What .223 powder?

jw29650 · June 21, 2002, 12:33 PM

I am new to reloading the .223. I will be using the ammo in a Bushmaster AR for plinking and target practice to 100 yds. I plan to use 55 gr FMJ bullets. What is a good powder and charge to use for this load? I have heard Win 748 has temperature problems. I am in the sunny south and there are days in the 90's that I will be shooting. Your input is appreciated!

sricciardelli · June 21, 2002, 01:07 PM

You named the best powder...

W-748 From 22.7 grains to 30.0 grains with Remington 7-1/2 primer.

BigG · June 21, 2002, 01:41 PM

IMR 4198 is good too.

Steve Smith · June 21, 2002, 01:51 PM

IMR 4895 is available from www.hi-techammo.com for unbeatable prices. For 100 yard shooting it cannot be beaten.

cheygriz · June 21, 2002, 03:53 PM

H335 and BLC2 from Hodgdon, 2230 from Accurate Arms, 4895 from IMR or Hodgden, and W-W 748. I've used all of these over the years with excellent results.

H335 from Hodgdon, however, is my all time favorite for the .223.

Northwest Cajun · June 21, 2002, 08:31 PM

jw29650,
I use Hodgon Varget in my Bushmaster, you will over fill the case before you start getting pressure signs.( using 62gr bullets)
It's very versitle too. I use it in .223,308,30-06 and 45-70 all with acceptable results. under an inch @ 100yds using GI pulled bullets from Hitech.

Cajun

Swamp Yankee · June 22, 2002, 08:31 AM

Best results group wise with 55 grain tips from my Bushmaster V-Match carbine have been with Reloder 15 and Varget. Neither one is great though the powder measure, WW748 is the best metering powder I've used for the .223.
Varget and Reloder 15 loads shoot excellent groups with the heavier 68 / 69 grain bullets if you want to experiment.
Take Care

ms1200 · June 22, 2002, 08:42 AM

my .223 likes h322.

Jamie Young · June 23, 2002, 05:58 PM

I use WC844 and get 2 MOA with a Mini 14

MADISON · June 24, 2002, 10:09 AM

I have 3 loads for two 223 Remmingtons we owne:
55 grain bullet...Win.-748...
26.5 grains
21.5 grains [Thin Ruger ULTRA-LITE barrel].
60 grain bullet...Win.-748...
25.0 grains
No two guns will shoot the same load so, try them and see what happens.

June 21, 2002, 12:33 PM	#1
jw29650 Member Join Date: September 28, 2001 Location: Greer, SC Posts: 19	What .223 powder? I am new to reloading the .223. I will be using the ammo in a Bushmaster AR for plinking and target practice to 100 yds. I plan to use 55 gr FMJ bullets. What is a good powder and charge to use for this load? I have heard Win 748 has temperature problems. I am in the sunny south and there are days in the 90's that I will be shooting. Your input is appreciated!

June 21, 2002, 01:07 PM	#2
sricciardelli Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: Montana Posts: 489	You named the best powder... W-748 From 22.7 grains to 30.0 grains with Remington 7-1/2 primer. __________________ http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

June 21, 2002, 01:41 PM	#3
BigG Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,260	IMR 4198 is good too. __________________ o "The Earth is degenerating today. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer obey their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching." Assyrian tablet, c. 2800 BC o "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." Mark Twain o "They have gun control in Cuba. They have universal health care in Cuba. So why do they want to come here?" Paul Harvey o TODAY WE CARVE OUT OUR OWN OMENS! Leonidas, Thermopylae, 480 BC

June 21, 2002, 01:51 PM	#4
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	IMR 4895 is available from www.hi-techammo.com for unbeatable prices. For 100 yard shooting it cannot be beaten. __________________ Favor the X. Steve Smith NRA Life Member

June 21, 2002, 03:53 PM	#5
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,232	H335 and BLC2 from Hodgdon, 2230 from Accurate Arms, 4895 from IMR or Hodgden, and W-W 748. I've used all of these over the years with excellent results. H335 from Hodgdon, however, is my all time favorite for the .223. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.

June 21, 2002, 08:31 PM	#6
Northwest Cajun Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 1999 Location: Spanaway Wa. &Lafayette La,(Cajun Country) Posts: 189	jw29650, I use Hodgon Varget in my Bushmaster, you will over fill the case before you start getting pressure signs.( using 62gr bullets) It's very versitle too. I use it in .223,308,30-06 and 45-70 all with acceptable results. under an inch @ 100yds using GI pulled bullets from Hitech. Cajun __________________ Laizzes Les Bon Temps Rouler!

June 22, 2002, 08:31 AM	#7
Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2000 Location: Northeastern Ct. Posts: 1,013	Best results group wise with 55 grain tips from my Bushmaster V-Match carbine have been with Reloder 15 and Varget. Neither one is great though the powder measure, WW748 is the best metering powder I've used for the .223. Varget and Reloder 15 loads shoot excellent groups with the heavier 68 / 69 grain bullets if you want to experiment. Take Care

June 22, 2002, 08:42 AM	#8
ms1200 Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2002 Posts: 133	my .223 likes h322.

June 23, 2002, 05:58 PM	#9
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	I use WC844 and get 2 MOA with a Mini 14 __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

June 24, 2002, 10:09 AM	#10
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	What I shoot in my 223's I have 3 loads for two 223 Remmingtons we owne: 55 grain bullet...Win.-748... 26.5 grains 21.5 grains [Thin Ruger ULTRA-LITE barrel]. 60 grain bullet...Win.-748... 25.0 grains No two guns will shoot the same load so, try them and see what happens. Last edited by MADISON; June 26, 2002 at 10:36 AM.