Help me pick .223/5.56 benchrest powders!

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UltimateReloader

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Hey guys, getting close to being done with the AR-MPR rifle assembly videos, and after that, it'll be on to the precision load development part of the project. I was planning on buying a bunch of Varget, but was wondering what powders you all have had the best accuracy with for .223/5.56 in the AR-15.

Here's the specifics for my rifle:
5.56 NATO, 20" barrel (with muzzle brake), 1:8 twist.

Thanks!
Gavin
 
You're gonna get a dozen different answers. All are correct depending on the application. The .223 is one of the easiest calibers to load for. Most likely, there are several powders that will work well. I suspect your barrel and particularly the quality of the bullet will have more effect. Anyway...

BL(c)-2
Varget
4198
Benchmark
RL-10
H-332
AA-2230

others...
 
For ease of reloading use a ball powder. I reloaded 50rds using Varget, haven't shot the ammo yet, Varget didn't meter well through my RCBS Uniflow Powder measure. I have used AA2230, BL(c)-2, and Winchester 748. Depending on bullet weight the above powders may or may not agree with your rifle. I'm piggy backing on my dad's 30 years of experience and have settled on Winchester 748 for my standard loads for 5.56x45 and 7.62x51. The powder has a good range in both cartridges using several bullet different bullet weights.

You're basically looking for a medium to fast burn rate powder, depending on the burn rate chart you're looking at Varget, Winchester 728, IMR 4064, and BL(c)-2 are right on top of each other.
 
Hodgdon brought out a powder intended for the .222/.223 sized cartridges for top accuracy. I tried an old stand by .222 powder, IMR-4198 and had 1/2" too 5/8" five shot group. When the H-Benchmark became available I tried it the group went too a one ragged hole for five shots. Try it. I think you'll like it
 
If you are working for maximum accuracy metering isn't going to enter into the equation. You're going to want to throw a little light and trickle up. I find Varget very accurate and it's very temperature stable.

John
 
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