Good Compromise

Cheepshot · September 19, 2007, 07:11 AM

Trying to buy just one powder, what is a good compromise to load both a .40 and a .223 for target shooting.

steve4102 · September 19, 2007, 08:14 AM

Have you looked in your loading manuals for a powder that works in both of these cartridges?

remshooter · September 19, 2007, 08:50 AM

I am a newbie but I don't think you are gonna find one.
ALWAYS check the loading books.

P-990 · September 19, 2007, 09:20 AM

You're gonna need two powders. Sorry, but that's just the way it is. Both cartridges have different pressure and burn-rate requirements. What works for a small-rifle round won't work for a service-caliber pistol round.

That said, for .223, if loading bullets <70gr, try Win 748. 69gr and heavier, Hodgdon's Varget works well, as will Alliant Reloder 15.

Never loaded .40, but I suspect Winchester 231 or WSF (Winchester Super Field) would be good places to start.

Sevens · September 19, 2007, 11:38 AM

You will be able to use the same powder for cartridges of similar dimensions and pressures. But these two rounds are from entirely different worlds.

Yellowfin · September 19, 2007, 04:04 PM

Maybe my memory is messed up but I seem to recall there was at least at one time a powder that works in both the .30-06 and the .45 ACP. .30-30 and .45 Colt also seems to somehow make sense.

BigJimP · September 19, 2007, 04:43 PM

I don't have a full reloading manual here in my office - only the small Hodgdon give away booklet - but I don't think you'll find a powder compatible with both rounds. Personally, I like Hodgdon Titegroup in my .40 S&W reloads - it's consistent and burns real clean ( and I use it in 9mm, .40. .45acp, .357 mag, .38 spl and .44 mag ) so it's a real versatile handgun powder.

I don't load any .223 anymore but the dominant powder used around here is either Hodgdon H4198 or H322 and I hear they drop very well and are both pretty clean burning.

I think you'll have to use 2 types of powder.

September 19, 2007, 07:11 AM	#1
Cheepshot Junior Member Join Date: September 18, 2007 Posts: 14	Good Compromise Trying to buy just one powder, what is a good compromise to load both a .40 and a .223 for target shooting.

September 19, 2007, 09:20 AM	#4
P-990 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2002 Location: SWNH Posts: 1,333	This one is easy You're gonna need two powders. Sorry, but that's just the way it is. Both cartridges have different pressure and burn-rate requirements. What works for a small-rifle round won't work for a service-caliber pistol round. That said, for .223, if loading bullets <70gr, try Win 748. 69gr and heavier, Hodgdon's Varget works well, as will Alliant Reloder 15. Never loaded .40, but I suspect Winchester 231 or WSF (Winchester Super Field) would be good places to start. __________________ NRA Master, Highpower Rifle, Across-the-Course NRA Expert, Highpower Rifle, Mid-Range Prone

September 19, 2007, 11:38 AM	#5
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,775	You will be able to use the same powder for cartridges of similar dimensions and pressures. But these two rounds are from entirely different worlds. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

September 19, 2007, 08:14 AM	#2
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,968	Have you looked in your loading manuals for a powder that works in both of these cartridges?

September 19, 2007, 08:50 AM	#3
remshooter Member Join Date: October 13, 2006 Location: NC Posts: 84	I am a newbie but I don't think you are gonna find one. ALWAYS check the loading books.

September 19, 2007, 04:04 PM	#6
Yellowfin Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2007 Location: Lancaster Co, PA Posts: 2,311	Maybe my memory is messed up but I seem to recall there was at least at one time a powder that works in both the .30-06 and the .45 ACP. .30-30 and .45 Colt also seems to somehow make sense.

September 19, 2007, 04:43 PM	#7
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I don't have a full reloading manual here in my office - only the small Hodgdon give away booklet - but I don't think you'll find a powder compatible with both rounds. Personally, I like Hodgdon Titegroup in my .40 S&W reloads - it's consistent and burns real clean ( and I use it in 9mm, .40. .45acp, .357 mag, .38 spl and .44 mag ) so it's a real versatile handgun powder. I don't load any .223 anymore but the dominant powder used around here is either Hodgdon H4198 or H322 and I hear they drop very well and are both pretty clean burning. I think you'll have to use 2 types of powder.