I have been using two differant powders for loading both .223 and .308 Is there any one powder that works for both calibers.
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Need a Good Powder for 308/223
- Thread starter popeyecop
- Start date
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
IMR 4895 is what I use in .223, .243, .308 (Savages)with VERY good results.
IMR 4895 is what I use in .223, .243, .308 (Savages)with VERY good results.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Winchester 748
.223 52gr BTHP Match
26gr of W748
.308 180gr BTSP
46gr of W748
Winchester 748
.223 52gr BTHP Match
26gr of W748
.308 180gr BTSP
46gr of W748
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DEATH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Call me old fashion but gotta love the BLC2, Meters great through the Dillon also </div></div>
+1
BLC2 is very consistent, meters well, and shoots cleanly for me. I use it from 204 Ruger, 223, etc up through 30-06.
It's temp sensitive but for commonality and a widely available, relatively inexpensive powder it's great stuff.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DEATH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Call me old fashion but gotta love the BLC2, Meters great through the Dillon also </div></div>
+1
BLC2 is very consistent, meters well, and shoots cleanly for me. I use it from 204 Ruger, 223, etc up through 30-06.
It's temp sensitive but for commonality and a widely available, relatively inexpensive powder it's great stuff.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Well i guess im going to check out Varget. seems alot of you guy like that. Thank you all for the info.
Well i guess im going to check out Varget. seems alot of you guy like that. Thank you all for the info.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Good luck finding Varget in any quantity. It's extremely popular here. The other recommended powders are generally available. I changed from 52's to 69's so the I could use RL-15, TAC, or BLC-2. I can find those in my AO. Did get a dream load of 27 gr BLC-2 with Berger 52's.
Good luck finding Varget in any quantity. It's extremely popular here. The other recommended powders are generally available. I changed from 52's to 69's so the I could use RL-15, TAC, or BLC-2. I can find those in my AO. Did get a dream load of 27 gr BLC-2 with Berger 52's.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Previous posted opinion is H meters much better than I4895. Now there are some who say Varget meters like crap too. I guess if, in the scheme of things .3 grains mean alot, then it does. It really does if you load to max.
I decided on three, depending on availability. TAC, BLC-2 , and RL-15. Two ball, and one extruded. Even changed my .223 pills from 52's to 69's to make a stab at one powder for the majority of my reloading. My AO is very stable, temperature wise. If it's 40* here, I'm staying inside, I like the 90's with humidity staggering better.
Availabilty is the issue down here. Get a good load and then can't find the powder. Gonna have to buy 5 one pound cans of TAC to keep the lot numbers consistent.
Previous posted opinion is H meters much better than I4895. Now there are some who say Varget meters like crap too. I guess if, in the scheme of things .3 grains mean alot, then it does. It really does if you load to max.
I decided on three, depending on availability. TAC, BLC-2 , and RL-15. Two ball, and one extruded. Even changed my .223 pills from 52's to 69's to make a stab at one powder for the majority of my reloading. My AO is very stable, temperature wise. If it's 40* here, I'm staying inside, I like the 90's with humidity staggering better.
Availabilty is the issue down here. Get a good load and then can't find the powder. Gonna have to buy 5 one pound cans of TAC to keep the lot numbers consistent.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Good luck trying to find Varget, everyone that sells it at a decent price is out unless you want to pay $150-$160 for an 8 pounder. There are some places with ok prices on the 1 pounders but it's still more expensive per pound than the $133-135 8 pounders can go for.
Good luck trying to find Varget, everyone that sells it at a decent price is out unless you want to pay $150-$160 for an 8 pounder. There are some places with ok prices on the 1 pounders but it's still more expensive per pound than the $133-135 8 pounders can go for.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone using AA2520?
</div></div>
Having good luck in the 308 with heavy bullets but never tried it in the 223. Got to many other loads with different powders and enough of it that I've never tried it in the 223.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone using AA2520?
</div></div>
Having good luck in the 308 with heavy bullets but never tried it in the 223. Got to many other loads with different powders and enough of it that I've never tried it in the 223.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
AA2520 is one of the powders I set myself to try in my new Dillon, as it supposed to meter nicely, and I read also people having had success with both 223 and 308.
Anyone knows how temperature stable AA2520 is?
