AR 5.56x45 powders (prefered) ???

mjes92 · March 1, 2013, 01:36 PM

I have been reloading .223 / 5.56x45 for three years. (I know they are not exactly the same).

When I started reloading I went with Varget on a recommendation from a long time reloading friend. Shot well, just didn't care for how it metered.

Switched to Ramshot X-Terminator for three reasons. 1. It was cheaper 2. same velocity with less powder charge. 3. It said "clean burning" on the side of the can. (Main reason)

Currenttly trying CFE 223 only because of the recent reloading frennzy it was all that was available that day. And it said clean burning on the side of the can. I'm happy with it but not overly impressed.

Now, Ramshot TAC is available. Very similar reload data as X-Terminator. Considering going to a Ramshot TAC with hopes it is as clean and shoots as well as X-Terminator .

Is there a noticable difference between TAC and X-terminator ?????

Anyone out there with an opinion ? (Duh)

My AR really likes 24.4 grs X-terminator, 7-1/2 Rem primer, 55 gr Nosler BT.

mohr308 · March 1, 2013, 03:42 PM

I use H335, burns clean in my AR. Good accuracy with my 65gr SGK. I can fire 40 rounds and look down the barrel, and no residue.

Sport45 · March 2, 2013, 12:01 AM

I like X-Terminator in .444 Marlin and TAC in .223.

I haven't tried them the other way around so I can't comment on your question other than to say TAC is a very good powder for .223 with every bullet weight I've tried (up to 75gr).

But if your gun likes X-T, you like X-T, and you can get it, why change?

Hoggrydr11 · March 2, 2013, 12:21 AM

I have been reloading .223 for a long time myself and have used H335 and H322,but after reading the article in Hodgdons newest annual reloading Manual(magazine,that I found at my local Kroger store) I would switch to the new CFE 223 in a heartbeat. If I cleaned my gun and found out it does what it's supposed to do,that would be the only powder I would use,BUT....I've yet to find it here yet and will WAIT till it's readily available.

Boomer58cal · March 2, 2013, 10:47 PM

I like my 26 gn IMR 4895(53 gn V-max/z-max). Clean and one hole. But that's me. .223 seems to work well with about a dozen different powders depending on bullet weight. My .02

steve4102 · March 3, 2013, 08:51 AM

TAC is slower burning than X-T and works great with medium to heavy bullets. Not to say it won't work well with your 55gr bullets because it will, but it really shines with 60gr and up.

I have read that TAC has a copper fouling reducing/eliminating element like CFE as well, but I can't confirm that.

BTW, X-Terminator and AA2230 are identical powders.

chiefr · March 3, 2013, 09:16 AM

TAC, 335, & Varget are my stables for 223. If Xterminator works for you, keep using it.
The current shortage has caused many of us to use powders not normally used for the 223.
I have experimented with many different powders in 223 over the years and none of them give me the performance I get with TAC, 335, & Varget.

valleyforge.1777 · March 3, 2013, 11:43 AM

How about Win 748 and IMR 3031 ? The Lyman 49 manual recommends those two.

CrustyFN · March 3, 2013, 02:29 PM

My first choice in 223 with 55 and 62 grain bullets is H-335 and my second choice is W-748.

oldpapps · March 3, 2013, 02:57 PM

I'm going to speculate that you;
1) are unable to find '24.4 grs X-terminator, 7-1/2 Rem primer, 55 gr Nosler BT.' or part there of.
2) are hedging your bets by getting recommendations in case you have to look to other powder/s.

I prefer 748, then H-4895, then IMR 4895 (not that there is a great difference in the capabilities of the latter two).
I have used several other powders and of the ones listed above, I don't care for Varget, I think it puts out a lot of excess concussion. Only personnel observation on this.

I understand that the supply line is being fed. Components will return. Just think, all of those who only bought because of panic, will not be buying soon

Be safe,

OSOK

mjes92 · March 3, 2013, 10:24 PM

Oldpapps and others are right on target why I'm asking the question.......

I never had the Honor of being a military man, but I am a machine designer that firmly belives in having a plan "B". If you get yourself in trouble you better have a plan to get yourself out of it.

Thanks for you help.

Boomer58cal · March 3, 2013, 10:36 PM

The people that bought during the panic will not be buying after the panic...what? I was buying before the panic, I bought during the panic and when and if the panic stops I will just buy even more. But that's just me.

