Powder choice

[tcoz]

Whst does everyone think would be the best powder to use for loading both 55gr .223 and 150gr .308 bullets? The .223 is a 16" barrel AR and the soon-to-be-purchased .308 is a Mossberg MVP Patrol with 16" barrel

Edit-- I'm thinking maybe BL-C2 would be good

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Varget

 

[kimbernut]

Many

Many will do the double duty. Varget, RL15, IMR4064, IMR4895 for a few. I've used all those with good groups. Your rifles will tell you what they like best and it may not be the same for each of your two rifles. BL-C2 may be good for both too.

 

[jmr40]

Ramshot TAC will work too. A lot depends on what is available.

 

[au_prospector]

I see a lot of IMR 3031 on the shelves.

 

[ZGunner]

Varget is my go to for EVERYTHING rifle. (.223, .270, .308, 30-06, .303)

I've been studying a bit on Hornady/Hodgdon Superformance though.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO BL-C(2) will do the best job on both NATO rounds. There are powders that will do one better but for both, BL-C(2) is my pick...

 

[Otto]

748 has low flame temperatures which help extend barrel life...if that matters to you.
If you run full auto or have a Slide Fire on your AR 748 is worth consideration.

 

[elwoodm]

you are dealing 16 inch barrels in both gun so try to stay with fast to medium burn powders. i have used these 5 powders in .223 and .308 with good results. in order from fast to medium imr 3031, benchmark, imr 4895, h335, varget. whatever of those you can find will do great.

 

[spitballer]

Never used the .308 but I can tell you that the IMR 3031 is a very good match for 55's in a .223. In fact as I understand it the 3031 was standard powder for (55gr) M193 ammo for a time, so it should do well for your rig.

 

[Dudedog]

I liked BLC(2) in .223. It meters great. I have not used it in .308 but I have heard that it (or the equivlent) is what the military used for .308.

 

[oldreloader]

BL-C(2) & AA2230 are my choices.

 

[doubleh]

I love BL-C2 because of the way it meters but I can't get the accuracy from it that I do from varget and a couple of other powders and, believe me, I have put a lot of work and components into trying. It's not a lot of difference but enough for me that I quit messing with BL-C2. This is in 223. I have no experience with 308.

 

[Airman Basic]

H-322 is an option.

 

[JO JO]

I have e used 748,tac,and 8208 all have worked very well for me I am now going to try
cfe223 , this is with 223 only I used to load only tac but when powder dried up I needed
to try others and they all seem to work well for the 223 for me

 

[BigBore45]

when powder dried up i used H-380. it worked well. could not get full velocity but it shot great and very accurate.

 

[larryflew]

another Varget fan on rifle ammo here.

 

[J_McLeod]

These days, whatever powder you can find. I've really liked IMR 8208 XBR. I've seen it available locally and it can be used in most or all bullet weights in both calibers.

H322 is also an option, up to 150gr for .308