Powder Suggestions

[Old SF MJT]

I am getting back into hand-loading and looking for some guidance regarding powders. I am set up to load .223. .308, .30 Carbine & 7.62X39. My main calibers will be .223 & .308. What I am hoping for is a single powder (for each caliber, of course) that will best serve for loading mid weight projectiles in each caliber: 53-69 gr. in .223 & 145-168 gr. in .308, with an eye toward accuracy, clean burn & temperature stability. Obviously, if there were some ‘spill-over’ into either of the other two calibers I will be loading for, that would be nice.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any and al guidance.

Old SF

 

[ironworkerwill]

Focusing on .223 and .308 -Varget, BLc2, CFE223,H335,Benchmark,ARcomp, RL15, 2000-mr,X terminator, AA2230, Tac, AA2520.

This is an incomplete list see also http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/WP_LoadSpec_1-23-14.pdf http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/ http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/default.aspx

 

[AR-15Nutt]

all those powders are great.., BUT ! where can one find them ? i have put myself on "Notify When Available" list with every powder distributor i know of.

any help in finding the above listed powders is/will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ironworkerwill]

The new powder IMR 4166 and Ye olde IMR 4064 are in-stock now at Midsouth shooters supply.

 

[Trailduster79]

I have been using CFE223 for my .223 rounds. I have had decent luck finding it on the shelf at my local gun shops.

Have had it on backorder through Bass Pro for almost two months now......

 

[Old SF MJT]

Many thanks, folks! Good information.

One thing just to clarify: I'm not really expecting to identify one powder that will be the best for both rounds (one can hope, I suppose, but I'm thinking that may be too much 'pie in the sky!'); but rather a 'best choice' for mid-weight .223 projectiles along with a 'best choice' for mid-weight .308 projectiles.

Again, many thanks!
Old SF

 

[ironworkerwill]

8# kegs of Benchmark are in stock now at Powder Valley. You can create very accurate loads in both rifles with this powder.

 

[spitballer]

With a 30" barreled bolt action .223 I was amazed to discover how slow the powder needs to be for soft varmint bullets. Having good luck shooting 55's with H414 and H4350. Can't speak for autoloaders or FMJ's.

 

[G11354]

I've had luck with H322 and IMR3031, downside is that both dont play well with powder measures. They tend to throw inconsistently which can be annoying for some.

 

[Potatohead]

I see IMR XBR everywhere (pretty sure I got that name right), wouldnt it be ok in the mentioned calibers? ive had success with it in 223 with 55 gr.

 

[Old SF MJT]

Again, many thanks.

Old SF

 

[otisrush]

My favorite for .223 is H335. Since it's a ball powder it meters extremely well. I'm not sure how "clean" (or dirty) it is considered. I've seen it becoming steadily more available. One of the LGSs I go to had 8+ lbs of it.

Although I have W748 and I've heard it's really good (I've loaded some stuff with it but not a whole lot) it has a reputation of not doing too well when cold. So maybe that's an "anti-recommendation" based on your requirements.

OR

 

[joneb]

For the 7.62x39 I have had good results with H-4198 and Accurate 1680.

 

[SwaneeSR]

Well, I would suggest you start by purchasing one lb containers as you get back into handloading. At least until you find what load and powder works best for you. Rifle powder selection has been pretty good in my area. I saw a 1lb container of Varget at my LGS that would be great to try in .308.

Not sure what you should try first in the .223 cartridges. If you have a local buying option, maybe you could go in and see if you can get a 1lb container of something and whip up a small test batch.

 

[2011redrider]

all those powders are great.., BUT ! where can one find them ? i have put myself on "Notify When Available" list with every powder distributor i know of.

any help in finding the above listed powders is/will be greatly appreciated.

Powder valley still has AR comp in stock for 21.75. Also subscribe to this

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=707473&page=125 it shows current components in stock.

 

[Toprudder]

For .30 carbine, I recommend H110/W296.

Can't really comment on the other calibers as I have not reloaded any of those yet. I have components for 223 and 308, and I have collected a pound each of H322, H335, Varget, and CFE223 to try out.

 

[jmr40]

Varget is my go-to 308 powder. It gives good accuracy, speed, and is one of the most temperature resistant powders available. Of course there are lots of good 308 powders. I've found 4895, 4064, RL-15 and TAC to be just as accurate with comparable speeds. Varget gets the nod based on temperature sensitivity.

 

[giggitygiggity]

Varget is a good general rifle powder. H335 is the cat's meow in .223Rem and can also be used in .308Win with good results.

 

[spitballer]

Consider barrel length for your .223 when selecting a propellant. Most guys these days are using carbines for .223 and the load data seems to reflect this. I ended up having to experiment with de-listed powders for my 30" bbl, but finally had good luck with H414 and even compressed H4350 for the thin-jacketed 55 grainers.