March 1, 2013, 01:36 PM	#1
mjes92 Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2013 Location: Land of 10,000 taxes Posts: 211	AR 5.56x45 powders (prefered) ??? I have been reloading .223 / 5.56x45 for three years. (I know they are not exactly the same). When I started reloading I went with Varget on a recommendation from a long time reloading friend. Shot well, just didn't care for how it metered. Switched to Ramshot X-Terminator for three reasons. 1. It was cheaper 2. same velocity with less powder charge. 3. It said "clean burning" on the side of the can. (Main reason) Currenttly trying CFE 223 only because of the recent reloading frennzy it was all that was available that day. And it said clean burning on the side of the can. I'm happy with it but not overly impressed. Now, Ramshot TAC is available. Very similar reload data as X-Terminator. Considering going to a Ramshot TAC with hopes it is as clean and shoots as well as X-Terminator . Is there a noticable difference between TAC and X-terminator ????? Anyone out there with an opinion ? (Duh) My AR really likes 24.4 grs X-terminator, 7-1/2 Rem primer, 55 gr Nosler BT. __________________ Dad !!! "It's only going to be perfect if you do it yourself." - my teenage daughter Dad !!! "I'm not scared" My Cancer fighting daughter." Cancer Sucks NRA - Life Member

March 1, 2013, 03:42 PM	#2
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	I use H335, burns clean in my AR. Good accuracy with my 65gr SGK. I can fire 40 rounds and look down the barrel, and no residue. __________________ Lock and load, the zombies (democrats) are coming (to take your guns)!

March 2, 2013, 12:01 AM	#3
Sport45 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 1999 Location: Too close to Houston Posts: 4,196	I like X-Terminator in .444 Marlin and TAC in .223. I haven't tried them the other way around so I can't comment on your question other than to say TAC is a very good powder for .223 with every bullet weight I've tried (up to 75gr). But if your gun likes X-T, you like X-T, and you can get it, why change? __________________ Proud member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. Registered and active voter.

March 2, 2013, 12:21 AM	#4
Hoggrydr11 Member Join Date: March 28, 2009 Location: Mid-GA Posts: 22	.223 reloads I have been reloading .223 for a long time myself and have used H335 and H322,but after reading the article in Hodgdons newest annual reloading Manual(magazine,that I found at my local Kroger store) I would switch to the new CFE 223 in a heartbeat. If I cleaned my gun and found out it does what it's supposed to do,that would be the only powder I would use,BUT....I've yet to find it here yet and will WAIT till it's readily available.

March 3, 2013, 02:29 PM	#9
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	My first choice in 223 with 55 and 62 grain bullets is H-335 and my second choice is W-748. __________________ I don't ever remember being absent minded.

March 2, 2013, 10:47 PM	#5
Boomer58cal Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2013 Location: closer than you think Posts: 967	I like my 26 gn IMR 4895(53 gn V-max/z-max). Clean and one hole. But that's me. .223 seems to work well with about a dozen different powders depending on bullet weight. My .02

March 3, 2013, 08:51 AM	#6
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,955	TAC is slower burning than X-T and works great with medium to heavy bullets. Not to say it won't work well with your 55gr bullets because it will, but it really shines with 60gr and up. I have read that TAC has a copper fouling reducing/eliminating element like CFE as well, but I can't confirm that. BTW, X-Terminator and AA2230 are identical powders.

March 3, 2013, 09:16 AM	#7
chiefr Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: AR Posts: 1,401	TAC, 335, & Varget are my stables for 223. If Xterminator works for you, keep using it. The current shortage has caused many of us to use powders not normally used for the 223. I have experimented with many different powders in 223 over the years and none of them give me the performance I get with TAC, 335, & Varget.

March 3, 2013, 11:43 AM	#8
valleyforge.1777 Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2011 Posts: 177	How about Win 748 and IMR 3031 ? The Lyman 49 manual recommends those two.

March 3, 2013, 02:57 PM	#10
oldpapps Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2011 Location: Middle America Posts: 518	I'm going to speculate that you; 1) are unable to find '24.4 grs X-terminator, 7-1/2 Rem primer, 55 gr Nosler BT.' or part there of. 2) are hedging your bets by getting recommendations in case you have to look to other powder/s. I prefer 748, then H-4895, then IMR 4895 (not that there is a great difference in the capabilities of the latter two). I have used several other powders and of the ones listed above, I don't care for Varget, I think it puts out a lot of excess concussion. Only personnel observation on this. I understand that the supply line is being fed. Components will return. Just think, all of those who only bought because of panic, will not be buying soon Be safe, OSOK

March 3, 2013, 10:24 PM	#11
mjes92 Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2013 Location: Land of 10,000 taxes Posts: 211	Oldpapps and others are right on target why I'm asking the question....... I never had the Honor of being a military man, but I am a machine designer that firmly belives in having a plan "B". If you get yourself in trouble you better have a plan to get yourself out of it. Thanks for you help. __________________ Dad !!! "It's only going to be perfect if you do it yourself." - my teenage daughter Dad !!! "I'm not scared" My Cancer fighting daughter." Cancer Sucks NRA - Life Member

March 3, 2013, 10:36 PM	#12
Boomer58cal Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2013 Location: closer than you think Posts: 967	The people that bought during the panic will not be buying after the panic...what? I was buying before the panic, I bought during the panic and when and if the panic stops I will just buy even more. But that's just me.