Favorite do-all powder for .223/5.56mm?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Favorite do-all powder for .223/5.56mm? (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 2/12/2020 2:36:27 AM EDT

I amassed a bit of data over the years, since local supplies are usually very inconsistent, so I have to play with new loads. Recently gifts got me to try Reloder 7 and Accurate Armas 2520, (Reloder 7 seems to be very interesting, AA2520 I am working the 5.56mm loading data in their loading manual), but I've used H335 and IMR 3031 plus several others in the past.
For a do-all, covers plinking, hunting and OMG ammo, what powder do YOU like the best?
Full disclosure, loads will be fired through a 16 in tube, no suppressor.
Thank you for your replies.

Posted: 2/12/2020 2:50:24 AM EDT

[#1]

Tac, CFE 223, IMR-8208 XBR (short cut extruded), AR Comp.

All fine measuring powders, no need to struggle with long cut extruded powders now days.

Posted: 2/12/2020 3:02:59 AM EDT

[#2]

H4895.

Posted: 2/12/2020 3:05:46 AM EDT

[#3]

H4895 and 8208XBR.

Posted: 2/12/2020 3:14:51 AM EDT

[#4]

Another vote for H4895

Posted: 2/12/2020 6:15:50 AM EDT

[#5]

Ramshot RAC
XBR-8208

Posted: 2/12/2020 7:35:05 AM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:
Tac, CFE 223, IMR-8208 XBR (short cut extruded), AR Comp.

All fine measuring powders, no need to struggle with long cut extruded powders now days.

View Quote

This, although I've no direct experience with AR Comp. I generally use 8208XBR just because it's good for dual-purpose loads in 223 and 308, and meters really well.

Posted: 2/12/2020 7:36:33 AM EDT

[#7]

AA2230

Posted: 2/12/2020 7:40:18 AM EDT

[#8]

8208XBR, Imr 4895, Varget, Rl15 (in that order).

Posted: 2/12/2020 8:13:37 AM EDT

[#9]

Have become a huge fan of CFE 223. Consistent metering, clean burning, and smells good, LOL!

Posted: 2/12/2020 8:31:17 AM EDT

[#10]

How many of you are using Dillons?

Looking for a good powder for heavier 223 and 6.5 Grendel that's temperature stable. Extruded makes me nervous, only done ball with the Dillon.

I've used CFE223 with good success, but I don't like the temperature instability. Load development in the summer, Grendel will be used for deer during the winter with an ~80 degree temperature difference.

Posted: 2/12/2020 8:37:15 AM EDT

[#11]

If I had to pick one, it would be TAC.

Posted: 2/12/2020 9:59:47 AM EDT

[#12]

Smallest groups with bullets from 45 to 55 grains = IMR4198 (have to weigh every charge or get an electronic measure/scale unit to get consistent powder charges).

Next best group size wise with 55 grain bullets = BLC2 (meters very consistently, I've loaded up to 400 rounds in an afternoon, scale checking 1 of every 10 metered charges and none were more than 0.1 grains off target.)

Posted: 2/12/2020 10:25:08 AM EDT

[#13]

I just finished using all of my blc-2. I've been using it because I got it cheap. I prefer h335 as my all best all around powder but will use others if I'm trying to do anything special.

Posted: 2/12/2020 11:49:54 AM EDT

[#14]

WC842, H335 and Varget for me.

Posted: 2/12/2020 11:53:11 AM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
AA2230

View Quote

This. Or Exterminator.

Same shit, different name.

Posted: 2/12/2020 12:32:52 PM EDT

[#16]

Ramshot TAC.

Posted: 2/12/2020 1:16:55 PM EDT

[#17]

I reload with a Dillion......TAC is my favorite.

Posted: 2/12/2020 1:24:46 PM EDT

[#18]

Varget
RL-15
H335/Tac

I like Varget and RL-15. They work in other rounds I load for.

I use Tac or H335 if the above powders are not available.

Posted: 2/12/2020 1:55:08 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
How many of you are using Dillons?

Looking for a good powder for heavier 223 and 6.5 Grendel that's temperature stable. Extruded makes me nervous, only done ball with the Dillon.

I've used CFE223 with good success, but I don't like the temperature instability. Load development in the summer, Grendel will be used for deer during the winter with an ~80 degree temperature difference.

View Quote

Re read my first post, IMR-8208 XBR is what you seek.

But I found CFE 223 to do better for me in 6.5 Grendel.

But lets get back on topic for 223 powders.

Posted: 2/12/2020 3:09:29 PM EDT

[#20]

Pure accuracy from light to heavy bullets.
I doubt you can beat Varget, but it is not meant for easy progressive loading.

TAC from middle weight to heavy bullets
This measures like water. Bring on progressive presses!

748 or H335 for plinking of mid weight bullets
These two measure well, too.

