Is there a "one powder fits all" for the .223?

Mike Davies · September 28, 2002, 10:11 AM

Just wondering if anyone uses just one make/type of powder that works well with all weights of .223cal bullets for an AR-15. Is Reloader 10 one of these?

sricciardelli · September 28, 2002, 11:23 AM

If you are talking the full range of bullet weights, from 35 grains to 80 grains, no there isn't.

sleeping dog · September 28, 2002, 02:25 PM

I don't know about the lighter bullets, but Reloder 15 seems good for 55gr to 80gr (in my 1:8" twist, 20" barrel).

regards.

Skullboy · September 28, 2002, 04:31 PM

For 55gr to 69gr bullets in a 1 in 9", 11.5" barrelled Car-15, W748 or H-BLC2 works for me.I prefer the H-BLC2.HTH. Skullboy.

sleeping dog · September 28, 2002, 05:28 PM

I just picked up some Hodgdon H322 to try out. http://www.hodgdon.com has loads for it for bullets from 40gr to 80 gr.

My AR (1:8 barrel) can handle bullets 52gr to 80gr, any lighter and I get some "vanishing" bullets. Maybe they spin themselves apart.

Regards.

Swamp Yankee · September 28, 2002, 05:52 PM

I've used WW748, RE15, and Varget for loads with bullet weights from 52 grain to 69 grain. All were good loads for accuracy, Varget probably best with the Sierra 52 and 69 grain HPBT match bullets.
If I'm cranking out plinking ammo with inexpensive 55 grain FMJ WW 748 gets the nod as it's so easy to meter. These plinking loads will do 3/4 inch groups at 100 yards from the bench with my Bushy V-Match Carbine without a lot of effort on my part.
Take Care

benewton · September 28, 2002, 06:07 PM

Like W741.

It'll feed your M1A too, and you have to consider logistics sometime!

Gewehr98 · September 28, 2002, 06:09 PM

WW748, and H335 get my nod as an all-around powder for the .223 Remington. At least, for my 1-9" twist Colt HBAR, from 52 grain bullets up to the 68 grain versions.

Mike Davies · September 28, 2002, 06:44 PM

Thanks for the responses, guys!

I should have mentioned that my AR is a Bushmaster 20" HBAR with 1:9 twist.
It looks like Win748 is the closest to a "general service" powder that I have "in stock"....I've printed the recommendations, and will try some of the other powders out.

Rick R · September 28, 2002, 07:54 PM

I've been having good luck with surplus WC846 which loads like BL-C2 for the 40 - 69 gr bullets. For the really heavy bullets I use Varget.

hth

sierra338 · September 30, 2002, 05:01 AM

Actually, Accurate Arms 2230 or 2230C are as close to a "one size fits all" that I've found for the .223. Check their website. It can be used from 35 grains up to the heavy ones. I've only shot mid range weight bullets with 2230, but the accuracy has been good. It also seems the muzzle flash is milder with that powder than with factory loadings.

Ryan

Steve Smith · September 30, 2002, 08:46 AM

You will get some very good accuracy from RL-15, Varget, N135 and N140 with heaier bullets.

MADISON · September 30, 2002, 10:34 AM

My Ruger 77-MK-II has a 1-12 twist.
I use Winchester 748.
55 grain:
26.5 grains
21.5 grains
60 grain
25.0 grains

jtduncan · October 2, 2002, 10:41 PM

Like AA2200 myself as do some at GT and AR15.com.

cheygriz · October 4, 2002, 02:51 PM

I like H-335 best, with AAC# 2230 second. They work for me.

MADISON · October 5, 2002, 12:03 AM

I don't know if there one powder for all 223's.
Here are several Winchester 748 loads I use in two bolt action Rugers we have.
55 Grain bullet:
26.5 grains
21.5 grains in my Ultra-Lite
60 grain bullet
25.0 grains

caz223 · October 9, 2002, 07:26 AM

I use 4198 for light bullets, and H335 for heavy bullets.

Freedom in theSkies · October 10, 2002, 10:34 PM

BL/C2 Seems to be about the most adaptable powder for .223, but I also like H4198, for economy. - I know economy with a .223 should be a mute point, but when you reload 3000 or more rounds a year, you can save about 1/2 pound and the accuracy is great!

caz223 · October 11, 2002, 06:54 AM

Actually, with that twist, you prolly shouldn't shoot anything under 55 grains.

kdubya · October 11, 2002, 05:53 PM

My Ruger M77 MkII V/T is very fond of Varget and the 52 gr Speer bullet.

September 28, 2002, 10:11 AM	#1
Mike Davies Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 376	Is there a "one powder fits all" for the .223? Just wondering if anyone uses just one make/type of powder that works well with all weights of .223cal bullets for an AR-15. Is Reloader 10 one of these?

September 28, 2002, 11:23 AM	#2
sricciardelli Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: Montana Posts: 489	If you are talking the full range of bullet weights, from 35 grains to 80 grains, no there isn't. __________________ http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

September 28, 2002, 04:31 PM	#4
Skullboy Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2002 Location: Haney, B.C. Canada Posts: 104	For 55gr to 69gr bullets in a 1 in 9", 11.5" barrelled Car-15, W748 or H-BLC2 works for me.I prefer the H-BLC2.HTH. Skullboy. __________________ DAMAGE INC. CUSTOM CAMO. If They Call It Tourist Season, Why Can't We Shoot Them?

