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USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 2:15:01 PM EDT
Now that I have 55 gr bullets figured out, what are some good powders for either Hornady 68 gr BTHP or the Sierra Match king 77 gr OTM? All I have at the moment is H335. I will work up the load, just looking for powders to consider. Also primers used. I
have WSR and CCI #41. I have books to refer to, but looking for real world experience. Thanks all! |
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Posted: 9/18/2024 2:50:44 PM EDT
[#1]
Originally Posted By roland65: Now that I have 55 gr bullets figured out, what are some good powders for either Hornady 68 gr BTHP or the Sierra Match king 77 gr OTM? All I have at the moment is H335. I will work up the load, just looking for powders to consider. Also primers used. I have WSR and CCI #41. I have books to refer to, but looking for real world experience. Thanks all! Tac would be my suggestion for a new powder. |
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USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 3:00:37 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dryflash3: H-335 will work fine. Tac would be my suggestion for a new powder. Thanks DF! Got a few H335 on hand and may grab a lb or 2 of Tac to have on hand. |
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ME, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 3:10:17 PM EDT
[#3]
Here is what has worked for me.
R-15 (not sure this is even available any more) IMR8208 (good luck finding any) AR-COMP (good luck fining any at a reasonable price) N140 (fantastic and available at reasonable prices) AA2230 (Only used with 69gr. Sierras but should work with 77s) WW 748 - (Only used with 69gr. Sierras but should work with 77s) Varget StaBall Match |
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Posted: 9/18/2024 3:14:03 PM EDT
[#4]
H335 is not a friend of heavier bullets.
The Hornady 68gr OTM SUCKS. The Sierra 69gr SMK or Nosler CC 69gr is what you want. The Sierra 77gr SMK is the gold standard for magazine tolerant heavy bullets. TAC as suggested rocks in the 69 and 77 bullets. I have always liked CCI 450 primers with TAC or Rem 7.5 |
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Posted: 9/18/2024 3:21:19 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bpm990d: Here is what has worked for me. R-15 (not sure this is even available any more) IMR8208 (good luck finding any) AR-COMP (good luck fining any at a reasonable price) N140 (fantastic and available at reasonable prices) AA2230 (Only used with 69gr. Sierras but should work with 77s) WW 748 - (Only used with 69gr. Sierras but should work with 77s) Varget StaBall Match |
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Posted: 9/18/2024 3:27:40 PM EDT
[#6]
Stay away from Alliant powder. Erratic supply chain! And COST
8208 is not consistently available it has been over a year since this current shipment hit our shores. The Winchester powders are pretty much easy to lay hands on. 748 would not be my choice StaBall Match Hodgdon Ball powders are easy to snag CFE 223 VV powders have been available N140 or N540 Accurate 2230 is not a friend of 69 grain bullets or heavier. TAC is the one to get! Measures like water and easy to get! |
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USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 4:14:43 PM EDT
[#7]
Thanks everybody for the recommendations. I have seen Tac recommended a lot in other threads, but I like to hear from newer experiences and first hand. My friend's father passed away 2 years ago. He had reloaded since the mid 70's and left a TON of stuff
in his shop. My friend never really followed his father but I've got him interested, I wouldn't be surprised if many powders that have been suggested are in the shop. |
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USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 6:01:51 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By roland65: Thanks DF! Got a few H335 on hand and may grab a lb or 2 of Tac to have on hand. Just buy an 8 lb jug. |
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Posted: 9/18/2024 6:18:11 PM EDT
[#9]
Don't look any further than Tac. It is really available, meters amazingly well, temperature stable, affordable compared to other powders. I've had good luck with 2520 but I hear it is not temperature stable. I haven't seen it though.
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SD, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 7:17:18 PM EDT
[Last Edit: fgshoot]
[#10]
If it's been over a year since your stores have seen 8208, you need to find better stores, simple as that. 8208 has been hard to get, but it was available last October, and it was available just a few weeks ago mid-late August. It hasn't even been that bad on price. Both times it's been cheaper than most powders.
