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Old March 14, 2001, 10:32 PM   #1
Chad Young
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Now that I have accumulated a bunch of .223 brass, it is time for me to start reloading some .223 for practice and fun. I am seeking your advice on recommended powder/bullet combinations for cheap shooting. I currently reload .30 carbine and 8x57 Mauser. Powders for .223 that would also work well in cartridges like .308, 7.62x39, .30-30 and such would be good (I like having one powder be usable in multiple calibers).

Generally, these rounds would be fired in rifles with 1-9" twist and 16.5" barrels. Not seeking match accuracy, just good clean Mini-14 and AR-15 type fun.

Thanks in advance!

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Old March 14, 2001, 10:52 PM   #2
Troy
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You should consider picking up some AA2200 powder at http://www.natchezss.com as they are on sale for $39/8lbs! You have to add shipping and $17 HazMat, of course, but you can't beat that price anywhere. It's too fast for .308, but was designed for 7.62x39, and would work in 30-30 also.

Otherwise, try some surplus WC846 powder at http://www.wideners.com and others.

-Troy
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Old March 14, 2001, 11:14 PM   #3
PDshooter
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Thats easy!W748 or H-335. Small cases like Win,223 I like Ball powder.
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Old March 15, 2001, 12:51 AM   #4
WalterGAII
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Maybe 2200 is too fast for .308, but Accurate Arms has .308 load data on their website for the 2200. I use 2200 exclusively, now, for .223 loading. I used a lot of 335, before I started using the 2200. I'm getting the same accuracy with the 2200, but just use a little less powder.
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Old March 15, 2001, 03:59 AM   #5
Sub MOA
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I have found that Hodgdon Varget is quite versatile. Hodgdon has Varget loads listed for 17 Rem, 458 Win Mag, and just about everything in between. Will admit it seems a little fast for the big magnums, but for .30 cal and under I've been able to develop several successful loads with it. It burns very clean, shoots accurately, appears very temperature insensitive, and is pretty easy to work with for an extruded powder (small grains). It lists some impressive velocities although some of their max charges are compressed and are "easier said than done."

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Old March 15, 2001, 10:13 PM   #6
Abe Normal
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Ditto the AA2200, also have a look at AA2230 or AA2230-C. WC-846 is working very well in .223 and .308 but likely is too slow for 7.62X39.

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Old March 16, 2001, 02:21 AM   #7
AlbertaCanada
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I've tried Hogdon H-335,H-322 and 4198, with varying results. It works fine, however the loads tend to group high or low, unless the load pressures are somewhat close.Is this normal? Magnum primers with H-335 seemed to throw the brass alot further, as oposed to the same powder weight with a regular primer. I guess that makes sense though.
Open sight groups are about half the diameter as commercial loads on a 100 yd target.
Best of luck in your selection.
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Old March 16, 2001, 03:44 AM   #8
George Helser
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Chad,

I highly recommend WW748 ball powder for .223 in an AR15. WW748 gives low flash, high velocity and proper functioning. The AR15 was designed for ball powder.

If you are not using an AR15 or concerned about flash or velocity, there are lots of powders which will work fine.

Regards,
George
In sunny Arizona
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Old March 16, 2001, 10:01 AM   #9
JoeHatley
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Here are a few you may want to try...

http://www.realguns.com/loads/223r.htm

Good Luck...

Joe
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