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4/19/2010 2:43:10 PM EDT
I just loaded up some 55 gr Nosler BT over 25.6gr of Benchmark for my rem 700 SPS-V (cut down to 20" and suppressed)   and they shoot AWESOME.  Just lying prone with a bipod I'm getting right at and under moa at 100yds.  I don't ever hear much about it, you guys use it at all?

cheers, Benji
4/19/2010 4:47:32 PM EDT
[#1]
I am doing some load testing with Bechmark and Varget for my .308, 22-250 and .223. So far the both have well in the .308 and 22-250. I have yet to shoot any of the .233 as I have not purchased a brass catcher.
4/20/2010 10:35:06 AM EDT
[#2]
Hodgdon has labeled Benchmark as being in their "etreme" series, whatever that means.  I have found that it meters better
than Varget in my Hornady AP.  What im really waiting on is the 8208 xbr to finally ship from grafs... But the Benchmark is performing wonderfully for now.

For as good as it's doing, I'm surprised I don't hear about more people using it.  Besides, it doesn't last long when it hits the local shelves.  

As for your need for a brasscatcher; while prone or on a bench I've had good luck just using a small deflection wall made of two pieces of thin plywood or a bucket with one side notched out appropriately.
4/20/2010 11:03:17 AM EDT
[#3]
My "go to" powder for 55 gr rounds in .223.  
Good stuff.


4/20/2010 11:17:40 AM EDT
[#4]
I've been using Benchmark with 55g and 60g bullets for about 1 1/2 years.  I am more than satisfied.  BTW, "Extreme" means its not temp sensitive.  In my area, that's a big plus.
4/20/2010 11:51:03 AM EDT
[#5]
I have 1 lb of it and have been experimenting with 40-52 grain bullets in my 1 in 10 twist varmint AR.  So far, I have found that 3031 and varget are more accurate in my set up.  The one major plus to benchmark is easy metering.  I'm going to use the rest of it to start a bulk loading of 55gr FMJ for my carbines to eat.
4/20/2010 4:48:25 PM EDT
[#6]
Its my favorite. its like varget that meters better. its cheaper
4/23/2010 8:54:04 PM EDT
[#7]
How many grains of Benchmark should I start with to load a .224 68 gr BTHP. I can only find ballistic charts for lighter bullets.
4/25/2010 5:18:48 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
How many grains of Benchmark should I start with to load a .224 68 gr BTHP. I can only find ballistic charts for lighter bullets.


The Hodgdon's Annual ('09) calls for from 21.5-23.5 for the 69gn SMK.  That should be safe for a 68gn pill as well.  Hornady HPBT?
4/28/2010 9:33:15 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Quoted:
How many grains of Benchmark should I start with to load a .224 68 gr BTHP. I can only find ballistic charts for lighter bullets.


The Hodgdon's Annual ('09) calls for from 21.5-23.5 for the 69gn SMK.  That should be safe for a 68gn pill as well.  Hornady HPBT?


Exactly, Thanks helotaxi.
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