.223 powders - The Firearms Forum

Ace1911 · 03-25-2011, 08:19 PM

I just ordered my dies for .223 remington, I got primers and brass...just need to buy some powder. I am considering viht N133 and AA 2230. If anyone here has had some good results with a powder for this caliber I'd appreciate suggestions.

-Mike

JLA · 03-25-2011, 08:21 PM

I very much prefer alliant reloder 10X. I shoot 53 gr sierra MKs and the reloder 10X is perfectly suited to it..

What bullet weight do you plan to shoot mostly????

Ace1911 · 03-25-2011, 08:29 PM

I am starting off with some 52G Match and 55G FMJBT. But, I plan on working my way up to 68G and heavier as the rifle is rated for 5.56.

RustyFN · 03-25-2011, 08:35 PM

I shoot 55 and 62 grain bullets and the two powders I go to are H335 and W748.

JLA · 03-25-2011, 08:52 PM

W748 is another good one.

The 52 and 55 grainers are perfectly suited to RX10X. I can get 1 holers ate 100 with my FILs Rem 700 XCR...

He prefers to shoot the 69 grainer sierras and I load him up with H4895 and/or IMR 4895.

Varget is another good one for heavier .223s, but i prefer to save that for my 7.62X54s in my sako M39

Ace1911 · 03-25-2011, 08:59 PM

Thanks, after re-looking I see RX10X is a common powder with most 62G and below bullet weights...Is it a clean burner?

JLA · 03-25-2011, 10:00 PM

Yes, one of the cleanest i have tried. The only thing close to being as clean is reloder 7

jboo37 · 03-26-2011, 12:15 AM

I have used Benchmark and Varget with good results..

gdmoody · 03-26-2011, 12:18 AM

I use Varget or Win 748, but mostly Varget. I have used the AA2230 in the past with good results also.

bamashooter · 03-26-2011, 03:22 AM

I have used W748, IMR-4895 in the past. My go to .223 powder now is Tac. It gives me good velosity with heavier bullets and it burns clean. Its also a little cheaper than most powders here in my area so thats a plus.

steve4102 · 03-26-2011, 08:00 AM

There are a lot of good powders for the 223. Many of them have been mentioned above.

Couple of things to consider when selecting a powder. One is bullet weight, generally, lighter bullets do better with fast to medium burning powders and heavy bullets do better with medium to slow burning powders. This is of course not written in stone, but it is something to consider.

Another is your reloading press and set-up. If you are going to weigh each change individually then powder design and shape will not matter. If you are going to use a powder measure or progressive then selecting a powder that meters well (consistent) in your set-up might make your selecting a little easier.

Me, I like ball(spherical) powders for my 223 as I drop charge them with a powder measure. For light bullets (52-63gr) I like 2230/X-t, 748, and Tac. For heavier bullets I like Tac, 2520.

Haven't tried 10X yet, but after reading Josh's post I will now.

steve4102 · 03-26-2011, 08:07 AM

One more thing. You say you have primers and brass. Hopefully not Rem 6 1/2 primers as they should not be used in the 223/5.56. Is your brass new, or used. If it is used you may have crimped primers. This is no big deal, just something you have to deal with before you seat a new primer.

Popgunner · 03-26-2011, 10:56 AM

AA-2230 was made just for the .223 & I think that's all i've ever used in this caliber. Meters really well & shoots clean & consistent.

JLA · 03-26-2011, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve4102

There are a lot of good powders for the 223. Many of them have been mentioned above.

Couple of things to consider when selecting a powder. One is bullet weight, generally, lighter bullets do better with fast to medium burning powders and heavy bullets do better with medium to slow burning powders. This is of course not written in stone, but it is something to consider.

Another is your reloading press and set-up. If you are going to weigh each change individually then powder design and shape will not matter. If you are going to use a powder measure or progressive then selecting a powder that meters well (consistent) in your set-up might make your selecting a little easier.

Me, I like ball(spherical) powders for my 223 as I drop charge them with a powder measure. For light bullets (52-63gr) I like 2230/X-t, 748, and Tac. For heavier bullets I like Tac, 2520.

Haven't tried 10X yet, but after reading Josh's post I will now.

Its a very short extruded propellant. granules are comparable in size to reloder 7, maybe a tad shorter. It meters well. I too charge with a measure. A lyman 55 to be exact. I much prefer using ball and short extruded powders in it. I was working on a load in 7.62X39 with RX10X, but it was a tad slow for the X39 and I had alot of unburned powder leftover. Its superb behind my 53s in my .223 loads for my mini.

