Powder Recommendation Requested

[azredhawk44]

Hi, all.

I reload all my rifle calibers, and have in my stable right now:
.308
.30-30
7.62x54R

I've used H335, Reloder15, H4895 and IMR4895 in the past, predominantly settling on IMR4895 since I bought an 8lb jug from wideners that last me my first year or so with my M1A. I've probably used 14 pounds total of IMR4895, and then 2-3 pounds of each of the others above while experimenting.

I just bought 2 pounds of AA2520 to try. It was $15 a pound rather than $20 for IMR4895, so I figured I'd give it a go. Bottle says it is safe for gas systems on M14/M1 rifles. If it works well, I'd like to look into 8lb purchases. If it doesn't work well... I can always use it exclusively for x54R until it's gone. No big deal.

Have yet to try Varget, which seems to get very good comments here.

I am about ready to "pull the trigger" on the purchase of an AR-15 upper to complete my AR build, but I want to have some ammunition ready first for when the rifle is finished.

My first 20 rounds will be with a box of 55gr FMJ factory ammunition, but I am very confident in my ability to load for autoloading rifles after my experience with my M1A. I have 200 of the Midway "Dogtown" 55gr SP bullets coming, and a basic set of Lee dies as well.

Given the 3 calibers above and the addition of .223 to my reloader's bench, what powder do you recommend for an AR-style .223?

Please keep in mind that I like to buy in bulk for value, and I would be very pleased if I can use the same powder for .223 that I use for my existing cartridge selection.

[UniversalFrost]

I use IMR 4895 for just about all my rifle loads. It is a really versatile powder and provides really good results on evey caliber I load it for. Varget is good too, but only keep a pound or so around and use for some speciality loads.

JOE

[firewrench044]

Try the Varget

for me Varget works better in 223 than 4895 and is less temp. sensitive
it is also very good in 308 and 7.62X54R ( have not reloaded 30-30 )

[The Lovemaster]

Varget's good stuff in my 30-06, but I don't have a .223 (yet) in which to try it.

[yodarkritch]

Accurate powders have anumber of species at various speeds that are surplus as low as $64 per 8 lb

Natchez and Wideners occasionally have their Data 2200 2200C and other surplus varieties

do check them out, you will be pleased

yodar

[Scorch]

I load WW 748, but my shooting partner load H335, and he shoots it pretty well. At the matches, I talk to a lot of guys who also load H335. I would go with that one, if I were in the same situation.

[MaineColt]

I really like IMR3031, ESPECIALLY in my Bushmaster .223.

The nice thing about 3031 in loading .223 is it fills the case without having to compress the charge. No chance of double charging those.

VERY accurate for me.

Kev

[scsov509]

I load 30-30, 308, and 223 and Varget and H335 are the two powders I prefer. Both give excellent results, but H335 does meter better. I was also noticing in my loading manuals that 748 looks to produce pretty good velocities in all those calibers, so probably any of these would work well.

[115scott]

I went to Varget in all my varmint loads 223,220 Swift, 25-06 and 30-06 and love the accuracy.

[castnblast]

1+ to varget, and you may also add benchmark to the list...Will work great in the 223 and 308. It is micro fine, but is a true extruded powder. It meters like ball powder, and is increadibly fast and accurate.