Nothing wrong with Varget either. Despite apparently coming out of the same plant as 8208, it's been over stocked these past few years, I've never seen it out of stock. Prices aren't bad, but not good either. It's a consistent performer for most people. I would definitely give a look at Vhitavouri powders such as N140. It may change in the future, but for whatever reason they are one of the least expensive powders, and seem to be in stock most places. |
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SD, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 7:20:19 PM EDT
[Last Edit: fgshoot]
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By carcrazysammy: Don't look any further than Tac. It is really available, meters amazingly well, temperature stable, affordable compared to other powders. I've had good luck with 2520 but I hear it is not temperature stable. I haven't seen it though. Ramshot TAC is a solid choice, but it is not very temperature insensitive. It performs like a lot of classic ball powders. It can be worked around, but the same load at 95F will not perform similarly at 10F. The three powders I listed above are much more resistant to temperature changes. It is priced competitively compared to a lot of powders, but Vhitavouri N140 is about the same price. |
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ME, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 8:05:20 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By rn22723: Accurate 2230 is not a friend of 69 grain bullets or heavier. Well it has been at least 35 years since I used it so I have no idea how new lots perform. That being said it was quite good with the 69gr Sierra. |
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Posted: 9/18/2024 8:07:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: W_E_G]
[#13]
For 99.999% of shooters, "temperature sensitivity" is not a significant issue unless you are already loading at +max.
Otherwise, if shooting ball powder, or "temperature sensitive" stick powder, if its cold outside, and you are shooting at something crucially important at some truly significant distance, say 500+ yards, click the scope up a minute or so. Likewise, if its hot, and you zeroed in cold weather, click it down a minute or so. If you do a lot of long distance shooting in a wide variety of temperatures, you will learn the small scope adjustments needed to squeeze the last iota of elevation-accuracy out of your gun/ammo combo. But very few people do any significant amount of precision cold-bore shooting at significant distance. Most people never shoot at 500+ yards unless they are shooting at some gigantic piece of steel which is probably ten-times the elevation height than their bullet-trajectory is likely to be affected by "tempererature sensitivity." Again, if you consider the max recommended charge in the loading manual to be a "starting load," you'll probably want to come off that some if its a really hot day. TAC is an excellent powder for use in any application that calls for a medium-burn-rate rifle powder. I've burned somewhere in the ballpark of 20 pounds of it. My preferred TAC load for 77 SMK loaded to magazine length is 24.2 grains. Very accurate, and leaves a bit of headroom such that I don't need to worry about puking primers on a hot summer day. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 8:51:11 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bpm990d: Here is what has worked for me. R-15 (not sure this is even available any more) IMR8208 (good luck finding any) AR-COMP (good luck fining any at a reasonable price) N140 (fantastic and available at reasonable prices) AA2230 (Only used with 69gr. Sierras but should work with 77s) WW 748 - (Only used with 69gr. Sierras but should work with 77s) Varget StaBall Match Add CFE223 and Tac to list |
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SD, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 9:10:39 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By W_E_G: For 99.999% of shooters, "temperature sensitivity" is not a significant issue unless you are already loading at +max. Otherwise, if shooting ball powder, or "temperature sensitive" stick powder, if its cold outside, and you are shooting at something crucially important at some truly significant distance, say 500+ yards, click the scope up a minute or so. Likewise, if its hot, and you zeroed in cold weather, click it down a minute or so. If you do a lot of long distance shooting in a wide variety of temperatures, you will learn the small scope adjustments needed to squeeze the last iota of elevation-accuracy out of your gun/ammo combo. But very few people do any significant amount of precision cold-bore shooting at significant distance. Most people never shoot at 500+ yards unless they are shooting at some gigantic piece of steel which is probably ten-times the elevation height than their bullet-trajectory is likely to be affected by "tempererature sensitivity." Again, if you consider the max recommended charge in the loading manual to be a "starting load," you'll probably want to come off that some if its a really hot day. TAC is an excellent powder for use in any application that calls for a medium-burn-rate rifle powder. I've burned somewhere in the ballpark of 20 pounds of it. My preferred TAC load for 77 SMK loaded to magazine length is 24.2 grains. Very accurate, and leaves a bit of headroom such that I don't need to worry about puking primers on a hot summer day. That is true. I'm just trying to make sure people get the right information. |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2024 9:34:27 PM EDT
[#16]
Ive be tinkering with accurate 2520 with Hornady 75gr OTM, and Sierra 77gr TMK
Accuracy was pretty decent, ES/SD numbers were a bit higher than I expected, but I'm still in the tuning process. I used Accurate load data with 223 pressures. |
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Posted: 9/18/2024 10:05:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: DKlic6]
[#17]
I've had really good results with TAC shooting 53, 55, 69, 75, and 77 grainers. Also have good results with n140. It'd be great to find TAC in 8lbs kegs again. TAC is the Toyota of .223.