AA2520 is one of the powders I set myself to try in my new Dillon, as it supposed to meter nicely, and I read also people having had success with both 223 and 308.
Anyone knows how temperature stable AA2520 is?
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Varget sucks in .223, especially with bullets under 62 grains. Try something faster.
Let me also add that the performance is great, it's just hard to stuff enough varget in a .223 case with light bullets to get peak performance, so I suspect there's a faster powder that will give more fps and potentially more consistent accuracy.
Varget sucks in .223, especially with bullets under 62 grains. Try something faster.
Let me also add that the performance is great, it's just hard to stuff enough varget in a .223 case with light bullets to get peak performance, so I suspect there's a faster powder that will give more fps and potentially more consistent accuracy.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Downzero,
It's a wonder you didn't get flammed on the comment on "Varget, The Wonder Powder".(lol)Point being, it works better with heavier .223 pills; exceptional temperature tolerance, etc. I understand it's popularity, but metering is more important to me than temp. tolerance.
Downzero,
It's a wonder you didn't get flammed on the comment on "Varget, The Wonder Powder".(lol)Point being, it works better with heavier .223 pills; exceptional temperature tolerance, etc. I understand it's popularity, but metering is more important to me than temp. tolerance.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
H335 works good in 308 and 223. It meters well and produces acceptable velocities. Several years ago I bought some surplus WC 844 that was very similar to H335 and I use that now in both calibers. Not sure if it's still available.
H335 works good in 308 and 223. It meters well and produces acceptable velocities. Several years ago I bought some surplus WC 844 that was very similar to H335 and I use that now in both calibers. Not sure if it's still available.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How does IMR4895 meter in the Dillon powder measure?
</div></div>
I don't know how it meters in a Dillon powder measure, but it meters like crap through an RCBS Uniflow. IMR hasn't gone to the newer style powders yet where the kernels are much smaller. H4895 has. The kernels are much smaller. It meters a lot better.
FWIW, my pick for a powder to use in both is 4895, any flavor. As noted above though the easiest one to work with is H4895X and then AA2495. I had to say I didn't like it though in my short barrel AR. It did a lot better in my 20" AR and my 26" 12FV.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How does IMR4895 meter in the Dillon powder measure?
</div></div>
I don't know how it meters in a Dillon powder measure, but it meters like crap through an RCBS Uniflow. IMR hasn't gone to the newer style powders yet where the kernels are much smaller. H4895 has. The kernels are much smaller. It meters a lot better.
FWIW, my pick for a powder to use in both is 4895, any flavor. As noted above though the easiest one to work with is H4895X and then AA2495. I had to say I didn't like it though in my short barrel AR. It did a lot better in my 20" AR and my 26" 12FV.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
I have used RL 15 and Varget for both. Just received today New wonder powder IMR 8280 xbr reported to be temp. stable to 165F. " used by Black Hills to load special ammo for military" which might be 77gr .223 Mk262 but that is speculation.
I have used RL 15 and Varget for both. Just received today New wonder powder IMR 8280 xbr reported to be temp. stable to 165F. " used by Black Hills to load special ammo for military" which might be 77gr .223 Mk262 but that is speculation.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Unsichtbar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have used RL 15 and Varget for both. Just received today New wonder powder IMR 8082 xbr reported to be temp. stable to 165F. " used by Black Hills to load special ammo for military" which might be 77gr .223 Mk262 but that is speculation. </div></div>
Who sells IMR 8082 XBR? I Googled it and this thread is the only thing it came up with.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Unsichtbar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have used RL 15 and Varget for both. Just received today New wonder powder IMR 8082 xbr reported to be temp. stable to 165F. " used by Black Hills to load special ammo for military" which might be 77gr .223 Mk262 but that is speculation. </div></div>
Who sells IMR 8082 XBR? I Googled it and this thread is the only thing it came up with.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
22.8 grains 8208 xbr pushing a 77gr ar 2766 fps is outstanding. We have been shooting 24.1 to 24.5 of RL 15 and 25 Varget to reach that number. There are several other factors that would be a huge improvment especially lack of temp sensivity. One link below they are using in a 6mm suggest you do a search for more info. and look at the Hodgen reloadin data center. If it delivers as reported its a big improvement.
