Powder for .223

[Par8head]

Alliant RL 15 is a short, extruded; it meters very well through either my Uniflow or Dillon 550. Using 68 gr HPBT 25 gr 2.25 OAL
As previously mentioned have also used TAC (ball) but it's not quite as accurate in my rifle - Noveske Lt Recce

 

[vernosr1]

Win 748 and BLC2 are my hands down favorites.

Given the above 2 choices are available, I would surely skip past IMR 4198 or H4198 due to choppy metering...although they do work well.

 

[Skip_a_roo]

I have two 223 go to loads. One is with a 69gr HPBT with a maximum charge of Varget and the other is a 55gr FMJBT with a maximum charge of BLC-(2).

The only reason for the difference is because of how I produce them. I run my 223 loads on a Dillon XL650. When that baby locks into place, it does so with a real "snap". When loading the Varget rounds, the case is so full that that motion causes the powder to "slosh" out of the case a bit. Since the 69gr loads are for target/long range sniper type of shooting and I need far less of them, I can go slow and hold the shell plate to keep this from happening. When I load the 55gr load, I am making range fodder. The BLC-(2) loads, while still maximum, don't fill the case as full and no "sloshing" occurs.

Both perform well in my AR-15 by DPMS. It has a 1:9" twist. MOA with the heavier bullets. MOBG (minute of bad guy) with the other!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have two 223 go to loads. One is with a 69gr HPBT with a maximum charge of Varget and the other is a 55gr FMJBT with a maximum charge of BLC-(2).

Ship,
You like BL-C(2) in the .223 with a 55gr bullet over H335? Like I said above, I've found BL-C(2) works better in the other NATO round.(the 7.62X51mm)

I found a sub 1/2MOA load for a 55gr .223 round shot from my bolt action Howa 1500 using Varget.

 

[jake556]

Varget meters well on my 550. Benchmark would be my next choice its smaller than Varget.

 

[cheygriz]

I've been using the powder that Winchester specifically developed for the 5.56 Nato with excelllent results for over 30 years. Never had a desire to change it.

H335

 

[hapidogbreath]

Pulled Charge weight was 23.8 Grs and appeared to fill the caseto the top of the shoulder.

 

[dc.fireman]

Isn't IMR 4895 the choice for NATO? Or is it the choice for Lake City ammo..?

23.8 gr. could be just about anything I suppose. I have an affinity for both 4895, and Varget, but for the big machine latley I've been using 2460, for it's watery metering characteristics, and I plan on trying the Benchmark, H8208, and 2230 pretty soon.

So many choices! So little time!

 

[mickeygrimreaperblueeyes]

I like BLC-2, it is good for my .223 and I use it in my .308. It was designed for the military. I copied and pasted the notes from the Hogdon site about it. I use it for my bolt guns and my semi autos. the 62 grains will fly just fine with it.

"A spherical powder that began as a military powder used in the 7.62 NATO, commonly known as the 308 Winchester. When it was first introduced to the handloader, benchrest shooters and other target shooters made it an instant success. BL-C(2) works extremely well in the 204 Ruger, 223 Remington, 17 Remington, 22 PPC and of course, the 308 Winchester, plus many more. Available in 1 lb. & 8 lb. containers."
http://www.hodgdon.com/rifle.html

 

[ArchAngelCD]

mickey,
Right above that is the description for H335 and it states:

Originated as a military powder, used for the 5.56 NATO, or 223 Remington as handloaders know it. Obviously, it sees endless use in the 222 Remington, 223 Remington and other small cartridges. In particular, prairie dog shooters will find this a favorite, as J.B. Hodgdon has for years!

So yes BL-C(2) can be used for the .308 and .223 but Hodgdon is telling you the original powder for the .223 was H335.

 

[jem102]

AA2230 for that bullet and Rem 7.5 for hot loads. If you stay with moderate loadings WSR's and 2230 are a great match for bullets under 70 gr.

As an example if your rifle won't shoot with the 60 gr. SVHP over 24.3 gr of AA2230 with the WSR or Rem 7.5 you have a rifle problem IMO.

For the 62 gr. I would start @ 24.0 gr and work up .2 at a time to 25.0 with overlaid targets. Somewhere in there you will find a sweet spot. (Please remember this is not the worlds most accurate bullet.) This powder will also meter to .1 gr. all day long in any half way decent meter.

IMR-4895 will work in the same load range but does not meter as well.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

I use H322 for both .223 and 6.8.

My standard .223 load uses 24.5gr H322 to propel Hornady 55gr FMJ-BT at 2940 fps (chronographed) from a 16" bbl.

I've loaded .223 to 5.56 pressure using 26.0gr H322 to propel Hornady 55gr FMJ-BT to 3100 fps (chronographed) from a 16" bbl.

I really like H322 - it consistently meters very well in my RCBS Pro-2000 progressive press.

 

[Ky Larry]

Why are you looking to duplicate a factory load? Why not try to find the most accurate, reliable, safe load for your particular rifle? Just about any powder will give you good performance in the .223. It's hard to find a bad combination. IMR-4064 is a stick powder but it shoots very well with 60gr bullets. Good luck.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I'm a big fan of H4895, for 50-69 grain bullets. It really pushes them hard and its accurate.