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Posted: 9/19/2024 1:22:09 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By DKlic6: It'd be great to find TAC in 8lbs kegs again. . https://www.powdervalley.com/product/ramshot-tac/  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 9/19/2024 7:21:28 PM EDT
[#19]
VihtaVuori N140
RE-15 Varget H4895 IMR-8208-XBR |
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OR, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2024 7:56:11 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By borderpatrol: VihtaVuori N140 RE-15 Varget H4895 IMR-8208-XBR Borderpatrol knows his powders, that is basically the the list of top service rifle powders used for 77 and 80 gr bullets. Tried Tac as a cheap substitute and got poor results with accuracy and it showed severe pressure signs without warning. |
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Posted: 9/19/2024 8:00:44 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pepe-lepew: Tried Tac as a cheap substitute and got poor results with accuracy and it showed severe pressure signs without warning. Don’t overwhelm us with so much detail. |
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USA
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Posted: 9/19/2024 8:21:55 PM EDT
[#22]
My go to with 75 and 77gr is AA2520.
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MN, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2024 8:37:36 PM EDT
[#23]
If you aren't dropping by volume, H4895 and Varget are great with heavier projo's
I have had decent accuracy with H335, and it drops great, but recently picked up some Tac for heavies due to rec's on this board. Haven't had time to wring it out yet. |
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AL, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2024 9:06:29 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bpm990d: Well it has been at least 35 years since I used it so I have no idea how new lots perform. That being said it was quite good with the 69gr Sierra. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bpm990d: Originally Posted By rn22723: Accurate 2230 is not a friend of 69 grain bullets or heavier. Well it has been at least 35 years since I used it so I have no idea how new lots perform. That being said it was quite good with the 69gr Sierra. Agreed. Nosler's most accurate load tested with the 69gr CC is 23.5 gr AA2230. It has shot well in several rifles. Note: this is a book max load. Other good loads are 24.5 gr TAC (Note: this load may be end 5.56 level) XBR 8208 has been great. |
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USA
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Posted: 9/19/2024 9:10:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Trollslayer]
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pepe-lepew: Tried Tac as a cheap substitute and got poor results with accuracy and it showed severe pressure signs without warning. 23.5 gr TAC Winchester brass Winchester SR primer Hornady 75 gr HPBT-M bullet seated to 2.235" (for magazine loading) This is my "go to" load. It is easy to throw accurate charge weights. It delivered 3/4 MOA at 200 yards. Varget was better at 1/2 MOA. This 23.5 gr was also at a node such that +/-0.25 gr makes no difference in point of impact at 200 yards. During testing, I went as high as 24.5 gr. It was safe but there just wasn't any reason to go that high for normal reloading. |
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CO, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2024 9:19:12 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By W_E_G: For 99.999% of shooters, "temperature sensitivity" is not a significant issue unless you are already loading at +max. Otherwise, if shooting ball powder, or "temperature sensitive" stick powder, if its cold outside, and you are shooting at something crucially important at some truly significant distance, say 500+ yards, click the scope up a minute or so. Likewise, if its hot, and you zeroed in cold weather, click it down a minute or so. If you do a lot of long distance shooting in a wide variety of temperatures, you will learn the small scope adjustments needed to squeeze the last iota of elevation-accuracy out of your gun/ammo combo. But very few people do any significant amount of precision cold-bore shooting at significant distance. Most people never shoot at 500+ yards unless they are shooting at some gigantic piece of steel which is probably ten-times the elevation height than their bullet-trajectory is likely to be affected by "tempererature sensitivity." Again, if you consider the max recommended charge in the loading manual to be a "starting load," you'll probably want to come