W748, h322, h335

[mongoose33]

When I started reloading .223, I couldn't find any H335, which many people apparently like quite well in that application.

I did find some H322 which has worked wonderfully for me--accurate, good velocity, I like it a lot. Only drawback? Doesn't meter well.

I also tried 748. Works well, meters very well, but it just doesn't produce like the H322 does. I loaded up some rounds this weekend at the listed max in my Sierra manual (26.5 gr) and I was hard pressed to get above 2850 fps in my M4. And it just about fills up the case, so that seems to be that.

So I'm wondering--is H335 the compromise between the two? Meters well but produces well too?

Of those who have compared the three, what did you find?

EDIT: Shooting 55gr FMJ.

TIA.

 

[Ol` Joe]

In my very limited experiance I`ve yet to shoot anything that consistantly gives higher velocity then W748 with 52-68 gr bullets. I for sure haven`t tried everything though. If you want accuracy it`s a toss up between umpteen different powders. Ya just got to try them to see. My M70 HV with a 1/9 twist likes H4895 and my 1885 1-12 twist prefers Benchmark, both with 52gr match bullets, go figure.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO H335 is the best powder for reloading the .223/5.56mm. It will produce very accurate ammo and it's meters just fine. If you can find some H335 I would suggest you use that powder from now on. (yes, I know it's hard to find) A few months back I was out of H335 and bought a lb of H322 to hold me over. I've used it before and was happy with the results like you were but I also didn't like the poor metering. BL-C(2) works fairly well in the .223 and will meter much better than H322. (well, it is a ball powder lol)

Sorry I couldn't have been more help...

 

[NuJudge]

For Match shooting, I've never found anything that gave such consistently tiny groups in a .223 AR as 748, specifically a 52 SMK, CCI primer, LC or WW case and 26.5gr 748. I've tried it in 4 barrels, and the people on the National Match board have tried it in a bunch, with always excellent groups.

The only problem with this load is wind sensitivity. At 100 yards its not a problem. At 200 it may well be.

There are 'go to' loads, where if a rifle in a given caliber will not shoot with them, it will not shoot with any load. This is one of them.

 

[Walkalong]

H322 which has worked wonderfully for me--accurate, good velocity, I like it a lot. Only drawback? Doesn't meter well.

H332 ruled Benchrest for many years, so I guess it meters well enough. It meters pretty well for me. No stick powder will meter quite as well as ball powder. That said, I use H335 (and similar) for .223. I would not hesitate to use my leftover H322 for it though. My leftover N133 would work just fine as well. For stick powders, all those meter well, and are quite accurate in many applications.

 

[steve4102]

You didn't say what weight bullet you are using so it's a tough call. For bullets 52-55gr my Colt Love X-T and 2230. Very fine ball powders that meters like water. For the heavier 60gr and up my colt likes Tac and 2520. For a good compromise for both heavy and light I choose Tac.

 

[mongoose33]

You're right, I didn't. 55gr FMJ generally. I'm shooting through a 1/9 twist.

 

[SSN Vet]

25 gr. of H335 behind a 55 gr. FMJ is a darn good load........

23 gr. of H335 behind a 69 gr. SMK BTHP is a tack driver...

both used in my 1 in 9 16" middy AR