8208, N140, N540 are options too.
Especially since VV powders have had price decreases.

Posted: 2/12/2020 6:02:17 PM EDT

[#21]

I can load .223 with just two powders. H335 and Reloder 15. Have been using these for years and will continue with only these two powders.

Posted: 2/12/2020 11:34:59 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
Have become a huge fan of CFE 223. Consistent metering, clean burning, and smells good, LOL!

View Quote

"Didja just fire a round?"
" I did"
"Smells like suplhur and lilac with a hint of rose hips, like napalm in the morning...beautiful..."

Sorry. I couldn't help myself.

The local store usually has CFE, IMR3031 and H335 on hand...usually. Being they are the only game for about 50+ miles and they can't control what is shipped to them from the home office...
I have to agree - extruded powder is a pain to meter through my Uniflow. I am a very low volume reloader - I might do 50 at a time on my 1981 RCBS RS singe stage. Maybe 100, bt usually just 50.

Posted: 2/13/2020 12:17:07 AM EDT

[#23]

I see you are in AZ... do you run to Phoenix very often?

If so, just near the Dear Valley Airport you will find a shop that belongs to Lester Bruno, a very well known benchrest, MR, and LR competitor.

Bruno Shooter Supplies has powder shortages like everyone else from time to time, but they stock a wide variety of powders mentioned in this string.

I like the same ones mentioned above. Some are better for the AR platform, some are better for bolt guns, some do well in both.

Stick Powders for SR, MR, and LR match loads.
RE-15, 8208 XBR, 4895, Varget, TAC

The above plus RE-10, RE-7, and IMR 3031 for varmint loads

Then if you like ball powders H335, and CFE223 can cover a wide range of topics.

Posted: 2/13/2020 12:55:48 AM EDT

[#24]

How about one of the new temperature stable ball powders, like StaBALL?

Link to StaBALL

Posted: 2/13/2020 1:06:27 AM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
How about one of the new temperature stable ball powders, like StaBALL?

Link to StaBALL

View Quote

Yes an interesting powder that had an article in Hodgdon 2020 annual manual.

IIRC in 223, with 75 gr bullets. Nothing lighter.

I couldn't believe no 308 data? Humm.

Posted: 2/13/2020 2:42:14 AM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
I see you are in AZ... do you run to Phoenix very often?

If so, just near the Dear Valley Airport you will find a shop that belongs to Lester Bruno, a very well known benchrest, MR, and LR competitor.

Bruno Shooter Supplies has powder shortages like everyone else from time to time, but they stock a wide variety of powders mentioned in this string.

I like the same ones mentioned above. Some are better for the AR platform, some are better for bolt guns, some do well in both.

Stick Powders for SR, MR, and LR match loads.
RE-15, 8208 XBR, 4895, Varget, TAC

The above plus RE-10, RE-7, and IMR 3031 for varmint loads

Then if you like ball powders H335, and CFE223 can cover a wide range of topics.

View Quote

I go to Bruno's when I can, but it's quite a hike from Casa Grande area. Nice little shop with everything I want, and every time I have to go up north, I swing by.

Posted: 2/13/2020 3:12:09 AM EDT

[#27]

Imo it's really 2 categories.

For plinking ammo its h335 or tac

For precision ammo xbr and Varget.

Posted: 2/13/2020 12:17:24 PM EDT

[#28]

I used to use IMR4198 exclusively for my .223 loads with 55gr FMJ and Vmax. They shot excellent and only used 17.5gr so a pound of powder went a little farther.

Unfortunately it doesn't meter worth a crap out of the Dillon 550, so I switched to H335 since getting the Dillon. I've been happy so far with 23.5gr.

Posted: 2/13/2020 6:25:06 PM EDT

[#29]

Ramshot TAC is a great choice.

I previously used Varget, but TAC has been yielding better accuracy -- something due, I'm guessing, to just how consistently it meters.

Posted: 2/13/2020 7:34:43 PM EDT

[#30]

My notes directly reply to OP's request for information.

21.5gr of Alliant Reloader 7 under a 55gr Dogtown PSP bullet, lit by a CCI #41 primer provided exceptional accuracy from several carbine rifles.

Specific bullets and primers can easily be interchanged and good results may/may-not result

And Speer data specifies Alliant Reloader 7 as their most accurate powder for a 55gr bullet that they tested

Posted: 2/14/2020 7:39:42 AM EDT

[#31]

Varget is real hard to find around here now

Posted: 2/14/2020 7:55:59 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
Ramshot TAC.

https://i.imgur.com/y56ZgGx.jpg

View Quote

@wildearp what bullet weight is you chrono data from?