I hate metering IMR4350 or 4064 or 3031 in it. Feels like metering gravel

Ace1911 · 03-26-2011, 10:59 PM

I use a powder measure, from RCBS. I purchased some 10X & AA2230 today. Now just time to have some fun. Also, I dont currently have any crimped primer brass, right now I have some 1x fired (by me) federal and winchester brass, and some new LC 5.56 brass as well. I also use CCI primers.

steve4102 · 03-27-2011, 07:40 AM

I would cull the Fed brass, It is very soft and has been known to cause issues if loaded more than a few times.

JLA · 03-27-2011, 06:47 PM

+1 on the tossing the federal brass. IMO they are soft and heavy and really not fit to reload in the first place. I usually save all the fed brass I come accross to use for trading or selling to the scrap yard...

American Leader · 03-27-2011, 09:34 PM

I use Varget and .55 gr. bullets, works well for me. I'll be trying some H-335 soon because I was able to get a deal on it. My understanding it has been a .223 standby?

gun-nut · 03-27-2011, 10:26 PM

I use 20.0grs. of IMR4198 with my 55gr. bullet for plinking fun. If i am off by a 1/2 gr. it still hits the bullseye. Its about the only powder i use for the 223. I have used Varget as well at 21.0 grs. that did well too. But for comp. shooting and for the V-Max bullets i use H335.

Ace1911 · 03-27-2011, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve4102

I would cull the Fed brass, It is very soft and has been known to cause issues if loaded more than a few times.

Is this just .223 brass? I have some handgun Federal brass I have reloaded a few times and had no issues?

bamashooter · 03-28-2011, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve4102

I would cull the Fed brass, It is very soft and has been known to cause issues if loaded more than a few times.

I have never had a problem with federal brass and I have shot alot of it..hmmm.

JLA · 03-28-2011, 08:56 AM

When you load for precise target shooting with custom rifles you develop reloading techniques that tend to spill over into the less precise shooting you do.

I weigh cases and bullets into exact weight groups. I do this because it elimnates flyers. I deburr flashholes because it makes ignition more even and consistent, which eliminates flyers. etc, etc, etc.

Old habits die hard and loading with these techniques will have you tossing heavy cases in the scrap box and keeping light ones til you have enough to use as a batch.

And yes, I do painstakingly take the time to deburr the flash holes on each and every case i reload, including .380s

JLA · 03-28-2011, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace1911

Is this just .223 brass? I have some handgun Federal brass I have reloaded a few times and had no issues?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamashooter

I have never had a problem with federal brass and I have shot alot of it..hmmm.

I find federal brass very soft, all of it, including pistol brass. After a few loadings in high pressure rounds they tend to swell worse than say a winchester case. I have had case head separations in .308 with federal only. Never with any other of the big american brands.

Also after but a few cycles I find federal primer pockets so loose you could seat primers with your fingers. not good..

I find it best to scrap federal brass and use winchester/ remington/ hornady/ lapua/ nosler, etc...

bmg50doorgunner · 04-01-2011, 09:46 PM

I've used H335 and Varget to propel 69gr. out of a Colt M4, 1:9 twist, 16" barrel. I agree with Steve about the ease and consistency of dispensing ball powders, that's why I eventually grew to favor H335 over the extruded Varget for reloading .223 ammo.

Keep in mind, the use of a comparator gauge to measure your chamber's free bore and determine the "sweet spot" of bullet seating depth is as important as your powder selection. Scoring 1/2" MOA all day. Good luck!

03-25-2011, 08:19 PM	#1
Ace1911 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Antonio Posts: 90	.223 powders I just ordered my dies for .223 remington, I got primers and brass...just need to buy some powder. I am considering viht N133 and AA 2230. If anyone here has had some good results with a powder for this caliber I'd appreciate suggestions. -Mike -->

03-25-2011, 08:21 PM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: .223 powders I very much prefer alliant reloder 10X. I shoot 53 gr sierra MKs and the reloder 10X is perfectly suited to it.. What bullet weight do you plan to shoot mostly???? __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

03-25-2011, 08:29 PM	#3
Ace1911 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Antonio Posts: 90	Re: .223 powders I am starting off with some 52G Match and 55G FMJBT. But, I plan on working my way up to 68G and heavier as the rifle is rated for 5.56.

03-25-2011, 08:35 PM	#4
RustyFN Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 592	Re: .223 powders I shoot 55 and 62 grain bullets and the two powders I go to are H335 and W748.

03-25-2011, 08:52 PM	#5
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: .223 powders W748 is another good one. The 52 and 55 grainers are perfectly suited to RX10X. I can get 1 holers ate 100 with my FILs Rem 700 XCR... He prefers to shoot the 69 grainer sierras and I load him up with H4895 and/or IMR 4895. Varget is another good one for heavier .223s, but i prefer to save that for my 7.62X54s in my sako M39 __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

03-25-2011, 08:59 PM	#6
Ace1911 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Antonio Posts: 90	Re: .223 powders Thanks, after re-looking I see RX10X is a common powder with most 62G and below bullet weights...Is it a clean burner?