This is from the IMR load site
.223
77 GR. SIE HPBT IMR IMR 8208 XBR .224" 2.260" 20.5 2535 41,800 PSI 22.8 2766 53,700 PSI
http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2009/12/17/jackie-schmidt-tests-new-imr-8208-xbr-powder/
22.8 grains 8208 xbr pushing a 77gr ar 2766 fps is outstanding. We have been shooting 24.1 to 24.5 of RL 15 and 25 Varget to reach that number. There are several other factors that would be a huge improvment especially lack of temp sensivity. One link below they are using in a 6mm suggest you do a search for more info. and look at the Hodgen reloadin data center. If it delivers as reported its a big improvement.
This is from the IMR load site
.223
77 GR. SIE HPBT IMR IMR 8208 XBR .224" 2.260" 20.5 2535 41,800 PSI 22.8 2766 53,700 PSI
http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2009/12/17/jackie-schmidt-tests-new-imr-8208-xbr-powder/
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DEATH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Call me old fashion but gotta love the BLC2, Meters great through the Dillon also </div></div>
+1. I'm a BIG fan of ball powders in general 'cause they meter so well. H335 is another one to try.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DEATH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Call me old fashion but gotta love the BLC2, Meters great through the Dillon also </div></div>
+1. I'm a BIG fan of ball powders in general 'cause they meter so well. H335 is another one to try.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Unsichtbar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">22.8 grains 8208 xbr pushing a 77gr ar 2766 fps is outstanding. We have been shooting 24.1 to 24.5 of RL 15 and 25 Varget to reach that number. There are several other factors that would be a huge improvment especially lack of temp sensivity. One link below they are using in a 6mm suggest you do a search for more info. and look at the Hodgen reloadin data center. If it delivers as reported its a big improvement.
This is from the IMR load site
.223
77 GR. SIE HPBT IMR IMR 8208 XBR .224" 2.260" 20.5 2535 41,800 PSI 22.8 2766 53,700 PSI
http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2009/12/17/jackie-schmidt-tests-new-imr-8208-xbr-powder/ </div></div>
75 GR. JLK VLD Hodgdon Varget .224" 2.250" 25.0 2907 48,400 CUP
75 GR. JLK VLD Hodgdon H4895 .224" 2.250" 24.5 2905 50,000 CUP
75 GR. JLK VLD IMR IMR 8208 XBR .224" 2.250" 22.7 2804 53,900 PSI
77 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon BL-C(2) .224" 2.260" 24.9 2804 50,700 CUP
77 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon Varget .224" 2.260" 23.7C 2737 50,700 CUP
77 GR. SIE HPBT IMR IMR 8208 XBR .224" 2.260" 22.8 2766 53,700 PSI
From Hodgdons site above, 8208 XBR has slower velocity and higher pressure, it beats out Varget slightly in 77gr for velocity but 3,000 higher in pressure.
Varget is the clear winner for 75 gr and BLC2 for 77 gr. Metering might be an issue with Varget though.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Unsichtbar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">22.8 grains 8208 xbr pushing a 77gr ar 2766 fps is outstanding. We have been shooting 24.1 to 24.5 of RL 15 and 25 Varget to reach that number. There are several other factors that would be a huge improvment especially lack of temp sensivity. One link below they are using in a 6mm suggest you do a search for more info. and look at the Hodgen reloadin data center. If it delivers as reported its a big improvement.
This is from the IMR load site
.223
77 GR. SIE HPBT IMR IMR 8208 XBR .224" 2.260" 20.5 2535 41,800 PSI 22.8 2766 53,700 PSI
http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2009/12/17/jackie-schmidt-tests-new-imr-8208-xbr-powder/ </div></div>
75 GR. JLK VLD Hodgdon Varget .224" 2.250" 25.0 2907 48,400 CUP
75 GR. JLK VLD Hodgdon H4895 .224" 2.250" 24.5 2905 50,000 CUP
75 GR. JLK VLD IMR IMR 8208 XBR .224" 2.250" 22.7 2804 53,900 PSI
77 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon BL-C(2) .224" 2.260" 24.9 2804 50,700 CUP
77 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon Varget .224" 2.260" 23.7C 2737 50,700 CUP
77 GR. SIE HPBT IMR IMR 8208 XBR .224" 2.260" 22.8 2766 53,700 PSI
From Hodgdons site above, 8208 XBR has slower velocity and higher pressure, it beats out Varget slightly in 77gr for velocity but 3,000 higher in pressure.
