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what powder for .223/5.56
- Thread starter cdear23
- Start date
Do you own any reloading manuals?
What bullet weight?
55grs?
AA-2230, VV-130/133, AA-2015BR, RL-10x, Win. 748, H-Benchmark, H-335, H-BLC-2 and some others.
Get a manual, or three and consult them.
Chris
I've used it in the past but now save Varget for my 308- and throw whatever (acceptable) powder I can get my grubby hands on in my 223/556. Usually 748 or Benchmark, which ever is cheaper/available that particular day. My load with Varget was 25 g for a 55g FMJBT with cci 400's. It worked- can't give you any accuracy claims because- well its a plinking round
*edit* yes this was a very mild load- right around 10% below max according to my books
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If you had a reloading manual and looked in it, you'd see that Varget is good in the 223 Rem for bullet weights from 69grs up to 90grs.
It's not 'good' for 62gr bullets, or lighter.
Chris
I just got my order this afternoon. Got 2lbs of CFE 223 i'm going to try. I've got some 50gr Honady's that i've had for a while, think I picked them up for my 221 Fireball, anyway, till I can find some 55gr, will give a few a shot with the CFE and let you know how they turn out.
benchmark for the 55's but id like to find something cheaper because its getting real expensive, that cfe223 may be the way to go. When ramshot xterm and tac first came out it was pretty cheap but its gone up too.
I've had good results with TAC and 55gr fmbts. Meters well. I save the Varget for 69 gr & 75 or 77 gr
My rifle like IMR4198.
My son's AR15 liked H335 best. He tried Varget, BLC2, IMR4895, H322 and IMR4198 and H334 gave him the best groups.
If/when you can get them, try different powders and you may find your rifle "likes" one better than the others.
My son's AR15 liked H335 best. He tried Varget, BLC2, IMR4895, H322 and IMR4198 and H334 gave him the best groups.
If/when you can get them, try different powders and you may find your rifle "likes" one better than the others.
Yes, I use varget. I have a couple loads going now, one with 26gr, and one with 23.5 gr. I am using 55gr bullets. I like it, good groups. I'm not trying for super accuracy with it, although I could fine tune it. I chose varget because I use that in several other calibers too. With the scarcity of powders, right now I am working to streamline my components. Varget works well in my 30.06, 5.56, 7.62x39, and I have even used it well in my 338LM, although I am moving towards other powders there.
748 has been my go to for 55 grain bullets since I started loading .223. I've also had good luck with benchmark, but it seems to burn much hotter. The best groups I've been shooting lately with bullets in the 55 grain class have been with 8208 XBR. Varget is really too slow for the class of bullets you're interested in.
That may be true about Varget if you're not trying to load to mag length. If they have to fit in a mag I'd use something faster than Varget, as it takes up too much case capacity. That said, it's been very accurate for me with everything from 52gn to 75 gn.
If you can find Benchmark that's what I'd use. It's accurate, the right burn rate, and meters almost as well as ball powder.
If you can find Benchmark that's what I'd use. It's accurate, the right burn rate, and meters almost as well as ball powder.
^^^^^This...and then you people around here think I am grumpy and short, with the incessantly spoon fed.
OP get you a damn reloading manual. Choose a ball powder, once you set up your powder measure correctly it will throw charge after charge with amazing accuracy. OOps wait you probably don't know how to set up a powder measure.
H335, can't find that, BLC2, can't find that,WW748, can't find that,TAC, can't find that, AA2230, can't find that, AA2460, can't find that, H322, (not ball but close) can't find that,buy a slingshot.
Learn to use a search function. The 223 is one of the most poular cartridges on the planet. There is reloading data everywhere.
