[moxie]

I recently got started on .223 and find W748 and RE-10X work great. 10X is more economical than 748 , needing only around 21 grs. vs. 26 for 748 for about the same velocity with 55 gr. FMJBT bullets. That's ~270 rounds a pound for 748, ~330 for 10X. Big difference. On the other hand, the 748 does meter better than the REs, being spherical rather than stick. But that "crunchiness" when measuring doesn't affect anything, even if it is esthetically irritating.

The only way to buy powder economically these days is in 5 lb. jugs, which are virtually impossible to find at local gun shops.

But, Powder Valley has the 5 pounders at great prices, ditto on primers. If you order a few 5 pounders of powder and a few thousand primers, even with the hazmat fee and shipping you will save gobs over the LGS. Check it out. I just got 5 lbs. RE-7 (going to give it a try, I think RE-15 is probably too slow for 55 gr.), 5 lbs. 10X, and 3000 CCI SRP for $293.25, shipped. That would have cost, at the cheapest LGS I can find, $351.85 plus $29 tax or ~$380. Big difference there too.