Looking for Powder Suggestions for 223 Bolt Rifle

[targetshooter22]

I'm looking for some suggestions, preferably with your stories of success for a new reloading project. The rifle is a CZ 527 Varmint (1:9 twist) in .223/5.56 (manufacturer says this is fine). The general purpose of the gun will be target/recreational shooting out to 300 yards. Maybe take that to 500 some day, but no plans to do so. If I'm really lucky, some day this gun might actually slay some varmints out west.

I've got plenty of primers, brass (Win and LC), and some 55, 62, and 69 grain bullets. Also have a "decent" powder library with H322, H335, Varget, 4064, 4895, and a couple of others.

Given the action, twist rate, and available bullets and brass, what are your experiences with those and other powders? Do you have a pet load that works really well, or a starting place for me?

 

[jwrowland77]

I would go with H335 or H4895. I like those two personally.

 

[2ndtimer]

While I prefer Ramshot TAC at the moment, any of the 5 you listed should work fine in your new rifle. I would probably start with whichever one you have the most quantity on hand and see if it performs well enough for your purposes, if not go to the next highest quantity powder. Keep going until you find your rifle's favorite. IF none of them are good enough for you (highly unlikely, as most .223 rifles I have loaded for were quite accepting of a variety of powders),then that should at least allow enough time for dealers to get some other powders back in stock, since, right now, good luck finding any .223 serviceable powders available online or locally.
PS, I hope you already have a decent stock of .224 bullets on hand, as they are somewhat scarce and prices seem to be climbing.

 

[trixter]

Ramshot TAC is a very good choice. It sure tips them 'squeeks' over, or maybe tumbles them nicely, well it even helps them to implode nicely.

 

[capreppy]

I am shooting H322 lit by a Fed 205m under a Hornady 50gr Z-Max out a Savage 1-9. Consistent 1/2 MOA or better. For the heavier bullets, I use Varget.

 

[Sidewinder72]

H-335 for me and Varget next with V-Max bullets.

 

[jimflam]

powder selection

I've also had good luck using 55 grain dogtown Hollow Point flatbase bullets over IMR 4895 and H335 propellant. Primers were CCI # 41 or Remington 7 1/2. The current and past reloading manuals have a good selection of recipes.

 

[sgte5]

223 powder

I've had excellent results with Win 748 and 55gr V-max with my Rem 700. Also have used H335 and Varget with favorable results.

 

[xxhaxx]

Ramshot TAC and varget

 

[jb27]

I've had good luck with 69 gr Sierra Matchkings with Varget in my 1:9 twist bbl

 

[Ky Larry]

Any of the powders listed will give good service.The .223 ain't picky. My personal "go to" is AA-2460, but I'd be just as happy with IMR-3031. Just start loading and shooting and your rifle will tell you what it likes. Load developement is fun.

 

[45lcshooter]

I use h335 and IMR4895. I use both powders in the mid range for my rifles.