off that some if its a really hot day. TAC is an excellent powder for use in any application that calls for a medium-burn-rate rifle powder. I've burned somewhere in the ballpark of 20 pounds of it. My preferred TAC load for 77 SMK loaded to magazine length is 24.2 grains. Very accurate, and leaves a bit of headroom such that I don't need to worry about puking primers on a hot summer day. Sir: I'm not disagreeing with you and as it is you make some valid points, like: for most shooters this powder temp-sensitivity is really a minor issue and yes you really won't "see it" until shooting at longer ranges. But as someone who DOES consider it, I'll explain my reasoning and how your "why's" might be off a little: -one reason and probably the most concerning is: Alot of the matches I shoot aren't just one-two shots. They maybe 20-25 shots, in around 25 minutes or so, while laying in the sun. So as I shoot the ammo and chamber heat up....... and then of course, if the powder isn't temp stable........ the velocities will start creeping up, leading to elevation dispersal. -next, and one you sortta hit on is this: So I work up a load at a certain temp and then start using it at another. The more temp sensitive the powder is, the more the zero is/could be off. Yes, you could simply adjust the sights but you are adding a variable to a list of things to consider........ and if you get great results with a temp-stable powder, why not eliminate it? -Alot/some? of reloaders either purposely load to max or end up there. So yes, a hot day, hot chamber etc........ with a less than temp stable powder...... you will be over max. TBH, I suspect alot of reloaders are lazy and simply find what they consider to be the max and load away. What I don't think really anyone does is have a hot day load and cold day load. So FWIW........ I agree with you that the temp stable powder question really doesn't matter to most, but for different reasons. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 9/20/2024 6:58:16 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By borderpatrol: VihtaVuori N140 RE-15 Varget H4895 IMR-8208-XBR I’ve got some 77’s loaded up with H4895 to test out. I’ve never tried it with anything heavier than a 60 gr vmax, but it hammers with those. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 9/20/2024 7:29:55 PM EDT
[#28]
I use AA 2520 across the board with Shooters World Match a close second.
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ME, USA
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Posted: 9/20/2024 7:36:16 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By molar: I’ve got some 77’s loaded up with H4895 to test out. I’ve never tried it with anything heavier than a 60 gr vmax, but it hammers with those. H4895 is a very good powder for heavy bullets. |
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Posted: 9/20/2024 8:41:19 PM EDT
[#30]
24.2 grains with a 77 at magazine length (2.250).
Any CCI small rifle primer that ISN’T a CCI 400. No crimp. |
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USA
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Posted: 9/20/2024 11:53:39 PM EDT
[#31]
H335 is fine, I use 22.0 gr under a 75gr BTHP. Good accuracy, not a hot load. Around 2600 FPS out of an 18" gun.
Slower burning powders like BLC-2 are probably a little better though. |
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Posted: 9/21/2024 9:07:14 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Grumple: My go to with 75 and 77gr is AA2520. This. 2520 is my 77gr OTM powder. 77gr SMK “Mk262” 24.5gr A2520, 2.26” COAL, Winchester SR 
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USA
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Posted: 9/21/2024 1:32:25 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By W_E_G: 24.2 grains ... of what? To which powder do you refer? |
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Posted: 9/21/2024 5:00:15 PM EDT
[Last Edit: W_E_G]
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Trollslayer: of what? To which powder do you refer? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Trollslayer: Originally Posted By W_E_G: 24.2 grains ... of what? To which powder do you refer? TAC |
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USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 3:56:47 PM EDT
[#35]
I love this question because it’s all I load and shoot for 5.56 now. Here are my go to powders, AR Comp, Varget, TAC, 8208 XBR, H4895, AA2520, and the very same H335 you have on hand. I have no idea what you have locally but good luck finding the first 4 in stock in bulk. I did see 1 pound jugs of Varget online last night, and I’ve seen AA2520 in 8 pounders in stock as of a few days ago.
