Bench mark Powder

H

HOGGHEAD

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 23, 2009
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Rivesville, WV
#1
Looking for the best temperature sensitive powder for a 223. I have heard Bench mark is the best for this. I have never used Bench Mark in a 223. What do you guys think about Bench Mark in the 223?? And how temp. sensitive?? Or should I be looking at another powder that has the best characteristics.

I have been using H-335. But I am looking for the best powder. And temp. sensitivity is a big issue. Thanks, Tom.
 
#2
Re: Bench mark Powder

You mean you want a temperature insensitive powder (delivering stable velocity despite ambient temperatures)?

I use Benchmark for 6.8SPC, haven't used it for 223 yet.

Shooting it from -20 to 110 have not noticed much variation yet, but I'm also not running anywhere near max.
 
#4
Re: Bench mark Powder

I was wanting to shoot the 52 grain Calhoon Double HP bullet. They fly well in a few of my other 22 center fires. I have just noticed some differences in hot summer days with the powder's I used. So I wanted to find a powder that was less affected by the temp. Tom.
 
#5
Re: Bench mark Powder

I've used benchmark from -21 degrees in Feb. To +95 in Aug. It works great with little 50 grn. bullets all the way up to the 80 grainers. I've taken a gold at Camp Perry in Highpower with it in a AR and made the Presidents 100. I shoot woodchucks and F-class matches all summer and Coyotes in the winter. All with the same load. It meters as well as ball powders.
As you can see I'm hooked on it after hunting and competing with .223's for many years IMHO I think its the best .223 powder on the market and I've tried about anything I could fit in a .223 case.
 
#6
Re: Bench mark Powder

Hi Benchmark is made here in Australia and called Benchmark2, it is not as tem stable as the other powders marketed as Extreme powders made here and marketed by Hodgdon. it does not have the same technoligy as the others but it is close if you want the best tem sensative powder close to it H4895 is slightly slower and has the best temp stability technoligy that is used by ADI.

Hope that helps
 
#7
Re: Bench mark Powder

When I started working up loads for my 223 I started with Varget then tried Imr 4895 and H335 and then settled on Benchmark as my powder behind a 55Gr Pill.

I wasn't satisfied with the groups from Varget and Imr 4895. The H335 gave me great groups in the Winter and then opened up as soon as it got warm. someone on here suggested Benchmark so I tried it and my groups have stayed pretty much the same year around. I push the 55 grainers at the top end of the load chart.

I'm a Varmint Hunter so accuracy is important to me and I am very happy with Benchmarks performance so far.
 
#10
Re: Bench mark Powder

Benchmark is all I use in all my .223's. From 40gr pills up to 69SMK's. I run out of twist after that.
smile.gif


My Rem LTR seems to print best, w/Benchmark, when my loads are on the warm side up close to, if not, "book" max. Never have had any issues with it and like was already said it flows like water so getting consistent throws from my chargemaster is easy peezy.
 
#11
Re: Bench mark Powder

My AR loves. . .Loves, Benchmark with the 52 and 55 grain rounds. I use Winchester brass, BR2 primers, and 25 grains of BM under a 52 grain SMK and I can shoot tight 5 round 5/8" groups summer or winter all day with a factory, light, DPMS 16" barrel. I've tried a few different powders with .223, and BM is by far my favorite. Very consistent.
 
#12
Re: Bench mark Powder

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CTone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My AR loves. . .Loves, Benchmark with the 52 and 55 grain rounds. I use Winchester brass, BR2 primers, and 25 grains of BM under a 52 grain SMK and I can shoot tight 5 round 5/8" groups summer or winter all day with a factory, light, DPMS 16" barrel. I've tried a few different powders with .223, and BM is by far my favorite. Very consistent.
</div></div>

A BR-2, in a 223 case?
 
#16
Re: Bench mark Powder

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Six Five Guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Benchmark is awsome for the lighter pills in the 223. How heavy a bullet are you planning on running? </div></div>

It works well with the heavier pills as well (77SMK 21.1 grains in Win or LC brass) Work up your loads. You won't get all of the speed that Varget does, but it was accurate out of my 20" AR to 400 which was the furthest I shot that one.

Also good for the lighter .308 like 155's.
 
#17
Re: Bench mark Powder

I have had really good accuracy with 24.3gr. Benchmark and the 62gr. Remington HP Match bullets out of a 1-8Twist bbl.

I was surprised a 62gr. (remington) bullet shot this well.
 
#18
Re: Bench mark Powder

I use 26g Benchmark with 40g Nosler Match .224. Accuracy is astounding in my Ruger #1 1-12tw. 25g gave me somewhere around 1 inch...26g put them in the same hole..In fact, I had to visually examine the target to believe it, as I thought the rounds were blowing up downrange....Ive not tried it with heavier bullets or my DPMS...yet...

I have always admired the Aussies for their outstanding beer and beautiful women...Now I can add powder (amongst other things) to the list.
 
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