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1/22/2009 11:48:45 AM EDT
Hey guys, Im reloading 5k+ rounds for our S&W M&P15T and can't decide on which powder to get.  I will be using 55gr bullets with LC Brass and Winchester primers.  Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.. Thanks.
1/22/2009 11:56:58 AM EDT
[#1]
RE-15.

But, you're going to get most folks here recommending H335, then probably W748 or TAC, and then BL-C(2) in the order of preference for dispensing on a progressive loader.


There's not a best powder, but there are a bunch that are very good.
1/22/2009 12:03:19 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
RE-15.

But, you're going to get most folks here recommending H335, then probably W748 or TAC, and then BL-C(2) in the order of preference for dispensing on a progressive loader.


There's not a best powder, but there are a bunch that are very good.


What he said.  Everybody has a powder they use cause they've gotten good results and don't want to change.  That being said I say H335 for AR's.
1/22/2009 12:04:03 PM EDT
[#3]
yeah, i guess my dad just picked up 8lbs of Benchmark because thats all they had.  Anybody have a good result with it?  Should we just use that for plinking and find something else for our SHTF stash... or will that do?  I wanted H335, but the dealer didn't know when or if he would get any in anytime soon... and this is the dealer that sells to all the stores within probibley 50 miles.
1/22/2009 12:38:21 PM EDT
[#4]
I use H4895 for everything rifle... I've got a Garand (at least before the boating accident), and a 30-06 hunting rifle, and a couple of ARs... 4895 for the Garand, for sure, then it ended up that it shot the most accurate with Hornady's 75g BTHP in my 24" match rifle AR (yes, tried Varget and RL-15, as well as 335 and 322, etc), so that's what I went with...

Mike
1/22/2009 12:49:48 PM EDT
[#5]
One of the great things about reloading the .223 Remington is that a lot of powders work quite well.  However that makes it that much harder to decide as well.  Some will look at metering ability, others at temperature insensitivity, and some just just go by what has always worked or which costs the least.  Local availability is always a real plus, as well.  
You have been given some of the most popular choices however.
1/22/2009 12:57:17 PM EDT
[#6]
BL(C)-2 is the BEST
1/22/2009 1:19:10 PM EDT
[#7]
Blasting ammo - H335
Precision and with use of heavier bullets - Varget
1/22/2009 1:26:22 PM EDT
[#8]
Benchmark is a great powder.
1/22/2009 1:27:46 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
I wanted H335, but the dealer didn't know when or if he would get any in anytime soon... and this is the dealer that sells to all the stores within probibley 50 miles.


Yeah... tell me about it.  Like Lakemoor said, H335 is my powder of choice for
light 53gr - 62gr bullets.  I have accurate loads worked up & it meters on the money.
But since the "November Happening" it is rarer than a virgin in a whore house.


Quoted:
BL(C)-2 is the BEST


VERY interesting you mention this Tromatic... this is the powder I was contemplating.
I called the volume "nothing but reloading stuff guy" in my vicinity & he's out of H335,
"it's on order for next week... but I have BL-C(2)".  I was gonna get 8 lbs of H335, but
maybe I should try a lb of this.  It's supposed to be good for 30-30 if I don't like it.

What is it that makes you sat "the best"?  It does seem pretty similar to H335.
1/22/2009 1:55:57 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I wanted H335, but the dealer didn't know when or if he would get any in anytime soon... and this is the dealer that sells to all the stores within probibley 50 miles.


Yeah... tell me about it.  Like Lakemoor said, H335 is my powder of choice for
light 53gr - 62gr bullets.  I have accurate loads worked up & it meters on the money.
But since the "November Happening" it is rarer than a virgin in a whore house.


Quoted:
BL(C)-2 is the BEST


VERY interesting you mention this Tromatic... this is the powder I was contemplating.
I called the volume "nothing but reloading stuff guy" in my vicinity & he's out of H335,
"it's on order for next week... but I have BL-C(2)".  I was gonna get 8 lbs of H335, but
maybe I should try a lb of this.  It's supposed to be good for 30-30 if I don't like it.

What is it that makes you sat "the best"?  It does seem pretty similar to H335.


Well, you did ask for the "best" which is going to be purely personal. I don't have any data in front of me, but BL(C)-2 can give you higher velocity for 55-68 grain bullets.  Varget is great for 70 on up.

1/22/2009 2:03:53 PM EDT
[#11]
Subjective.  

Accuracy?  Velcoity?  Economy?  Barrel life?
1/22/2009 2:06:42 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
Subjective.  

Accuracy?  Velcoity?  Economy?  Barrel life?


yes indeed... so what's your pick for 55gr +/- bullets?
second choice?

1/22/2009 2:15:36 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Subjective.  

Accuracy?  Velcoity?  Economy?  Barrel life?


yes indeed... so what's your pick for 55gr +/- bullets?
second choice?



BL(C)-2 and Varget will cover you for just about anything.
1/22/2009 2:23:00 PM EDT
[#14]
hmm, I guess the next keg will be Vtarge since it isn't too much more and will work for some heavier loads.  The keg of benchmark and H335 we have will last for a while.
1/22/2009 3:07:31 PM EDT
[#15]
W748, for all my rifle loads, .223, 7.62, .308, 30-30, 30-06.
1/22/2009 3:51:53 PM EDT
[#16]
I have been a H335, BLC2 and Varget user and think they are great powders.  But a couple of years ago I tried Ramshot Tac.  So far it's looking good.  Very temp stable and very consistent.  What I really like it it is so clean burning.

You really should try it.  If you don't like it, don't use it.
1/22/2009 4:30:25 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I wanted H335, but the dealer didn't know when or if he would get any in anytime soon... and this is the dealer that sells to all the stores within probibley 50 miles.


Yeah... tell me about it.  Like Lakemoor said, H335 is my powder of choice for
light 53gr - 62gr bullets.  I have accurate loads worked up & it meters on the money.
But since the "November Happening" it is rarer than a virgin in a whore house.




Quoted:
BL(C)-2 is the BEST


VERY interesting you mention this Tromatic... this is the powder I was contemplating.
I called the volume "nothing but reloading stuff guy" in my vicinity & he's out of H335,
"it's on order for next week... but I have BL-C(2)".  I was gonna get 8 lbs of H335, but
maybe I should try a lb of this.  It's supposed to be good for 30-30 if I don't like it.

What is it that makes you sat "the best"?  It does seem pretty similar to H335.


Well, you did ask for the "best" which is going to be purely personal. I don't have any data in front of me, but BL(C)-2 can give you higher velocity for 55-68 grain bullets.  Varget is great for 70 on up.



I am another BLC2 fan for 55 and 62 gr FMJBT bullets.

I became a fan After trying H-335, AA-2230, Tac, W-748, IMR-4895, IMR-3031.

BLC2 just shot better than the others in my rifles.

I also use BLC2 in 30-30, 308, and my 223 bolt rifle.

In 223 with 60 gr HP's or 68 gr HPBT's it's Varget or RL-15.

You should try several powders, and determine what works the best in your rifle.
1/22/2009 9:34:32 PM EDT
[#18]
The Benchmark you have is very accurate with lighter bullets 52-55gr.
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