Help choose a powder for.223 newbie

[Saluki91]

I’m going to load my first batch of .223 soon, and I have three powders in my cabinet to choose from.

With Hornady 62gr FMJ, what would you recommend I start with?

Accurate 2230
Norma 202
Hodgdon BL-C(2)

i’m also looking forward to loading some.308 in the coming weeks. Of the three powders listed, is there one that I should reserve specifically for.308?

As always – thanks!

 

[CMB]

What Manuals are you using? Which powders are listed under 62gr FMJ would be a good starting point

 

[Kaldor]

AA2230, it works well in 223. You can also look at Accurates 5.56 data if you want something spicier.

 

[IALoder]

AA2230 is what I'm using with 62gr fmj's. It's a pretty darn good combo!

My father in law seems to like Norma 202 in his .308.

 

[AJC1]

My buddy swears by blc2 for 62 grain federal fusions for hunting. It's easy to meter...

 

[Saluki91]

What Manuals are you using? Which powders are listed under 62gr FMJ would be a good starting point

My first reference was the Hornady manual... which does not include any information at all about Norma powders. Nor does it provide me with any of real world experience that many of the members of this forum have, and are so graciously willing to share..

Thanks for your input.

 

[joseywales76]

The good news is. There's a bunch of different powders that can work well in the 223

 

[AK Hunter]

Hodgdon BL-C(2)
Bullet Diam.0.224"
COL 2.200"
Starting load
grs. 24.0 Vel. ft per sec 2,347 Pressure 36,600 CUP
Max load
grs 26.0 Vel. ft per sec 2,630 Pressure 46,300 CUP

 

[bluejay75]

BLC2, Tac, AR Comp

 

[Dudedog]

Of the ones you listed I have only used BLC(2).
Worked well for me, meters well.
(current favorite is TAC, but good metering is one of my requirements)

 

[txtaxman]

Google is your friend: http://normapowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/normareloading.pdf

 

[Random 8]

AA2230 is named for your cartridge. I purchased a pound of it to try out based on recommendations from this board, but haven't dipped into it yet having a jug of older VN140 to use up first.

No experience with your Norma powder.

I would reserve the BL-C for .308 as it is much more versatile with more load data available for that cartridge, although it is stellar in the 5.56 with heavy bullets and top end loadings.

 

[NMexJim]

My Hornady 11th edition does not list Norma 202 - only Norma 201 with their 62 gr FMJ.

Both A2230 and BL-C(2) show excellent range of velocity with the latter showing just a tad faster. I use CFE223 with the same bullet, and the BL-C(2) is right there with it.

 

[Saluki91]

My Hornady 11th edition does not list Norma 202 - only Norma 201 with their 62 gr FMJ.

Both A2230 and BL-C(2) show excellent range of velocity with the latter showing just a tad faster. I use CFE223 with the same bullet, and the BL-C(2) is right there with it.

Thanks!

I have the electronic edition of the 11th edition, and I couldn't find any mention of Norma powders... perhaps the electronic version is not complete, or perhaps I am looking right through it instead of at it. Regardless, I appreciate you sharing that.

Norma's web published load data lists 60gr, but not 62gr. At least that is a starting point.

Cheers!

 

[kmw1954]

With the powders you've listed for the 223 I would start with the 2230 though I have not tried this powder I do have BL-C(2) which I also have not used yet.

So far I have been using TAC and recently received a lb of Varget and loads 5 test loads with it.

My understanding is the 2230 does best with 55gr weight bullets and the BL-C(2) I will be trying with some 68gr and 75gr bullets with magnum primers. Haven't even looked at any Norma powders so I know zero about them.

 

[stillquietvoice]

I've been loading blc2, h4895, and imr 4895 in 223 for years. The heaviest I've loaded is 68 gr hornandy match bullets, but get great accuracy with 50 to 55 gr bullets and all 3 listed powders. I've also used blc2 in 3006 150 and 165 gr weights. Don't know much about Norma 202 or aa 2230.