Powder for 223 SBR?

[Crang]

Going to start experimenting for loading for a 11.5" AR. Loads will be with 69gr SMKs using LC brass. I have plenty of IMR 4895 on hand but the Sierra manual looks like it gives up significant velocity to start with over other powders before I loose more to barrel length. 8028 XBR? TAC? Faster? Wondering if anyone has experimented with this. The SBR loads I have seen online seem to be 55gr pills and from people who didnt try different powders with an eye on keeping velocity up.

 

[spife7980]

If you want fast I woud look at cfe223.

I like varget and 8208 myself which offer good speed but I value their temp stability more than the velocity. Some of the numbers people post with cfe223 are impressive but its also more sensitive to temperature.

 

[Crang]

If you want fast I woud look at cfe223.

I like varget and 8208 myself which offer good speed but I value their temp stability more than the velocity. Some of the numbers people post with cfe223 are impressive but its also more sensitive to temperature.

Looking at the burn rate chart, Varget and CFE223 are both at the slow end of whats listed for an AR. For a long barreled rifle or bolt gun I would think that matters less? I know The Sierra manual lists Varget for their accuracy load for the 69gr SMK in an AR, but do you find you get less top velocity than the 8028? The 8208 looks to be towards the top end speed wise. May be just the ticket. I definitely value temp stability too. Its pretty normal for it to be 105 when Im doing load development and shooting at 40 degrees in the field or vice versa. I have maybe a quarter pound of Benchmark leftover from something- its faster than whats listed in the Sierra manual but the Hogdon website has the load data for a 69gr pill. May roll a few of those too for comparison.

 

[skatz11]

I tested TAC and 8208 for 77gr SMKs. I got similar accuracy and velocity. I stocked up on. TAC because it meters well on my Dillon.