Which Powder Is Best For .223?

[delta5]

Hey guys,

I have two big pickle buckets full of assorted 223 brass from my local range. Its a mix of what was swept up there. I dont own a .223 rifle yet, but I want to reload it for the newer AR's and bolt guns that have the 1:7 to 1:9 twist that everyone is buying now. Can you give me an idea of what bullet weight and powder types to buy? I was considering either H335 or BL-C(2). With a more modern heavier bullet, which would be best? I was leaning towards BL-C(2) because it can be used in almost anything from .308 on down and I plan to buy it in bulk. I understand that H335 was an original 5.56 powder too. Any opinions anyone?

 

[RustySocket]

Sierrea 65g boattail. 22g benchmark

 

[NCsmitty]

I suggest sorting the brass as to brand. Not all brass are equal in case capacity, and pressures will vary between brands.
H335 is generally the powder of choice with a 62-70gr bullet ignited by a magnum primer.

NCsmitty

 

[Ol` Joe]

Benchmark
W748
H4895
IMR4895
Varget
H335
BLc2
Tac
Terminator

The best is the one your rifle likes. The 223 seems to be very forgiving as to which powder one uses in it.

 

[ZX10Aviator]

best for me so far, tightest groups with IMR 4198 and a 69gr BTHP in a 1:9 twist bolt gun

 

[LTR shooter]

H335 has given me great results in various 223s especially with 52 and 55 grain bullets. Other powders that I have used that worked extremely well include:

Benchmark
H322
VV N133
Varget
748

 

[evan price]

H335 and BL(c)2 are both (more or less) current military powders usable in .223 ammo. WC846 is BL(c)2/Win748, and WC844 is H335 (more or less). So both H335 and BL(c)2/Win748 are great choices for .223.

 

[delta5]

Im wondering what the difference is between the two. My manuals show that I can use BL-C(2) in both, but I have read H335 was the original 223 powder. If I load with a heavier bullet, is one better than the other, or will they perform about the same?

 

[flynlr]

not shown yet is AA2230

 

[steve4102]

Tac or X-T

TAC
Ramshot TAC is a versatile rifle powder that performs well in a number of different calibers. TAC has the ability to provide some of the industry's highest velocities for 80 grain bullets in the .223 caliber while maintaining SAAMI pressure guidelines. TAC is a double-based powder providing for ease of metering and consistent charge weights.

Ideal Calibers:
.223 Rem, 308 Win

Bulk Density (grams/liter) 985

Packaged in 1lb. and 8lb. containers.



X-Terminator
X-Terminator is a double-based, spherical powder that is designed for the high volume, .223 varmint hunter who demands a clean burning powder. X-Terminator will not bridge going into the small diameter necks of the .22 centerfire calibers and produces excellent velocities.

Ideal Calibers:
.222 Rem, .223 Rem, and .22 Bench rest calibers

Bulk Density (grams/liter) 985

Packaged in 1lb. and 8lb. containers.

 

[ZXD9]

I've had good luck with AA2230 and 55gr Hornady FMJ. I also use Varget for 68gr+.

 

[carbine85]

IMR4895. It's been around for a long time. My best loads are with it. I use 23.0 with a 69 gr bullet.

 

[Seafarer12]

For fodder it is hard to beat a 55 gr fmj or sp with 335 behind it. 335 might not give you the hottest loads but it is consistant, meters very well, and everyone has load data using 335 and you can use it in a lot of other rounds as well. I use to like the idea of the Ramshot powders because of their cost but prices went up on them so I will stick with 335.

 

[Ky Larry]

Sierra 52gr HPBT Match and 22.5gr AA-2460 in my old Ruger 77V two-tone.

 

[Old 06]

Benchmark for my .223. Very accurate.

 

[delta5]

Can anyone tell me what I can expect from using BL-C(2) in .223? I have been loading .308 with it and it seems to perform fairly well (at least for plinking..).

 

[748]

Can you guess what powder I would recomend?
(look just to the left of this sentence.)

 

[NuJudge]

Some links re BL(C) Lot 2 in the .223

See what Hodgdon has to say on their website:
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=40322
http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammunition/st223_120606/index1.html

For the following link, look under the "Reloading Stuph" hyperlink at the upper left, then way down the page for WC846 data, which is a bulk, non-canistered version of BL(C) Lot 2 powder with a considerably more variable burn rate:
http://radomski.us/njhp/

Another WC846 link:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=40322