03-25-2011, 10:00 PM	#7
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: .223 powders Yes, one of the cleanest i have tried. The only thing close to being as clean is reloder 7 __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

03-26-2011, 12:15 AM	#8
jboo37 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 32	Re: .223 powders I have used Benchmark and Varget with good results..

03-26-2011, 12:18 AM	#9
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,334	Re: .223 powders I use Varget or Win 748, but mostly Varget. I have used the AA2230 in the past with good results also. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

03-26-2011, 03:22 AM	#10
bamashooter V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: north alabama Posts: 55	Re: .223 powders I have used W748, IMR-4895 in the past. My go to .223 powder now is Tac. It gives me good velosity with heavier bullets and it burns clean. Its also a little cheaper than most powders here in my area so thats a plus.

03-26-2011, 08:00 AM	#11
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Re: .223 powders There are a lot of good powders for the 223. Many of them have been mentioned above. Couple of things to consider when selecting a powder. One is bullet weight, generally, lighter bullets do better with fast to medium burning powders and heavy bullets do better with medium to slow burning powders. This is of course not written in stone, but it is something to consider. Another is your reloading press and set-up. If you are going to weigh each change individually then powder design and shape will not matter. If you are going to use a powder measure or progressive then selecting a powder that meters well (consistent) in your set-up might make your selecting a little easier. Me, I like ball(spherical) powders for my 223 as I drop charge them with a powder measure. For light bullets (52-63gr) I like 2230/X-t, 748, and Tac. For heavier bullets I like Tac, 2520. Haven't tried 10X yet, but after reading Josh's post I will now.

03-26-2011, 08:07 AM	#12
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Re: .223 powders One more thing. You say you have primers and brass. Hopefully not Rem 6 1/2 primers as they should not be used in the 223/5.56. Is your brass new, or used. If it is used you may have crimped primers. This is no big deal, just something you have to deal with before you seat a new primer.

03-26-2011, 10:56 AM	#13
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: .223 powders AA-2230 was made just for the .223 & I think that's all i've ever used in this caliber. Meters really well & shoots clean & consistent.

03-26-2011, 10:59 PM	#15
Ace1911 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Antonio Posts: 90	Re: .223 powders I use a powder measure, from RCBS. I purchased some 10X & AA2230 today. Now just time to have some fun. Also, I dont currently have any crimped primer brass, right now I have some 1x fired (by me) federal and winchester brass, and some new LC 5.56 brass as well. I also use CCI primers.

03-27-2011, 07:40 AM	#16
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Re: .223 powders I would cull the Fed brass, It is very soft and has been known to cause issues if loaded more than a few times.

03-27-2011, 06:47 PM	#17
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: .223 powders +1 on the tossing the federal brass. IMO they are soft and heavy and really not fit to reload in the first place. I usually save all the fed brass I come accross to use for trading or selling to the scrap yard... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

03-27-2011, 09:34 PM	#18
American Leader Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,630	Re: .223 powders I use Varget and .55 gr. bullets, works well for me. I'll be trying some H-335 soon because I was able to get a deal on it. My understanding it has been a .223 standby?

03-27-2011, 10:26 PM	#19
gun-nut Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: ohio Contributor Posts: 931	Re: .223 powders I use 20.0grs. of IMR4198 with my 55gr. bullet for plinking fun. If i am off by a 1/2 gr. it still hits the bullseye. Its about the only powder i use for the 223. I have used Varget as well at 21.0 grs. that did well too. But for comp. shooting and for the V-Max bullets i use H335. __________________ Don't retreat just reload.

03-28-2011, 08:56 AM	#22
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: .223 powders When you load for precise target shooting with custom rifles you develop reloading techniques that tend to spill over into the less precise shooting you do. I weigh cases and bullets into exact weight groups. I do this because it elimnates flyers. I deburr flashholes because it makes ignition more even and consistent, which eliminates flyers. etc, etc, etc. Old habits die hard and loading with these techniques will have you tossing heavy cases in the scrap box and keeping light ones til you have enough to use as a batch. And yes, I do painstakingly take the time to deburr the flash holes on each and every case i reload, including .380s __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

04-01-2011, 09:46 PM	#24
bmg50doorgunner Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 8	Re: .223 powders I've used H335 and Varget to propel 69gr. out of a Colt M4, 1:9 twist, 16" barrel. I agree with Steve about the ease and consistency of dispensing ball powders, that's why I eventually grew to favor H335 over the extruded Varget for reloading .223 ammo. Keep in mind, the use of a comparator gauge to measure your chamber's free bore and determine the "sweet spot" of bullet seating depth is as important as your powder selection. Scoring 1/2" MOA all day. Good luck!