I'm just beginning to reload for a .223 with 68 grain hpbt bullets. The only load data I can find is for reloader 15 powder. Is this a good powder choice for the caliber and bullet weight? I don't intend on using a powder measure so metering quality is not an issue.

The 223 is an extremly popular round with tons of data. How many manuals have you looked in?

I've checked the hornady manual at my local sporting goods store which did'nt mention the 68 grain loading (not sure which edition). The alliant powder website is the only source I could find with load data for this bullet weight.

24.5 grns of Varget with 7 1/2 primer should give you .5 or better accuracy. works well in my 1-9 twist savage 223. H.H.

What brand of bullet is it? You need to get that manufacturer's manual and have it on hand. I have every main manual, money well spent if you're going to keep reloading. My sierra book has info lots of it for the 69gr hpbt.

Rufus:

I have found that mid range powders like RL 15 work great in a 223 with bullets especially that are on the upper weight scale.

I also love RL 15 in a lot of cartridges.

The 223 is not a finicky case at all, and few powders are really "bad" in it. I have never found any if one uses the powders pressure range ( don't fill it up with Unique and put a 68 grain bullet on top and don't expect a blown case)

My powder of choice for 68 to 80 grains is H380, 28 grains. If I am out of that, and need to load up some, RL 15 is the powder I reach for next, third is RL 7. The Scandanvian powders have consistency which I like. ( RL 7, 10, 12, 15, 19, 22 and 25 are all made in Sweden)

RE15 is THE powder for heavy bullet High Power loads in 223. I'd say it has edged out Varget in the last few years. Better velocities and the perfect load density and it's hard to find a decent rifle that won't shoot tiny groups with it and appropriatte bullets. Can you tell I'm a fan? Just bought 30 Lbs of the stuff. I shoot 24.7 gr with the Nosler or Sierra 69. The Hornady 68 has less bearing surface and usually gets a little more speed with the same charge. You will get about 2900 with it,no need to go any faster, velocities in a 20" shilen 1/8 twist with wylde chamber and BR-4 primer in an LC case.