September 28, 2002, 06:09 PM	#8
Gewehr98 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2000 Location: Token Creek, WI Posts: 4,067	Couple come to mind. WW748, and H335 get my nod as an all-around powder for the .223 Remington. At least, for my 1-9" twist Colt HBAR, from 52 grain bullets up to the 68 grain versions. __________________ "Bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round... Neural Misfires

September 30, 2002, 05:01 AM	#11
sierra338 Junior Member Join Date: September 9, 2002 Location: Minnesota, USA Posts: 9	Actually, Accurate Arms 2230 or 2230C are as close to a "one size fits all" that I've found for the .223. Check their website. It can be used from 35 grains up to the heavy ones. I've only shot mid range weight bullets with 2230, but the accuracy has been good. It also seems the muzzle flash is milder with that powder than with factory loadings. Ryan __________________ There are those to whom knowledge is a weapon. Others to whom it is a shield. Neither is balanced. One is less unwise.

September 28, 2002, 02:25 PM	#3
sleeping dog Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2000 Location: MI Posts: 536	I don't know about the lighter bullets, but Reloder 15 seems good for 55gr to 80gr (in my 1:8" twist, 20" barrel). regards.

September 28, 2002, 05:28 PM	#5
sleeping dog Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2000 Location: MI Posts: 536	I just picked up some Hodgdon H322 to try out. http://www.hodgdon.com has loads for it for bullets from 40gr to 80 gr. My AR (1:8 barrel) can handle bullets 52gr to 80gr, any lighter and I get some "vanishing" bullets. Maybe they spin themselves apart. Regards.

September 28, 2002, 05:52 PM	#6
Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2000 Location: Northeastern Ct. Posts: 1,019	I've used WW748, RE15, and Varget for loads with bullet weights from 52 grain to 69 grain. All were good loads for accuracy, Varget probably best with the Sierra 52 and 69 grain HPBT match bullets. If I'm cranking out plinking ammo with inexpensive 55 grain FMJ WW 748 gets the nod as it's so easy to meter. These plinking loads will do 3/4 inch groups at 100 yards from the bench with my Bushy V-Match Carbine without a lot of effort on my part. Take Care

September 28, 2002, 06:07 PM	#7
benewton Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2002 Location: NH Posts: 253	Like W741. It'll feed your M1A too, and you have to consider logistics sometime!

September 28, 2002, 06:44 PM	#9
Mike Davies Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 376	Thanks for the responses, guys! I should have mentioned that my AR is a Bushmaster 20" HBAR with 1:9 twist. It looks like Win748 is the closest to a "general service" powder that I have "in stock"....I've printed the recommendations, and will try some of the other powders out.

September 28, 2002, 07:54 PM	#10
Rick R Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2002 Location: On top of a mountain in WV Posts: 102	I've been having good luck with surplus WC846 which loads like BL-C2 for the 40 - 69 gr bullets. For the really heavy bullets I use Varget. hth

September 30, 2002, 08:46 AM	#12
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	You will get some very good accuracy from RL-15, Varget, N135 and N140 with heaier bullets. __________________ Favor the X. Steve Smith NRA Life Member

September 30, 2002, 10:34 AM	#13
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	Is there a "one powder fits all" for the .223? My Ruger 77-MK-II has a 1-12 twist. I use Winchester 748. 55 grain: 26.5 grains 21.5 grains 60 grain 25.0 grains

October 2, 2002, 10:41 PM	#14
jtduncan Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 1999 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Posts: 1,686	Like AA2200 myself as do some at GT and AR15.com. __________________ The Seattle SharpShooter Reloaded .223 Rem, 9mm, 40SW, 357 SIG, 10mm, 44 Mag, 45 ACP Today?

October 4, 2002, 02:51 PM	#15
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,289	I like H-335 best, with AAC# 2230 second. They work for me. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.

October 5, 2002, 12:03 AM	#16
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	Is there a "one powder fits all" for the .223? I don't know if there one powder for all 223's. Here are several Winchester 748 loads I use in two bolt action Rugers we have. 55 Grain bullet: 26.5 grains 21.5 grains in my Ultra-Lite 60 grain bullet 25.0 grains

October 9, 2002, 07:26 AM	#17
caz223 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,429	I use 4198 for light bullets, and H335 for heavy bullets. __________________ I'm not just a gun. I'm YOUR gun. (Hold me.)

October 10, 2002, 10:34 PM	#18
Freedom in theSkies Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2001 Location: The "Nice Dictatorship" of Canada Posts: 250	BL/C2 Seems to be about the most adaptable powder for .223, but I also like H4198, for economy. - I know economy with a .223 should be a mute point, but when you reload 3000 or more rounds a year, you can save about 1/2 pound and the accuracy is great! __________________ Live in peace... But defend it...Embrace it... But never take it for granted...

October 11, 2002, 06:54 AM	#19
caz223 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,429	Actually, with that twist, you prolly shouldn't shoot anything under 55 grains. __________________ I'm not just a gun. I'm YOUR gun. (Hold me.)

October 11, 2002, 05:53 PM	#20
kdubya Member Join Date: September 24, 2002 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 62	My Ruger M77 MkII V/T is very fond of Varget and the 52 gr Speer bullet. __________________ Keep off the Ridgeline