Powder for 308 & 223

[Mattkc]

I just bought a Mossberg SSI in 308 and picked up a 223 barrel. Is there a powder that I can use for both. I will be loading 150 - 165gr. for the 308 and 55gr. for the 223. Thanks

 

[larryw]

Varget, W748 and RL-15 may be worth looking into.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

accurate 2015 or hodgden's varget

 

[Dave R]

I have tried both H335 in both. I like it better in .308 than I do in .223

 

[dakotasin]

for the 308 i like varget and rl-15.

for the 223, i like h-322.

all 3 of those powders will work in either gun, but you would be giving something up... in 223, while varget and rl-15 work, you will run out of case capacity long before you reach max pressure, velocity, or best accuracy (at least i did in all experiments i've run w/ various 223's and those 2 powders).

h-322 will work in the 308, and is actually fairly accurate, but velocity is really bad.

if i just had to have one powder for both chamberings, think i'd go h-322.

 

[Swampy]

WC-846 works well in both....

This is the milsurp equivalent to BL(C)-2.
YMMV

Swampy

 

[308win]

My 308 BDL really likes Win748. My 223 is a Mini14 and powder is the least of its worries - it will keep any powder on the paper (usually).:banghead:

 

[clown714]

AA2230 is what i've been using.

clown

 

[Master Blaster]

I have been using 4064 for .308 and 30-06, it seems from the data that it would also work for .223 with pretty good velocity as well.

 

[Ivanimal]

Hogdon 322 is my favorite for both of thes cartridges, I like the extreme powders they are impervious to the weather. In California I shoot anywhere between 10 degrees and 110 degrees within a few monthjs of each other.

 

[Bottom Gun]

I use Win748 for both cartridges.

I also use IMR 4198 and H335 for .223 and IMR 4064 for .308 and .30-06.

 

[Mattkc]

Thanks, so many choices so little money.

 

[Black Snowman]

Varget, or if you want to shoot cheap but can spend a little in advance get the WC846 powder from Bartlett Reloaders which is essentially BL-C(2).

 

[GooseGestapo]

H4895 and RL-15 are better for the .308 and will work well in the .223.
You didn't say whether your looking for accuracy or velocity: these give both, though Varget/IMR4064 are the "target" powders of choice by my 'bench rest' friends.

For .223 I prefer BL-C2 and H335, and they work well in .308.

For overall utility, you'll prefer the spherical powders, so BL-C2/Win748/H335 will work well for both. Any differences in performance is the preference of the individual rifle.

For economy, use the wc-8xx equivalents !!!!!

 

[WyrTwister]

WC 846

Had problems w/ WC 846 & 168 grain bullets in 7.62 NATO . Might be OK with 150's or .223 , have not tried it yet .




God bless
Wyr

 

[cookhj]

IMR 4895 and 4064, as well as V V N140 and N135.

 

[Swamprabbit]

W748 may be your best bet as a "good for both" powder. I also use H335 in the 147g 308 and the lighter (52g and less) 223 loads.

 

[Cortland]

WC846. Wideners sells 8 lbs for $49 (that was enough to convince me). It's supposed to be equivalent to BL(C)-2, but my chronograph tells me it may be slightly more potent (download by 10% to be sure). The keg shows loads for 55 gr. .223 and 150 gr. .308. I don't load .308, but I've had decent results with it in .223, .30-30 and 7.7 Jap.

 

[plateshooter]

I use WC846 for 223, 308, and 30-30. It works great for me at less than half the price of commercial powder.

 

[cheygriz]

I use H335 in both. I've used it for years with complete satisfaction.

 

[Clark]

With .223 AND .308, I get more velocity with H335, but more accuracy with IMR4895.

But that is probably not H335's fault, but mine.
H335 is a fast and dense powder that leaves lots of room under a 168 gr bullet for more powder. Some of my loads really kick hard.

 

[FireInTheHole]

We have used WC846 in .223, .308, and 30-06.

As a previous poster noted, it isnt the same as BL(C)-2 but is slighter more potent. Using military brass 42-43gr gets a 150gr to 2700fps.

I havent loaded any .223 with it for a couple years, but the starting loads were plenty hot to cycle a ruger mini-14!

Be aware, If you buy powders online you will have to pay a hazmat fee ($20). Some vendors offer to eat this fee if you buy a full case (32lbs).

 

[Phil in Seattle]

AA2520

223, 308, 30-06.

 

[kimbernut]

WC 846

Many have talked of WC846 as the same as BL(C)-2 and most all of us ,I'm sure, have even seen it in print. When I purchased an 8 lb. jug it was hinted to me that : WC-846 = AA2460 Anyone else heard this?