What powder would you recommend for reloading the 223. Im trying to decide between Tac and Benchmark?
Also is there any reloading info for use of H414 for the 223? Thanks Esox357.

quote:

What powder would you recommend for reloading the 223

BL-C(2).........and H-414 is far too slow.

I like Benchmark and use it myself with lighter 45-53 gr bullets. W748, Varget, H4895 and a ton of other powders in this burn range will do a good job. The 223 isn`t picky from what I`ve seen about powder. As already said H414 is too slow for the 223.

I've had success with H335.

24.5 grains of IMR 4895 in a 1-7 twist bbl 69gr sierra match kings 2900 fps avg
Worked great but 4895 is tough to meter and on a dillon press it's a pain but it works

I've have good luck using IMR 4895, Varget and IMR 4198 in the .223 with a variety of bullets styles between 45 and 55 grains.

Additionally, I've used IMR 4198 exclusively in the .222 with 50-55 grain bullets going back some 30+ years.

quote:

Originally posted by EVOC ONE:
I've have good luck using IMR 4895, Varget and IMR 4198 in the .223 with a variety of bullets styles between 45 and 55 grains.

Additionally, I've used IMR 4198 exclusively in the .222 with 50-55 grain bullets going back some 30+ years.

Ditto.
Same powders, same bullets, and same experience.

Don

There is a wide spectrum of 223 barrel twists and chambers out there. More info will get you more responses. A 1:7 can handle heavier (actually longer) bullets than a 1:12. The lighter bullet weights usually work well with H335 or W748. Heavier bullets usually work well with IMR 4064, Varget, Re15.

Airgun1 is correct; there are too many possibilities based on all the different rifles/handguns, barrel twists and intended uses for the .223.

With more specific information;
type of rifle/handgun
barrel twist and length
bullet choices (weight and type)
and intended use

With the above information the answers can be narrowed down to something that may be useful to you.

Larry Gibson

To fire 100 rounds per hour, 800 rounds per day at small rodents at 100 yards, Blue Dot.

To fire 1 round per day at a coyote at 300 yards, H335.

To compete in a shooting match, N133.

I have Data on over 260 loads using bullets from 33grains to 80 grains from 3 different rifles, I'd be willing to E-Mail you. roger

A few years ago I switched from H335 to Ramshot X-Terminator. My partner and I burn several thousand rounds each year through six different 223s, and ALL of them shoot very small groups with the same load. Prairie rats hate it!

X-T meters within 0.1 grain from my Dillon measure, burns much cleaner than H335, and works well with every 40- to 50-grain bullet I have tried. I use 27.5 grains behind 40-grain Hornady V-Max or Nosler Ballistic Tip, and 25.5 grains behind 50 grainers. These loads are with Winchester SR primers. All our rifles have either 1:12 or 1:14 twist. Of course, results may be different in your rifle!

Bonus: Ramshot powders typically cost a few dollars less per pound than other brands.

Ask 20 people, get 21 answers! any 4895 is about as slow as you want to go and 4198 would be a little faster than I would go for anything but 40's. It is hard to get most .223's not to like several loads and bullets.

I think I am going to try win cases, win small rifle primers, benchmark, with 50 grain speer TNT bullets. That will be my first go for reloading for a 223. Thanks for all the help and info guys. I will post back with the results. Esox357.

VapoDog ; To Slow for what ?. From one of my BushMaster XM15 E2S 20" with Chrome lined barrel.

A non typical # 16 shot target of mine . I generally ONLY shoot hand loads , as a comparison for factory fodder

I shot this to illustrate the differences too a friend of a friend .They both witnessed the shoot .

#1 fouler , lower left of center , next # 5 factory Winchester 55 grain rounds

( Note stringing always on the rise ) Next . # 10 rounds 55 grain " Bulk bullets " Remington cases

Federal Match Primers topped off with 25.5 grains BLC-2 . Shot on my range at a measured 100 meters .

These cases were not prepped either , once fired in my chamber . Then


reloaded no trimming no neck turning nothing other than full length resizing . It was an experiment .

A dime will cover the # 10 hand loaded rounds and give change . To Slow ?.




I also should mention that POA was NEVER CHANGED !!!.

I like the 50gr Nosler ballistic tips and Viht N133.