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WI, USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 11:45:15 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By borderpatrol: VihtaVuori N140 RE-15 Varget H4895 IMR-8208-XBR These would be my choices as well for the 68-77gr bullets. 8208 has been an exceptional powder for both velocity and accuracy for me. Too bad its almost unobtantium. I have about 6# left and Im rationing it.  Second choice would be Varget or N140. I have alot of H4895 on hand, just never tried it with 223 to be quite honest. An additional choice is Benchmark, but Ive seen a buddy struggle a bit with it with some bullets and its great with others, so the jury is out on that one. |
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Posted: 9/25/2024 1:13:01 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By W_E_G: 24.2 grains with a 77 at magazine length (2.250). Any CCI small rifle primer that ISN’T a CCI 400. No crimp. What's the issue with the CCI 400? |
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Posted: 9/25/2024 6:54:33 PM EDT
[Last Edit: W_E_G]
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SPTiger: What's the issue with the CCI 400? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SPTiger: Originally Posted By W_E_G: 24.2 grains with a 77 at magazine length (2.250). Any CCI small rifle primer that ISN’T a CCI 400. No crimp. What's the issue with the CCI 400? TOO THIN. http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php CCI sells four types of small rifle primers. All of them are 0.025" thickness. EXCEPT the 400's The 400's are 0.005" thinner than every other CCI small rifle primer. Somebody will be right along to tell us they've been using those thin primers, and running them at 5.56 pressures for years and never had a problem. I've seen numerous shooters running those thin 400's piercing primers. One of those shooters is me.  Attached File |
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MT, USA
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Posted: Yesterday 12:40:36 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By W_E_G: TOO THIN. http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php CCI sells four types of small rifle primers. All of them are 0.025" thickness. EXCEPT the 400's The 400's are 0.005" thinner than every other CCI small rifle primer. Somebody will be right along to tell us they've been using those thin primers, and running them at 5.56 pressures for years and never had a problem. I've seen numerous shooters running those thin 400's piercing primers. One of those shooters is me. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105614/pierced_primer_-_piercedprimer-CCI400-4_-3332509.JPG |
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Posted: Yesterday 8:34:38 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By W_E_G: TOO THIN. http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php CCI sells four types of small rifle primers. All of them are 0.025" thickness. EXCEPT the 400's The 400's are 0.005" thinner than every other CCI small rifle primer. Somebody will be right along to tell us they've been using those thin primers, and running them at 5.56 pressures for years and never had a problem. I've seen numerous shooters running those thin 400's piercing primers. One of those shooters is me. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105614/pierced_primer_-_piercedprimer-CCI400-4_-3332509.JPG Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By W_E_G: Originally Posted By SPTiger: Originally Posted By W_E_G: 24.2 grains with a 77 at magazine length (2.250). Any CCI small rifle primer that ISN’T a CCI 400. No crimp. What's the issue with the CCI 400? TOO THIN. http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php CCI sells four types of small rifle primers. All of them are 0.025" thickness. EXCEPT the 400's The 400's are 0.005" thinner than every other CCI small rifle primer. Somebody will be right along to tell us they've been using those thin primers, and running them at 5.56 pressures for years and never had a problem. I've seen numerous shooters running those thin 400's piercing primers. One of those shooters is me. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105614/pierced_primer_-_piercedprimer-CCI400-4_-3332509.JPG Well I guess I'm the one to say that I've never had a problem, but I guess it's because I've only loaded to .223 pressure, or whatever the pressure the max loads are listed in the manuals. I've got over 16,000 of them so they'll just have to do. |
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USA
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Posted: Yesterday 8:46:41 PM EDT
[#41]
Grabbed a 1lb of TAC today. If I like it, will be getting more. What's the consensus on crimping either the Hornady 68's or Sierra 77's? I have the Lee FCD.