Varget is the clear winner for 75 gr and BLC2 for 77 gr. Metering might be an issue with Varget though.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Just noticed the 8208 is in PSI and others are in CUP, so 53,000 PSI equals 46,955 CUP. Looks like 8208 is looking pretty good. I'm going to order 8 lbs and see how it does.
I found this formula on a forum, don't know how accurate it is:
psi = -17,902 + (1.51 c.u.p.)
c.u.p. = (psi + 17,902)/1.51
8 lbs of 8208 xbr, 1200 75 gr Hornady bullets and 1000 Nosler 77 gr are on it's way. Midsouthshooters has the 8 pounders in stock for $135 if you guys are looking.
Just noticed the 8208 is in PSI and others are in CUP, so 53,000 PSI equals 46,955 CUP. Looks like 8208 is looking pretty good. I'm going to order 8 lbs and see how it does.
I found this formula on a forum, don't know how accurate it is:
psi = -17,902 + (1.51 c.u.p.)
c.u.p. = (psi + 17,902)/1.51
8 lbs of 8208 xbr, 1200 75 gr Hornady bullets and 1000 Nosler 77 gr are on it's way. Midsouthshooters has the 8 pounders in stock for $135 if you guys are looking.
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How does IMR4895 meter in the Dillon powder measure?
</div></div>
I don't know how it meters in a Dillon powder measure, but it meters like crap through an RCBS Uniflow. IMR hasn't gone to the newer style powders yet where the kernels are much smaller. H4895 has. The kernels are much smaller. It meters a lot better.</div></div>
Unfortunately, I still have 7lbs of IMR4895
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How does IMR4895 meter in the Dillon powder measure?
</div></div>
I don't know how it meters in a Dillon powder measure, but it meters like crap through an RCBS Uniflow. IMR hasn't gone to the newer style powders yet where the kernels are much smaller. H4895 has. The kernels are much smaller. It meters a lot better.</div></div>
Unfortunately, I still have 7lbs of IMR4895
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Give H4895 or some Ramshot TAC a try. Tac runs through a charge thrower great!
Give H4895 or some Ramshot TAC a try. Tac runs through a charge thrower great!
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">AA2520 is one of the powders I set myself to try in my new Dillon, as it supposed to meter nicely, and I read also people having had success with both 223 and 308.
Anyone knows how temperature stable AA2520 is?
</div></div>
Got a response from Accurate about <span style="color: #FF0000">AA2520</span>:
<span style="color: #3333FF">During qualification we test the powder at -40F and +140F and the deviation are less than 3% at these extreme levels.
So most will not notice the difference under normal standard hunting conditions.
</span>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">AA2520 is one of the powders I set myself to try in my new Dillon, as it supposed to meter nicely, and I read also people having had success with both 223 and 308.
Anyone knows how temperature stable AA2520 is?
</div></div>
Got a response from Accurate about <span style="color: #FF0000">AA2520</span>:
<span style="color: #3333FF">During qualification we test the powder at -40F and +140F and the deviation are less than 3% at these extreme levels.
So most will not notice the difference under normal standard hunting conditions.
</span>
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Have you tried modifications to you Dillon, these improved mine.
www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1016979
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=154783
Have you tried modifications to you Dillon, these improved mine.
www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1016979
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=154783
Re: Need a Good Powder for 308/223
Varget is a one stop shop. The only problem is trying to drop the powder within .1 of a gr on the extreme spread. If .1 ES is your goal, then a electronic powder dispenser is need. I tried it on a Dillon 550/650 (.6 ES) and with a Harrell(.3 ES) But it would fit your needs for 223 and 308 with any bullet weight.
Varget is a one stop shop. The only problem is trying to drop the powder within .1 of a gr on the extreme spread. If .1 ES is your goal, then a electronic powder dispenser is need. I tried it on a Dillon 550/650 (.6 ES) and with a Harrell(.3 ES) But it would fit your needs for 223 and 308 with any bullet weight.
