TAC Powder in the 223 ??

[cornhusker]

I basicly shoot 223 for 300 yard target match. My main bullet is the 77 grain
SMK from a 8 twist barrel..I use re 15 mostly,but have been hearing
some great things about TAC powder..Noone here handles it though..
So I would have to pay the hasmat fee..
In your honest opinion is it that much better over other powders....thanks

 

[Deleted member 113831]

I wouldn't say it's better. It's pretty much in the same vein as 2520 or 2460. Which is to say, that it has a fairly optimal burn rate for that bullet.

I haven't had any luck getting good SD's with standard primers. I settled on CCI450's.

 

[MTRecon]

I've had very good results using TAC with bullets from 62gr to 80gr in a 1/8 and CCI450. Couldn't get it to work with 55gr however. My barrel maker prefers RL15 with the 69 and 77 SMK.

 

[towerofpower93]

When I started developing a 77gr load ~5yrs ago TAC was seen as the best powder for getting top velocities.

This came at the cost of temp instability though.

I went with 8208XBR and have not looked back, though I am running 100fps slower than what TAC could supposedly give me.

 

[cornhusker]

appreciate your replies.Think I am going to stay with the rl 15..I don't like the hassle of trying to get the TAC..

 

[DrainTheSwamp]

I could never get tac to group as good as varget but the velocity for Tac was almost 80-100 FPS faster. I ll take a slower hit than a faster miss I guess.

Any other powder choices that might be similar to varget or better (velocity wise) that meter nicely?

 

[Deleted member 113831]

I could never get tac to group as good as varget but the velocity for Tac was almost 80-100 FPS faster. I ll take a slower hit than a faster miss I guess.

Any other powder choices that might be similar to varget or better (velocity wise) that meter nicely?

If you are using a gas gun, it is really hard to beat one of the old standbys. either IMR4895 or H4895. They have been getting it done in this cartridge for a long time. IMR8208 meters like a ball powder but is actually a super short cut powder (to the point of looking squarish) . It has performed well also.

 

[MarinePMI]

Another vote for XBR here. Good stuff.

 

[bobke]

23.2-23.4 8208 behind almost any 75-77gr is money.

 

[MarinePMI]

I'm running 24.5grs behind a 75gr ELDM, Lapua/NT brass and BR-4's. 2960fps...

 

[bobke]

My reference was in gas gun, and practical max is usually around 23.5. That’s pretty outstanding velocity for a 223, even for a Valkyrie. How’s your brass and primer pockets holding up?

 

[MarinePMI]

They seem to be holding up fine. Third loading an pockets don't seem to be loosening up yet. This NT brass has really impressed the crap out of me. Tough stuff.

This is a standard .223 in a Tikka Varmint btw (not a Valkyrie); wasn't sure if I made that clear before.

 

[pmclaine]

I like TAC because it meters like water on the progressive but.........

I found 8208XBR serves me better.

I understand TAC has a load that replicates MK 262 really well. I believe rth1800 loads it and if you pm him he may help you out.

 

[bobke]

MPMI-understood just a 223. That is truly amazing velocity from a std 223 case.

Believe a previously published 262 load was 24.0 TAC and a 77gr Sierra BTHP. I ran 24.0 and 75gr Hornady BTHP with success until I tried 8208, which also performs very well in 308 with 155gr bullets of various persuasions, and an alternative to CFE223 in 6.5 Grendel. Keeping powder inventory as standardized as possible.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

TAC always gives me the best speeds when testing a new bullet but I have yet to see it shoot very accurately.

 

[DrainTheSwamp]

Out of a 20 inch ar, lc Brass, 2.260 oal I was able to to get. 75 gr bthp to 2938 fps with 25.7 of tac. Sd/8 es/16. Flat primers though, ram shot lists 25.8 as max for 556 chamber, but 25.7 seemed plenty hot for an everyday shooter. To me anyways.

But it only grouped just barely under 2 moa. I can get single digit sd’s with 25 gr or varget at 2831 fps with sub moa, but I hate trickling loads for the hungry ar. I’m grabbing a pound of xbr tonight. Thanks guys

 

[bobke]

A reference point.

 

[Taz575]

23.1gr TAC under a 77gr SMK is currently my Savage 10 load and 23.4gr TAC under a 75gr Hornady OTM is the go to load in my Dads Savage. Both are model 10's, but his is a shorter bull barrel and mine is a longer Predator barrel, but are 2.25" OAL. I got these recipes online and haven't tried tweaking them yet.

23.9 gr under a 65gr Sierra Game King gives me around 2880 in a 24" CZ 527 LUX, need to shoot this thru the other Savages, too. This is going with 2.25" OAL for the first 2, 2.23" OAL for the last load (comparator for 223 is coming in tomorrow). TAC measures nicely in a powder drop, so it's my go to .223 load currently.

 

[Codiekfx400]

I could never get tac to group as good as varget but the velocity for Tac was almost 80-100 FPS faster. I ll take a slower hit than a faster miss I guess.

Any other powder choices that might be similar to varget or better (velocity wise) that meter nicely?

Hodgdon Benchmark will get the job done for you. Truly amazing velocity with the 75 gr bullets.

 

[ilmonster]

I use TAC in my Rem. 700 SPS Tac. My load of choice is a Hornady 75 gr. BTHP bullet over 23.0 gr. of TAC (came to that from OCW testing) and can shoot 1/2 - 1/3 MOA out at 300 yards (the longest range I have access to). I am not looking for the last bit of speed, but small groups and consistency. As others said, it meters really well in my RCBS Uniflow (better than stick powders I use for my 45-70). Also use it successfully with 68 gr. Hornady bullets.