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Posted: Yesterday 8:59:57 PM EDT
[Last Edit: W_E_G]
[#42]
I haven’t crimped a bullet in a bottleneck rifle round since 1988. And it wasn’t a good idea even then.
Use one hand to press the nose of a loaded round against your gun safe. FIRMLY. Not King-Kong. If the bullet sets back, crimping won’t help. Alter your expander to improve neck tension if that test allows set-back. Crimping jacketed bullets used in ammunition for a 5.56 is a great way to buckle the shoulder, and create a whole new set of problems. Pay attention to the feel when seating the bullet. Factory crimped 5.56 isn’t crimped the same was as a hobbyist in the basement. The REAL factory crimp comes in laterally from 90 degrees, and does not compress the shoulder in the manner that a so-called “factory crimp” die inevitably compresses against the case mouth longitudinally during the up-stroke of a hobbyist reloading press. |
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SD, USA
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Posted: Yesterday 10:58:18 PM EDT
[Last Edit: fgshoot]
[#43]
With the Lee collet factory crimp die, which is the only one available to bottleneck cartridges as far as I know, they do crimp straight in from the sides. They are phenomenal tools for the job. I do agree crimping is mostly unproductive. It is useful and needed if you flare the case mouth, but most people don't do that for jacketed bullets in rifles. You don't have to add a crimp to those either, you can use the tool to only close the flare. Every once in a blue moon I'll try some crimped rounds just to see what they do. I have yet to have it improve accuracy.
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USA
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Posted: Today 1:12:15 AM EDT
[#44]
Get an expander ball that is small enough such that the neck tension keeps the bullet in position. If your expander ball is steel, you can hone it down yourself using crocus cloth or extremely fine grit wet/dry sand paper.
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Posted: Today 6:09:27 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Trollslayer: Get an expander ball that is small enough such that the neck tension keeps the bullet in position. If your expander ball is steel, you can hone it down yourself using crocus cloth or extremely fine grit wet/dry sand paper. <This. Measure your expander ball and spin polish it in .0005" smaller increments to increase neck tension. I like .0025" neck tension and never crimp. I won't recommend anything over .003" of tension. Bolt actions can run with only .001", semi-autos need to be squeezed. Uniform crimping may improve ES/SD numbers, the problem is achieving uniform crimping. Every case needs to be trimmed to the same length in order to use standard dies effectively. Crimping in a second operation is better than doing so when seating the bullet. |
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Posted: Today 6:14:57 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Kaldor: These would be my choices as well for the 68-77gr bullets. 8208 has been an exceptional powder for both velocity and accuracy for me. Too bad its almost unobtantium. I have about 6# left and Im rationing it. Second choice would be Varget or N140. I have alot of H4895 on hand, just never tried it with 223 to be quite honest. An additional choice is Benchmark, but Ive seen a buddy struggle a bit with it with some bullets and its great with others, so the jury is out on that one. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Kaldor: Originally Posted By borderpatrol: VihtaVuori N140 RE-15 Varget H4895 IMR-8208-XBR These would be my choices as well for the 68-77gr bullets. 8208 has been an exceptional powder for both velocity and accuracy for me. Too bad its almost unobtantium. I have about 6# left and Im rationing it. Second choice would be Varget or N140. I have alot of H4895 on hand, just never tried it with 223 to be quite honest. An additional choice is Benchmark, but Ive seen a buddy struggle a bit with it with some bullets and its great with others, so the jury is out on that one. Try 22.5 to 23.1 grains of H4895 with 75/77 grain bullets in .223. I seat them at 2.250", that avoids the problem of irregular tips on the hollow points making some rounds drag inside the magazine. 22.5 22.8 23.1 should get you a good load, be safe and reliable. N140 was never popular in the past because it was so expensive. Because of Hodgdon's current pricing, N140 is a bargain nowadays. Under $300 for 8 pounds and available. I say buy. |
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