Which Powder?

[Sirrocco]

Please recommend a powder for
.223 Rem in Colt MatchTarget
using 69 SMK in UMC brass.
Want to load Mag Length.
1x7 20 H-Bar
I am new to this so please be gentle.

 

[sensop]

Sirrocco,

I've never found anything to outperform H335 or W748. In a Rem 700V, I used somewhere around 25 grs behind a 55 gr Noslder Ballistic Tip.

 

[Steve Smith]

RL15 and Varget are the most popular amongst Highpower AR-15 shooters. I use RL15 myself. Hard to get enough Varget in the case sometimes. THAT IS NOT LOAD DATA! DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING I SAY TO BE CORRECT OR SAFE!!! TEST YOUR OWN LOADS THOUROUGHLY!!!


In all actuallity, the powder rarely contributes to accuracy as much as it does speed. You use the powder you want to achieve the speed you need, with acceptable case fill. For HP, we want all the speed we can get (less time in the wind). We use Varget, RL15, and VV powders (135 comes to mind, and I think 140)

 

[Steve Smith]

BTW, don't use Win primers. Piercing is a problem.

Rem 7 1/2 and CCI BR4 are good.

 

[Swamp Yankee]

I'm with Steve.

For target loads with 69 gr. SMK, I really like Varget and RL15.
For plinking loads with bullets 55gr. and under that I make in volume I like WW 748. WW 748 is about the best choice for consistant metering. It runs through the powder measure beautifully.
Take Care

 

[Steve Smith]

748 is good, but won't do what I need. RL15 will meter good enough for 600 yards in a Dillon after the powder drop has been reamed out. IMR 4895 is good for plinking becuase it is $68 for an 8 lb keg...but it won't meter worth a damn. Good for 200-300 yards only.

 

[Nanook]

FWIW, the ISRA high power shooters seem to favor RL15 and most of them shoot ARs.
(Illinois State Rifle Ass'n)

I got in on a group buy with some of them that's how I was made aware of it. Splits up the hazmat costs....

 

[EchoSixMike]

I use RL15 for my 223, but I use 75's and 80's exclusively. Back when 69's were the only game in town, I used W748 and a smoking hot load. I was getting 2960fps with a SD of 8 from a 20" AR, and it would shoot 1/2" groups all day long. Twenty round groups would stay under an inch. Seemed to work for me. S/F...Ken M

 

[Bottom Gun]

I've gotten my best accuracy from my bolt actions using IMR 4198. It doesn't meter as well as the ball powders though.

I use H335 and Win 748 when I load for the semi autos.

 

[ArmaLube]

Great Deal On Powder

Natchez (www.natchezss.com) has for some time been selling Accurate 2230C in 8lb kegs for $59.90. That is a terrific price and the powder is perfect for .223 Rem/5.56mm.

Shipping and Hazmat are additional, but this is still a great bargain.

Check it out.

 

[Kingcreek]

I used that 2230 when I loaded up a bunch of prairie dog medicine. accurate and clean.
$59 is a great price!
I have never shot service rifle match with the AR cause I still like my M1A Supermatch.