Suggest powder for .223Rem

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GlockMan27
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Re: Suggest powder for .223Rem

Post by GlockMan27 »

Once you get a load worked up please update us. I'm curious what you'll end up with for a 62gr. Please include what components you'll use. I've yet to chrono any 62gr.
mreising
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Re: Suggest powder for .223Rem

Post by mreising »

I've been happy with Varget for most of my 223 loads, even with heavy bullets. I have been able to keep enough of it on hand to satisfy my loading needs.
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GlockMan27
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Re: Suggest powder for .223Rem

Post by GlockMan27 »

mreising wrote:I've been happy with Varget for most of my 223 loads, even with heavy bullets. I have been able to keep enough of it on hand to satisfy my loading needs.
I also like Varget. The problem I have with Varget though is it doesn't measure well in my Dillon powder measure since it is an extruded powder. I have to hand measure it which obviously takes much more time.
mreising
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Re: Suggest powder for .223Rem

Post by mreising »

GlockMan27 wrote:
mreising wrote:I've been happy with Varget for most of my 223 loads, even with heavy bullets. I have been able to keep enough of it on hand to satisfy my loading needs.
I also like Varget. The problem I have with Varget though is it doesn't measure well in my Dillon powder measure since it is an extruded powder. I have to hand measure it which obviously takes much more time.
I was using a Lee Perfect measure when I was loading a lot of 223 with Varget and ALWAYS trickled up to the full charge weight; partly because the powder did not measure as well as spherical powders and, more importantly, because I was at maximum with my loads. If I start using my progressive press, I will probably look at other powders if I don't get the consistency I need. At least Varget is a relatively short extruded powder so it measures fairly well.

As to the others comments about reloading manuals: YES, you need them in several flavors, along with the manufacturers internet data.
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Morne
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Re: Suggest powder for .223Rem

Post by Morne »

mreising wrote:As to the others comments about reloading manuals: YES, you need them in several flavors, along with the manufacturers internet data.
I have four (4) reloading manuals. All address .223 Rem (only one has anything on .300 AAC BLK).
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mreising
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Re: Suggest powder for .223Rem

Post by mreising »

Morne wrote:
mreising wrote:As to the others comments about reloading manuals: YES, you need them in several flavors, along with the manufacturers internet data.
I have four (4) reloading manuals. All address .223 Rem (only one has anything on .300 AAC BLK).
Oops! I think I intended that comment in another thread :oops: . I forgot which one I was responding to.
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Bruenor
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Re: Suggest powder for .223Rem

Post by Bruenor »

Morne wrote:
mreising wrote:As to the others comments about reloading manuals: YES, you need them in several flavors, along with the manufacturers internet data.
I have four (4) reloading manuals. All address .223 Rem (only one has anything on .300 AAC BLK).
Several links to loading data for 300 aac blk on 300blktalk forum. http://www.300blktalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86656" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've been using IMR 4198 in my .223 40 grain varmint loads. http://www.imrpowder.com/data/rifle/223 ... 5mar28.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I also have IMR 4895 on hand. between the two powders they cover most of my rifle loads.
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Morne
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Re: Suggest powder for .223Rem

Post by Morne »

GlockMan27 wrote:Once you get a load worked up please update us. I'm curious what you'll end up with for a 62gr. Please include what components you'll use. I've yet to chrono any 62gr.
***CHRONY DATA***

66 Degrees F, 89% Relative Humidity, 29.86" Hg

.223 Remington 62-gr SS-109 FMJ, CCI-41 SRP, H-335 powder, 2.236-2.256" COAL
AR-15 Rifle with 16" barrel
Grains of Powder:____________Average Velocity:
23.0________________________2692
23.5________________________2752
24.1________________________2845
24.5________________________2801

This is a LOT faster than H-322 ever got for me. Of course, now 62-gr SS109 FMJ is up in price. :evil: Still, I see via ammoseek.com that you can buy Armscor or Prvi FMJ 62-gr slugs for 8-12 cents per round.

Compare this to some 62-gr Silver Bear and Privi Partizan factory ammo I tested in this barrel length with 2832 and 2894 FPS average speeds, respectively. Now we are MUCH CLOSER to simulating factory ammo.

The quirky thing is that the velocity DECREASED when powder charge went up from 24.1 to 24.5 grains. That's not the first time I have seen this happen as I have a couple of .300 AAC BLK loads that also have a maximum velocity that is below the maximum powder charge. Can someone explain this phenomenon? I've never seen this in pistol ammo, just rifle ammo. Frequently you'll see a lower than max powder charge be more desirable because it gives better accuracy, of course.
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Re: Suggest powder for .223Rem

Post by Glock 'n load »

Also good success with H335 and IMR4198. H335 is listed (at a higher charge rate) for 762x39 rifles. I'm looking to try Varget next time around. Caveat on the 4198, some say it's not recommended for heavier bullets like 62 grain.
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