.223: Best powder for 50gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets?

DaveInPA · December 12, 2008, 08:12 AM

I have some 50gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet and I'm wondering what a good powder choice would be. They will be fired through an AR-15 with a 16" bull barrel, 1:9" twist.

I have BL(C)-2 on hand, but I can't find ANY data for this bullet and powder combination.

If anyone has the Nosler manual, what powders are listed, and what COL is listed for this bullet?

Thanks for any help
Dave

10 Spot Terminator · December 12, 2008, 10:45 AM

Noslers load data wont be of much help as they used a slower 1 in 12 twist rate barell for there tests. Typically there are a few powders that accell on lighter bullets for the faster twist barrels . My newest favorite is AA2230 and followed closely by H322 . For 55gr pills I move up to H335and for the 60gr or heavier I go to Varget. You can get load data on line for the Hodgdon powders by using Hodgdon reload data as your search subject. Alliants data leaves a lot to be desired as they list one "recipie" for each bullet and no other data at all. They show 24.2gr of RL10 and a WSR primer and wont say if this is a max load or what but do have the standard warning on their intro page to reduce loads by 10% and work up. You get no idea what they used in the way of a barell for their data, the starting or max load data or anything. They make good powders and want you to buy the book . On the AA2230 the start load is 23.0gr up to 26.5gr and my 1 in 8 twist Tikka likes 58.5gr behind 52gr pills and may give you some insight if you opt to use this powder. Good luck ! 10 SPOT

Loader9 · December 12, 2008, 11:40 AM

Loading data for the 223 with a 50 gr bullet and BL(C)-2 from the Lee manual:
26.0 grs= 3208'ps. Max load 28.0 grs = 3428'ps, pressure 49800lbs.

I've found AA2230 to work great in a 223 with bullets to 55 grs. Burns clean and great accuracy.

Crosswire3 · December 12, 2008, 12:26 PM

I've had great luck with Vargtet

December 12, 2008, 08:12 AM	#1
DaveInPA Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Berks County, PA Posts: 1,106	.223: Best powder for 50gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets? I have some 50gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet and I'm wondering what a good powder choice would be. They will be fired through an AR-15 with a 16" bull barrel, 1:9" twist. I have BL(C)-2 on hand, but I can't find ANY data for this bullet and powder combination. If anyone has the Nosler manual, what powders are listed, and what COL is listed for this bullet? Thanks for any help Dave Last edited by DaveInPA; December 12, 2008 at 08:43 AM.

December 12, 2008, 10:45 AM	#2
10 Spot Terminator Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2008 Location: Central Oregon Posts: 348	Noslers load data wont be of much help as they used a slower 1 in 12 twist rate barell for there tests. Typically there are a few powders that accell on lighter bullets for the faster twist barrels . My newest favorite is AA2230 and followed closely by H322 . For 55gr pills I move up to H335and for the 60gr or heavier I go to Varget. You can get load data on line for the Hodgdon powders by using Hodgdon reload data as your search subject. Alliants data leaves a lot to be desired as they list one "recipie" for each bullet and no other data at all. They show 24.2gr of RL10 and a WSR primer and wont say if this is a max load or what but do have the standard warning on their intro page to reduce loads by 10% and work up. You get no idea what they used in the way of a barell for their data, the starting or max load data or anything. They make good powders and want you to buy the book . On the AA2230 the start load is 23.0gr up to 26.5gr and my 1 in 8 twist Tikka likes 58.5gr behind 52gr pills and may give you some insight if you opt to use this powder. Good luck ! 10 SPOT

December 12, 2008, 11:40 AM	#3
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	Loading data for the 223 with a 50 gr bullet and BL(C)-2 from the Lee manual: 26.0 grs= 3208'ps. Max load 28.0 grs = 3428'ps, pressure 49800lbs. I've found AA2230 to work great in a 223 with bullets to 55 grs. Burns clean and great accuracy.

December 12, 2008, 12:26 PM	#4
Crosswire3 Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Posts: 49	I've had great luck with Vargtet