Not sure that this is called for. I think the OP is looking for some advice/testimonials from other shooters. I know you can find info in the Reloading Manuals, but really, different powders have different capabilities, and not all of us are expert loaders---I know I'm not. I look to others for advice, and try to research things before I buy. I think this is a prudent method, and I actually applaud the OP for using a resource that I have learned a lot from---Sniper's Hide Forum.
first off id like to thank everyone for their inputs its nice to see what people use and the results people get from that (something you dont get out of a manual) second to you mr internet tough guy go fuck yourself. i posted this up because i wanted to see what recipes people use and the results they have got from them. yes a manual says what you can use awesome cool i was looking for opinions outside a book. so next time how about not even post if you want to be an asshole
M
milo 2.0
Guest
cdear,
Not one to interupt a good internet rumble, kinda like them. But I have to agree with plate chicky here, it doesn't matter what our loads are, you're not going to find the powder right now. It's not you personally, but just questions like this 10 times a week, it just seems no one wants to do the leg work, and ultimately not learn for themselves. Like he said, look in a manual for a powder available and work up a load. VV powders might be the only game in town right now for you.
It seems like no one is willing to find something on their own, and we wonder why we can't buy Varget, H335, Win 748, H4350, H1000 and etc.. Hell, people even ask for "coal", I mean for fuck sakes, how can anyone tell you what the distance to the lands are going to be.
The other day a guy posted Forster co-ax presses were in at gunstop, people were asking for price and links to the website. Would it be that hard to google gunstop, or God forbid, type in www.gunstop.com , and do a little research on your own.
I hope I don't alienate myself from this crowd, but I'm seriously waiting for the question to be posted here, "Please, help me find the correct way to wipe my ass".
I've loaded for 28+ years, and can tell you that most reloaders have walked away from the load of a lifetime because of pulled shots, wind shifts, shooting ability on that day and the like, partially because they didn't have the confidence in the load and were quick to get back on the bandwagon with the crowd.
Please, no hard fellings cdear, it's just time this was addressed.
Milo, I agree that there is no substitute for doing the research and reading the books. That said, There is a lot to be said for learning from the wisdom gained by others. There is a lot of practical wisdom and knowledge contained in the heads of posters and readers of this forum. One of the purposes of this forum is to share information. If you read Cdear's post carefully, the one you quoted, you would see that he does read the manuals, and is looking for other opinions, to fine tune the information contained therein. That is one of the purposes of this forum. If you don't like to help out, why do you bother to read these posts. Just don't read them, and if you do read them, don't respond. Other people will never live up to you expectations. You mention that you have 28+ years experience, having that, you should posses some of this practical wisdom that some of us newer guys are trying to learn from. If you aren't willing to share, why not just stay out of it?
Oh, and on a lighter note, "What really is the correct way to wipe my ass, and what is the best paper to do so---or should I use a stick like they do in Thailand?"
Exactly well put I know what I've used to do my go to was h335 which is practically impossible to find that's the only reason I've been asking what others have used to see if someone has a " outside the box" load that is all . I don't know why people who aren't interested in helping even take the time to write a smartass comment . It says varget can be used but from the people kind enough to post results with it I've decided against it . It's little stuff like that is all I wanted to know
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Uncle,
I stated outright my comments weren't directed at cdear, just in general. As for being helpful, I think I rate at close to the top as far as advice given. And when I do give it, it's not condescending, and I try throw enough out there to let a guy think that it's his idea. I don't feel anything I said was truly unfair.
Some of these posts are getting so redundent, what powder, what to buy for equipment. Instead of hijacking this thread to vent I should've started my own, for that I apologize. I'm positive I'm not alone in my feelings, as we vary rarely see Doc, or Turbo, and others in here anymore.
I have no expectations for others that I don't know, I just hope anyone in this game succeeds, and someone doing it on their own will be a hell of alot prouder of themselves in the long run.
Now for the ass wiping lesson, if you're going to continue to tell me to bud out, the Thai stick method will work well for you, be sure to probe a little.
If were going to be buddies, Charmin works well, wipe to the center.
M
milo 2.0
Guest
cdear,
I never expected to start a shitstorm, so sorry I budded in.
Powder Valley has VV N140, it will work fine with heavier bullets, 65gr and up., but will work with 55grainers. I use Win748, that and your H335 will be the last two available. I did mention VV in my first post also. VV N130, N133, N135 work also, looks harder to find those right now.
Here's a link.
http://www.lapua.com/en/products/reloading/vihtavuori-reloading-data/relodata/5/44
For an ar gun, stay away from the high energy 500 series powder, no need.
