.308, 05.56 common powder for both?

G

greybeard

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Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 28, 2004
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South Carolina
#1
i am looking for a common powder for the following 5.56 Ar using 75 grain Hornady HPBT, and for .308 AR, thinking the 168 gr A-Max ( possibly 178 gr). both use the CCI mil spec. primers and Lake City brass.
have R15 on hand and AA2520.
Point me towards CEF223?, mr2000?, or what.
What is the experience of the more capable reloaders here, which powder to stock up on, one powder for both.
 
#6
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

Varget use to be my powder but I have recently switched to alliant ar-comp and it gives me better velocity and the same accuracy. Plus it throws better out of my hornady lnl ap press.
 
#10
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

Reloder 15, Varget, MR2000, AR Comp, TAC
Like Turbo54 said most of the more common powders appropriate for 55+gr .223/5.56 bullets will also be suitable for .308
 
#12
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

thanks All
Poke and Johnny,
To clariy my question, I want to use a common powder that is good to go using a measure instead of trickling.
That is why I was looking for something like the new powders, 2000MR or the ARcomp.

Any reports of the 223CFE?

Getting ready to stock up again.
 
#13
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

Out of my measure I am getting .1gr throws out of a progressive press using ar-comp. I tried pro2000mr and it meters awesome like most ball powders. The issue I had with it was temp stability between 10-30 degrees and between 90-100 degrees. I don't want a powder that I feel I have to work up a specific load for the season. Ar-comp is an extruded powder similar to varget but shorter. I didn't see the temp sensativity issues with ar-comp.
 
#15
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: poke53</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Out of my measure I am getting .1gr throws out of a progressive press using ar-comp. I tried pro2000mr and it meters awesome like most ball powders. The issue I had with it was temp stability between 10-30 degrees and between 90-100 degrees. I don't want a powder that I feel I have to work up a specific load for the season. Ar-comp is an extruded powder similar to varget but shorter. I didn't see the temp sensativity issues with ar-comp. </div></div>

I see a lot of concern about temperature stability but I don't see the problem, in the real world? Is this a valid consideration, or not?

And, I mean, show me where you were harmed by a load that suffered significantly degraded performance?

You sight in local, Phoenix. You drive to Buffalo for a contest where you sight in, which may require adjustments for elevation and temperature. If you used a powder labeled as "TEMPERATURE STABLE" I guess you wouldn't need to check your zero?


Now as to the original question. I understand simplicity and economy as a factor, but the main consideration is always;

#1 Performance (velocity)
#2 Accuracy

If the happy coincidence occurs that <span style="text-decoration: underline">the same powder delivers #1 & #2 in both rifles</span>, that's great. Amazing, and great, nonetheless.

It is never an objective, or goal, (in my world), as is #1 & #2.
(or, keep shooting until I find the best for both)

Good luck, BB
 
#17
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

I use AA2520 in the .308 and in the .223 for heavier bullet loads. My go-to load for 69gr. SMK is 25.0grns of 2520. This powder flows great through anything.
 
#18
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BuzzBoss915</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I see a lot of concern about temperature stability but I don't see the problem, in the real world?</div></div>

Temp concerns are very real. It's not just accuracy you can have safety issues as well.

For example when I used AA2520 I loaded 44 in wintertime and 42.5 in summer as 44 was blowing 3 out of 5 primers. Varget I load 45 (same bullet and brass) and don't see any measurable difference summer or winter. Typical temps 30-90 btw.
 
#19
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

Exactly bcp. I am loading over max right now with a temp stable powder and I will not have to worry about it when my ammo sits in the heat at a comp in the summer time. I load for max velocit and max accuracy. What I mean by this is I load the fastest load I can get and still get the accuracy I want. All my loads are over max without any pressure issues. So in my real world I prefer to load for any time of the year rather than seasonaly.
 
#20
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

As a matter of fact, I have yet to blow a primer. How was it that you blow'd 3 out of 5 primers? I would have stopped at the first one, so I can understand why your "temp concerns are very real." Kinda takes the responsibility out of the equation. BB
 
#21
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

Everybody has their own load techniques and limits. There are a lot good powders out right, a bunch of older powders that are proven and a bunch new powders that are amazing as well. My advice is to get ahold of 1lb each varget, ar-comp, tac, pro 2000 or whatever else may work. Just do some testing and go from there.
 
#22
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

For 55's/150's, W748.

For 75's/175's, W760/H414 (same powder, different label).

Neither is probably the absolute ideal for either cartridge, but they will work OK. Dirty burning, not especially temp stable; but easy to meter, and easy to make accurate. They seem to like the warmer primers better, like the Win primers. That's no coincidence.

Greg
 
#23
Re: .308, 05.56 common powder for both?

Never had the best luck with Varget or RL15 in 223. Maybe it due to the lower altitude, humidity swings, etc but I have never gotten the advertised velocities from it, especially in 223. I do use it in 308 and it works very well.
I am hearing good things about MR2000 from guys around here who use it for 223 & 308 with good results.
 
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