Also as others have mentioned TAC is what I use. I have tried all of the rest, used RL-15 for years, tried to switch to AR-comp, CFE-223, XBR-8208, etc. but TAC works outstanding in my rifles. My 77 smk are going 2600 fps and basically shoot into one hole at 100 yards. (I think it is 24 grains of TAC, ut I would have to check my data. As usual YMMV)

Posted: 2/14/2020 11:43:17 AM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
Pure accuracy from light to heavy bullets. I doubt you can beat Varget, but it is not meant for easy progressive loading. (Spot on. Dillon's powder measure feeds Varget OK after some smoothing, but ball powders are it's favorites. Also, you may find your rifle likes something different so you have to try to see what it likes. For my 1:9 RRA ARs, S&W AR and Savage 10 bolt gun, after trying both, I found that they all like 68grn Hornady HPBTs, Remington 7½ and TAC better than 69grn Sierra HPBT, Remington 7½ and Varget. Go figure. I find that combo works very well in my scoped RRA A4 that I use for 400rd apple shooting.)

TAC from middle weight to heavy bullets. This measures like water. Bring on progressive presses! 748 or H335 for plinking of mid weight bullets. These two measure well, too. (Absolutely agree. I only need these 3 powders for all my 5.56 shooting and I can also use all 3 with my Mil loads for 7.62x51, 748 and H335 for 150grn and TAC for heavier, in both my M1A and M1 Garands as well.)

View Quote

Posted: 2/14/2020 12:53:38 PM EDT

[#34]

H335 OR TAC

H335 for plinking

TAC for heavy bullet loads

Later

John

Posted: 2/14/2020 4:01:26 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:

@wildearp what bullet weight is you chrono data from?

Also as others have mentioned TAC is what I use. I have tried all of the rest, used RL-15 for years, tried to switch to AR-comp, CFE-223, XBR-8208, etc. but TAC works outstanding in my rifles. My 77 smk are going 2600 fps and basically shoot into one hole at 100 yards. (I think it is 24 grains of TAC, ut I would have to check my data. As usual YMMV)

View Quote

55gr Hornady fmjbt

Posted: 2/14/2020 5:03:33 PM EDT

[#36]

AA2460

Posted: 2/14/2020 5:43:04 PM EDT

[#37]

BL(C)-2 has been my favorite, plus I use it for .308 as well.

I have tried CFE223, and while I'm no great shooter, BL(C)-2 groups the Hornady 55 gr FMJ's better in ALL my rifles. I'm not bothering with it anymore for plinking ammo.

Posted: 2/14/2020 6:08:01 PM EDT

[#38]

Xlr 8208, if there can be only one.

Posted: 2/14/2020 10:13:31 PM EDT

[#39]

TAC was my first thought.

Posted: 2/14/2020 11:24:08 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
55gr Hornady fmjbt

View Quote

For a cheap bullet it does pretty darn good, doesn't it?

Posted: 2/16/2020 11:03:24 AM EDT

[#41]

TAC is my go-to for most bulk .223 reloading.

Posted: 2/16/2020 7:21:23 PM EDT

[#42]

TAC does it all, but as others say, H335 is also fine up to 69 grains in most guns.

Posted: 2/17/2020 7:22:24 PM EDT

[#43]

H335 and Varget are hard to beat. Very consistent in my experience

Posted: 2/18/2020 12:47:11 PM EDT

[#44]

Shooters World Tactical Rifle

Posted: 2/19/2020 5:19:50 PM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
Pure accuracy from light to heavy bullets.
I doubt you can beat Varget, but it is not meant for easy progressive loading.

TAC from middle weight to heavy bullets
This measures like water. Bring on progressive presses!

748 or H335 for plinking of mid weight bullets
These two measure well, too.

8208, N140, N540 are options too.
Especially since VV powders have had price decreases.

View Quote

Varget meters pretty well after you polish the inside of the powder feed and install an aquarium pump on the outside of the powder hopper. If I was going for small quantity bench rest things, I would hand weigh each charge.

Posted: 2/19/2020 5:34:51 PM EDT

[#46]

Tac, hands down.

Posted: 2/20/2020 12:15:37 AM EDT

[#47]

8208
TAC
LT-32 (if stay 55 gr or less)

The others are large grain kernels that don't feed well, or lack T stability.

Posted: 2/20/2020 12:35:25 AM EDT

[#48]

Quote History

Quoted:
If I had to pick one, it would be TAC.

View Quote

works for 308 too.

Posted: 2/20/2020 12:29:22 PM EDT

[#49]

I use CFE223 for my 55 gr hosing ammo and my 62/69 HPBT ammo. When I load 77 gr I use VV140.

Posted: 2/20/2020 9:23:36 PM EDT

[#50]

H335 or H4895 are pretty much all I use any more.
I load mostly Hornady 50 gr VMax, 55 gr FMJBT & SP, and 60 gr HP.

I have used W748 and BLC -2 with decent results, but some have reported issues of extreme temperature sensitivity and velocity spreads, so I switched.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Favorite do-all powder for .223/5.56mm? (Page 1 of 2)

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