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You're cool, Milo. I agree, it may be better to vent in another thread. I do agree that there is no substitute for doing research yourself. I do mine carefully, and then ask questions. I attempt to explain where I am coming from before asking for help, and I hope it shows that I have done my work first, and then asked for opinions. I do get what you are trying to say, and agree with you.
When you said chicky was right, I agree with his point, but I don't think the delivery was the best. I thought you were taking up in part for him. I think that guys like him, if that is all they have to say would do better not to say it, and just walk away from the forum.
I hope we don't need to be enemies here. I do try to see all sides to the argument, and in this case, i agree with the point, but not the delivery---that is chicky's delivery.
Tim
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Milo I appreciate the insight I'm gonna look around for those powders you say I'm pretty sure ill be able to find some of that vv I always walked by it before but want to reload these rounds I got now to do some plinking
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Try here, I wouldn't wait. It's pricey, but sounds like you're the filling of a s**t sandwich!
http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/
http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/
I keep acquiring and acquiring manuals, over twenty years now. So I have a whole damn bookshelf full of the things. What sucks is when they contract the work out and you get a new manual and it has no loads for what was always a proven powder in a particular caliber. For 55s I have always used either Win. 748 or H335. H335 throws pretty well through a Dillon as well. The current situation sucks but it looks like we're over the hump and stuff is starting to show up on shelves.
Didn't even know I started a shitstorm until a friend called me today and told me to quit tapping on the glass. I was at the range today fixing targets and doing some range pickup and work for the match Saturday. If you had come to the range and asked me what powder you needed to load in an AR for plinking loads I would have answered you just like I wrote it. I am not a dick but I will speak my mind no matter whether I am 2 ft or 2000 miles away, sorry if I hurt your moo moo. I gave you a choice of 6 powders besides H335. People who know me, know that if you tell me what you can't find, and I can find it, I will pick it up for you and hand it to you when I see you. There is nothing magical in a "plinking load". If it goes bang it will work for plinking. If you have a loading manual, or a computer, you can make a list of powders listed for 55gr bullets and begin your search. Special pet loads in my gun can be damn well dangerous in yours. I can give you a load for 55gr bullets using Blue Dot. I know guys that use such loads in their guns, but you damn well won't catch me using them. There are no shortcuts in reloading. If I tell you I use 26.8gr of XYZ powder in my AR15 and its a max load, you still need to work up to it in YOUR rifle if you have a brain in your head. If I tell you I use 23gr of XYZ powder in my AR and it works great, but it is only a starting load, then you still may leave a better load undiscovered, if you don't do your own homework. What works great in my rifle means less than nothing to you and your rifle. You have to do your own homework. Now any one of you want to argue with that go ahead. I think quite a few guys will chime up and agree with me on that even if they think I am a dick. After I give you 6 different powders you tell me to go fuck myself. Clear indication you want to be spoonfed. It is painfully clear to me why some very adept guys have quit posting in this section. Don't get your hopes up for me going away though. I will continue to chime in when someone asks a question so simple my daughter can answer. Vihta Vouri powders are top notch and clean burning, damn pricey for plinking though. There are no shortcuts in reloading unless you are sloppy. If you are sloppy then maybe reloading isn't for you. If you want shortcuts then a case of Wolf ammo would be much safer.
No beef with you MIlo. We have had words but when I have words I put it behind me, when I have spoke my peace. Some of the best friendships I ever had started with a fistfight. You shake hands and go on.
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Chikn, I too have several good friendships that began with a fist fight. I apologize if I stepped out where I shouldn't have. I'm not sure I agree that asking for help is always like needing to be spoon-fed----sometimes it is, but I didn't see it here. Your delivery, while listing several powders, was rude, and no denying it. That is what cdear was reacting to, and that is what I was calling you out on. There are ways to make a point without being downright rude.
Nuff said. I'm not saying any of this to create enemies, and I'm sure if we met we could have a beer together.
I think I'd rather just meet and buy a round of beer.......
No hard feelings, as I had no skin in the game.
All the best,
Tim
