223 AI powders besides 8208

BoulderE89 · Jun 10, 2021

Hey fellas! I have a few choices near me to run in my 223 AI now that I am nearly out of the good gold stuff. I have some AR Comp I can fall back on, but wondering if anyone has experience with PP varmint, Ramshot Tac, H4895 and H355. They are all in the ballpark around 8208 in burn rate. Just curious if one would stand above the rest. This is for my varmint/training bolt gun shooting 80.5 Berger FB

nn8734 · Jun 10, 2021

I use AA2520 for my 77g smk load that mirrors Mk262 mod1. It’s a little slower burning than TAC. CFE223 is also supposed to be good with the heavier projectiles used with that cartridge.

Tnc · Jun 10, 2021

I use the H335 for mine with 55gr bullets. Zero issues

DIBBS · Jun 10, 2021

H4895 may give you additional velocity over your 8208 load, unless you're running the current load hard.

I am using it successfully with 75 amaxes in my 223AI, but it groups slightly better with 8208XBR.

RogueTanker · Jun 10, 2021

N140, varget and h4895 have all worked well with 88s

AllenOne1 · Jun 10, 2021

I would look at CFE223 it has worked well for me in the past. Varget but you can forget that one. N140 should work as well.

Lightning8 · Jun 10, 2021

Not an AI but regular 223 with 80 SMKs loaded to AICS mag length - great results with TAC. I have been able to find TAC also.

Kiba · Jun 10, 2021

Both my 223AIs love H4895 for 72-80gr bullets.

You mentioned AR comp, I have the best luck with it for lighter bullets. AR Comp is my powder of choice for 50-53gr bullets, gives great velocity and accuracy.

Criver600 · Jun 11, 2021

N-150 with 80 grain SMK's

Mr Tibbs · Jun 12, 2021

Accurate 2230, 2460, W748, BL-c(2) Tac, just to name a few. Good luck

BoulderE89 · Jun 13, 2021

I was able to get an 8 lb jug of cfe 223, decided to go for bulk and long term use. What loads should I be expecting for this to get it into solid (not pushing) speeds for ackley and 80.5 gr Berger’s? I’m relatively new to this cartridge so your guys experience would be helpful

jcwarrior87 · Jun 14, 2021

i have shot a metric crap load of 223ai 75 elds of cfe223. loaded on a 550 or 650.... they shoot lights out...... 75s in a 24" are right at 3050 but i am not pushing them

Longtrain · Oct 19, 2022

I ran TAC with 77SMK’s, worked fine, but my best accuracy was with N140.

redbullitt · Oct 19, 2022

In a 223ai, Using 77 and 80 grain bullets, ive seen cfe223, blc2, and varget all do very well in my buddys rifle. He ended up with a blc2 load, not super fast but man it stacks them consistently. Also saw w748 and tac do okay in the same rifle.

Given availablilty these days, any of those powders would get it done without too much trouble.

RTH1800 · Oct 19, 2022

N540.

BLEE · Oct 19, 2022

Consider working up a load using H4350. I haven't done it yet, but I intend to, using 80gr VLDs. GRT indicates it may work pretty well.

Aftermath · Oct 19, 2022

I have several choices of powder stashed for the .2223AI but am currently using 26.0 gr BLC2 with 80 gr Berger VLD's leaving the 20" Kreiger 1:7 at an average of 2740 fps. No pressure signs. VERY repeatable POI.

Gtar · Oct 21, 2022

BLEE said:
Consider working up a load using H4350. I haven't done it yet, but I intend to, using 80gr VLDs. GRT indicates it may work pretty well.

I've tried it in mine and it needed to be a fairly compressed load to get close to decent velocity. I run ADI brass, ADI 2206H (H4895) with 80 ELD-M's 25.8gn with a BR4 primer for around 3080fps. I run 26.3 gn RL15 with the 88 ELD-M's, same brass and primer for 2890fps. It's a 7 twist 25" long.

BLEE · Oct 21, 2022

Gtar said:
I've tried it in mine and it needed to be a fairly compressed load to get close to decent velocity. I run ADI brass, ADI 2206H (H4895) with 80 ELD-M's 25.8gn with a BR4 primer for around 3080fps. I run 26.3 gn RL15 with the 88 ELD-M's, same brass and primer for 2890fps. It's a 7 twist 25" long.

Thanks. GRT was indicating slightly compressed. I tread carefully with H4350, if at all.

SanSooShooter7 · Aug 9, 2023

RTH1800 said:
N540.

What are you finding for a starting point and have you found a max in your gun?

RTH1800 · Aug 10, 2023

SanSooShooter7 said:
What are you finding for a starting point and have you found a max in your gun?

Check VV guide for standard .223 data.
Use mid range as starting load. This is SOP for AI loads.

xphunter · Aug 28, 2024

RogueTanker said:
N140 worked well with 88s

Would you be willing to share that? PM would be fine if you don't want it public

6brshooter · Aug 28, 2024

Kiba said:
Both my 223AIs love H4895 for 72-80gr bullets.

You mentioned AR comp, I have the best luck with it for lighter bullets. AR Comp is my powder of choice for 50-53gr bullets, gives great velocity and accuracy.

H4895 in 223 and 223ai is awesome. Temp stable, no pressure spikes like 8208.

RogueTanker · Aug 28, 2024

xphunter said:
Would you be willing to share that? PM would be fine if you don't want it public

24-25 grains with my 223AI. I have extra freebore so if you're stuffed into the case, start lower.

xphunter · Aug 29, 2024

Thanks!

redbullitt · Aug 30, 2024

Seen lots of varget and blc2 do good work in 223ai

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223 AI powders besides 8208

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