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Posted: 2/1/2013 11:44:46 AM EDT
With the craziness going on now, I like to try to pick up what I can whenever there's something around.  Cablelas has random stuff on a daily basis come in but a lot of it is stuff I've not used for .223 before.  

I know lots of things can be made to work with .223, like Varget, but it meters horrible.  So what powders do you guys like that is easy to work with, and works well in .223 for you?

I use H335 usually and have a few pounds of it, and I've also picked up some BLC2 and some CFE223 so far.
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 11:52:41 AM EDT
[#1]
CFE223
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 12:02:48 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
CFE223


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This.
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 12:14:37 PM EDT
[#3]
TAC.  I haven't tried CFE223 yet, but TAC works well, meters terrifically, and has good load data available.
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 12:18:46 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Quoted:
CFE223


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This.


with my experience limited to only a few others, this
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 12:34:05 PM EDT
[#5]
Never used TAC yet, I'll add that to my list
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 3:36:08 PM EDT
[#6]
I like Win 748.
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 3:49:52 PM EDT
[#7]
At this point i'm starting to like anything I can buy 8lbs of that's in stock...
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 4:06:05 PM EDT
[#8]
I use several too. I use Reloder-15 for 65's and 69's and have shot some nice groups with Reloder-7 using 55gr bullets. I can't remember right off hand how they meter though. I use surplus ball powder for my volume shooting. It don't bother me to use the CM 1500 for my hunting and target loads.
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 5:57:27 PM EDT
[#9]
What aspect of efficiency? fps per gr of powder? This will change with projectile weight,  TAC is efficient with heavier weights and much less with 55gr compared to other powders.
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 6:10:28 PM EDT
[#10]




Quoted:

I like Win 748.


I agree. I shot my best 223 groups using this powder and Nosler Balistic Tip 55 grain bullets loaded with 26 grains of 748. It meters like butter and can be used with every weight bullet.





...
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 6:32:29 PM EDT
[#11]



Quoted:





Quoted:

I like Win 748.


I agree. I shot my best 223 groups using this powder and Nosler Balistic Tip 55 grain bullets loaded with 29 grains of 748. It meters like butter and can be used with every weight bullet.



748 is spooky stuff for me.  Several years ago I loaded up a bunch of 69's with it to about 2650 fps, not hot really.  This was in the winter time.  Took a box of them to a match and was blowing primers on the 200 yd line, and didn't finish the match.  it appears very temp sensitive to me, and therefore not on my list anymore.



For the OP, I've used Varget, IMR4895, H4895, RE15, and H335 with good success.



 
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 6:35:42 PM EDT
[#12]
Another W-748 fan here. 26.2 grains behind a Hornady 55 grain FMJBT. Works for me in my 1 in 12 barrel.
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 6:45:01 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
I like Win 748.


yep!
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 7:04:16 PM EDT
[#14]



Quoted:


TAC.  I haven't tried CFE223 yet, but TAC works well, meters terrifically, and has good load data available.


That. very versatile powder and it uses slightly less than most other powders for the same velocity.



 
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 7:12:19 PM EDT
[#15]




Quoted:

Another W-748 fan here. 26.2 grains behind a Hornady 55 grain FMJBT. Works for me in my 1 in 12 barrel.


I edited my post. Insted of 29 grains (TOO HOT) it was 26 grains exactly of 748 (29 is setting on my redding powder thrower).



This is another example why some people do not post there load data...mistakes like this can cause high pressure damage.





...
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 7:12:41 PM EDT
[#16]
there isn't a whole lot available around here.  I found a couple pounds of Ramshot's X-Term tonight and loaded up 200 rounds of 55g SPs at 23.4gr.  We'll see how that shoots this weekend.  I was using Lyman's 49th formula.

Anybody else use this powder before?
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 7:53:58 PM EDT
[#17]
I just put up with the metering with Varget.  Using Sierra 65 gr. Game Kings, I maintain 1 MOA out to 300 yards, so metering doesn't seem to be a performance problem.
As for efficiency, I refuse to consider a temp sensitive powder, so 748 and BLC-2 are out of the question.
I might consider TAC, but I still have more Varget than I need.  My entire stock is loaded with Varget, so in the interests of uniformity, I'll stay right there.
There's really so little difference between charge weights in the best performing powders.  I very much intend to stay with powder that I can visually check with every single throw of the measure.  I like knowing that the case simply can't hold enough powder to get me in trouble with the 65 gr. bullet.  This would not be true for H-322, and a list of others.
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 3:47:28 AM EDT
[#18]
AA2230 shoots awesome @ 24.0gr with a 55gr bullet and Benchmark is great at 25.0gr.  Both meter very smooth.
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 3:51:10 AM EDT
[#19]
Only powder is use is Winchester 748 for rifle and 231 for pistol. It's economical, and availability is high.

