up but seems to be ok here! Might give a shout out for the good ol' IMR3031...

 

[interlock]

N140


and in my 7mm08 and my 30-06!

 

[NWcityguy2]

Reloader 15 is a good do all powder, very temperture insensitive as well.

 

[mcofboise]

748...

...under a 55 grain FMJBT in my old Colt Sporter II will put all shots into a paper plate at 500 yards.
For my 16 1/2" Ruger Compact M77 in .308 under a 150 grain SP, it holds minute-of-milk jug at 300 yards, standing on my hind legs.

mike

 

[Galil5.56]

AA2460 really delivers for me in those two calibers, and runs super smooth in a Dillon 550B.

 

[codefour]

I have had good luck with Varget in .223 and Varget does ok in .308. I4895 is my preferred .308 powder. I try and keep both on hand but if you run low on one, you can still use it in the other. I try and keep both. Both Varget and I4895 will work in gas guns for .308 too.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

I use Varget for both, though my primary powder for .308 Win is Reloder 15.

FH

 

[zxcvbob]

Has anybody tried CFE-223 yet? I looked for some this weekend and couldn't find it -- it's pretty new -- and they were out of TAC. (So I bought a pound of Varget instead.)

IMR-4198 looks interesting from a low-charge-weight/decent-performance perspective.

 

[MtnCreek]

Search that powder here and you will find a couple of threads on it.

 

[Master Blaster]

Varget

 

[drsfmd]

You guys have given me a lot to think about-- thanks!

My gut, from looking over the reloading manuals I have on hand, was that Varget would be the best all around for my application. I'll research the others as well, but it's reaffirming to know that others have already been down this road.

 

[jack44]

varget for 308.

 

[Sniper66]

I use Benchmark for .223 and Varget for .308

 

[jmorris]

748 and TAC

 

[zxcvbob]

If you're cheap and don't mind experimenting a little, don't forget WC-844 and WC-846. They are about $10 to $12 per pound, and either powder will load both cartridges but 844 is better for .223 and 846 is better for .308.

The main difference is the amount of calcium carbonate added, whatever that's for (buffer to absorb acid as the powder eventually breaks down?)

 

[gacajun]

I use Varget for both .223 and .308. I'd agree that Varget doesn't flow as well as some of the other powders through my charging die. I use a Lee Turret loader and have loaded .223 using a charging die and got varying loads. I've decided to just hand charge all of the .223 cases like I do for the .308 loads. I have one of those plastic trays that holds 50 rounds and it works well for me.

When I first started reloading .223 it was all about speed. Now that I've reloaded lots I am more interested in accuracy so hand charging them is more consistent for me.

True Varget is a little pricey but since I can use it for most all of my rifle loads I have standardized on it and have less brands to stock thus saving some money.