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3/20/2009 9:41:16 PM EDT
While waiting on a freshly ordered Dillon Super 1050 press to show up, I've been trying to get some components lined up for some fresh loadings.

I've reloaded a decent bit in the past, but more as a hobby than a profession and I'm certainly no expert. Looking for any advice on choice of powder for tactical 5.56/.223 loadings. My main priority is with clean burn/low muzzle flash, as these loads will be used pretty much exclusively with a class 3 weapon, frequent full-auto use. Bench accuracy is of no concern with me in this application, as much of it will be pouring out of an 11.5inch or 14.5inch barrel- if it stays on a silhouette at 200 yards, it is adequate for my uses here. Reliability and cleanliness is paramount. Consistent metering also important as these will be charged by the machine, not by hand.

From what I've read BLC-2 seems to be my best bet, please share your experience. Any other general reloading advice for this kind of application is more than welcome too.

Thanks
Matt G
3/20/2009 9:50:34 PM EDT
[#1]
Varget or H335 are good powders for 223/5.56

RL-15 is good for heavier bullets 69-77gr
3/20/2009 9:52:56 PM EDT
[#2]
I was going to say Varget but you said consistent metering.   You said tactical but did not mention the bullet or whether you wanted any particular terminal ballistic characteristic like fragmentation.  The classic fragmentation velocity is 2700 fps.  That may be difficult out of a 11.5 inch bbl.
3/20/2009 9:56:58 PM EDT
[#3]
I did forget to mention the bullet type. Will pretty much exclusively be used with M193 55grain or M855 62 grain projo's. As far as barrel length, the 14.5in M4 barrel takes most of my punishment, but the 11.5inch on occasion.
3/20/2009 10:05:39 PM EDT
[#4]
H335 is in short supply right now. Varget is also vaporware and probably won't meter well. It seems to be prefered for accuracy with the higher grain bullets which you said was not an issue.



Look in your manuals for loads with Ramshot TAC or A2230. Both are redily available right now.
3/23/2009 8:39:02 PM EDT
[#5]
any body use win 748 for .223
3/24/2009 4:15:53 PM EDT
[#6]
I would try ball powders such as W748 or Accurate Arms 2230 or 2460.  Unless you have read otherwise, I would strongly advise against firing reloaded ammo out of a full auto/ selective fire weapon.  Every article I have read in the past 20 years from the full auto guru's state plainly that uising reloads in a machine gun is dangerous and only virgin brass-factory ammo should be used.
3/24/2009 8:01:26 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
any body use win 748 for .223


It will work fine. Just not accurate in my rifle.

3/24/2009 8:05:10 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
While waiting on a freshly ordered Dillon Super 1050 press to show up, I've been trying to get some components lined up for some fresh loadings.

I've reloaded a decent bit in the past, but more as a hobby than a profession and I'm certainly no expert. Looking for any advice on choice of powder for tactical 5.56/.223 loadings. My main priority is with clean burn/low muzzle flash, as these loads will be used pretty much exclusively with a class 3 weapon, frequent full-auto use. Bench accuracy is of no concern with me in this application, as much of it will be pouring out of an 11.5inch or 14.5inch barrel- if it stays on a silhouette at 200 yards, it is adequate for my uses here. Reliability and cleanliness is paramount. Consistent metering also important as these will be charged by the machine, not by hand.

From what I've read BLC-2 seems to be my best bet, please share your experience. Any other general reloading advice for this kind of application is more than welcome too.

Thanks
Matt G


I prefer BLC2, but I shoot semi auto.

Tac, H-335, AA-2230, and W-748 are other choices.

Try one pound cans until you find what you like, then buy bulk.

Varget and RL-15 are great for heavy bullets, but don't meter well.
3/24/2009 8:31:43 PM EDT
[#9]
Short barrels do not equal low muzzle flash.  Want low muzzle flash?  Get a longer barrel.  There will be almost no muzzle flash, even at night.
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