Not to mention W748 feeds extremely well for consistent powder charges
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 4:34:56 AM EDT
[#20]
If you like H335 then when you can find WC844 jump on it. Half the price and nearly same powder.
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 4:40:23 AM EDT
[#21]
Viht N133
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 6:44:18 AM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
AA2230 shoots awesome @ 24.0gr with a 55gr bullet and Benchmark is great at 25.0gr.  Both meter very smooth.


This...but I load 24.3.  Love my AA

Link Posted: 2/2/2013 6:48:56 AM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
Viht N133


Sir, while I liked N133 in this cartridge with the heavier bullets, I tried N140, liked it better but found that N540 is even better!  I don't know what aspect of efficiency has to do with choice of powder but if cost is part of the equation here in the USA VV powders are not only expensive but not carried by a lot of dealers necessitating buying on the internet and paying Hazmat fees.  JMHO, 7zero1.

Link Posted: 2/2/2013 7:21:40 AM EDT
[#24]
I use H335, WC844, and W748 for 55 and 62grn bullets in my 16" middy AR with 1:9 barrel and TAC for high precision, long range 68grn Hornady HPBT for precision in my 20" AR and Savage bolt, both with 1:9 barrels.
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 7:31:52 AM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
With the craziness going on now, I like to try to pick up what I can whenever there's something around.  Cablelas has random stuff on a daily basis come in but a lot of it is stuff I've not used for .223 before.  

I know lots of things can be made to work with .223, like Varget, but it meters horrible.  So what powders do you guys like that is easy to work with, and works well in .223 for you?

I use H335 usually and have a few pounds of it, and I've also picked up some BLC2 and some CFE223 so far.


Your thread title is a little misleading.  

If you're looking for efficient, then CFE223 would be the least efficient, according to my Hornady Reloading manual.  It appears that it necessitates the most grains of powder for the listed velocities.  I'm sure it's because it has additives that keep the bore/action clean, hence it's purpose.  It seems to be a little cheaper than H335 and Varget, comparatively.
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 7:54:44 AM EDT
[#26]
Yes I apologize for the title.  Maybe it should have said something about "easiest to work with " or something similar.  Also,  55gr is usually all I load.  Just looking for easy alternatives since the common. 223 powders are usually sold out.
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 9:31:31 AM EDT
[#27]
Using the 85 Percent- Solution I figured IMR 4895 to be the most efficient powder, but i still like 748.
....
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 9:56:40 AM EDT
[#28]
My 2 cents is a vote for CFE223.  I have also use H380 with good results.  Now with the madness going on, I just stock on what ever powder and componets I can get.
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 1:28:22 PM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
If you like H335 then when you can find WC844 jump on it. Half the price and nearly same powder.


+1, wc844 was 85-90 bucks for 8 lbs last time I bought it. 23grns behind a hornady 55gr fmj averaged around 2679fps outa my 16' middy. Pretty accurate too Of course you have to workup your loads even more careful than regular powder since its mil-surp but it was very close to h335 for me at least.

Blackops_1.
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 3:38:33 PM EDT
[#30]
eh, just getting into reloading 223, never bothered before. All I could I find is 8lb of Benchmark lately.
Anyone use it for their 223 loads? Looking to load 53gr or 60gr Vmaxs for my AR
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 7:26:05 PM EDT
[#31]
Link Posted: 2/2/2013 7:27:42 PM EDT
[#32]
Link Posted: 2/3/2013 4:48:15 AM EDT
[#33]
Tried Varget,but like others posted meters poorly. I use TAC; meters well, good performance. I have some other powders that can be used in 223 but have't tried them.
Link Posted: 2/3/2013 4:50:19 AM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:

Quoted:

Quoted:
I like Win 748.

I agree. I shot my best 223 groups using this powder and Nosler Balistic Tip 55 grain bullets loaded with 29 grains of 748. It meters like butter and can be used with every weight bullet.

748 is spooky stuff for me.  Several years ago I loaded up a bunch of 69's with it to about 2650 fps, not hot really.  This was in the winter time.  Took a box of them to a match and was blowing primers on the 200 yd line, and didn't finish the match.  it appears very temp sensitive to me, and therefore not on my list anymore.

For the OP, I've used Varget, IMR4895, H4895, RE15, and H335 with good success.
 


if you do some research you will find a lot of criticism that Win 748 is more temperature sensitive that some of the newer powders.
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