Recommendation for versatile powder?

kodiakjack

kodiakjack

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Oh wisest of the wise! Bestow upon me your learnedness!

Hey guys. Looking for a powder that will give decent results across three cartridges: 308 (from 125gr to 200gr), 303 (from 123gr to 180gr), and 223 (from 35gr to 75gr).

I'm sure there are better powders suited to each, but it would be convenient (for the modest amount of shooting I do) to have just one type on hand that I can easily switch between cartridges.

Within those ranges, I see on the Hodgson site that varget, h4895, and 8208xbr fit the bill numbers wise, but are any of those "more gooder", as pappy says? Or are there others I'm missing? Varget seems to be pretty popular from what I can tell... are any a pita to find?

Thanks fellas.
 
And on another note, just for curiosity sake, does anyone have a link to a corner of the interwebz that would show a close up comparison of the granules of most commonly available powders? I hear these names and numbers thrown around, but as a newby it would be interesting to "put a name to the face" so to speak.
 
First off, I would recommend a good reloading manual. That way you can look at the calibres in question and find a tested powder that is common to all three. A lot will depend on bullet weight. Frequently, a lighter bullet will work better with a faster burning powder. Varget, for example, is mentioned for all three, as well as IMR 4895 as mentioned above.

Secondly, although there are perceptible differences in some types of powder (extruded vs spherical) , many look the same. Varget and IMR 4895 are very similar, for example. Best to go with what the label on the can says as it would be virtually impossible to eyeball a pile of powder and definitively identify it as one or another.
 
I use h4895 to reload quite a few different cases i also fire alot of cast bullets too and like to reduce the charges for that and h4895 has the (max load ×.6 = reduced load/cast load.) Rule going for it.

Ive used it in 308, 3006, 303b, 30-30 and 43 mauser cases.
 
So it looks like h335, h4895 and varget are the go-to powders... any quirks about either? Similar availability? Similar cost? Similar density?

I don't see 3031 data for 303 123gr, but maybe I'm just not digging enough.
 
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The only other one I would mention, is Win748. You can find load data for 303 british online, but not on the Hodgeon website.
And the only reason I mention 748 is because it's relatively easy to find, and easier on barrels long term.

If I were starting from a clean slate (ie: no powder at all) i'd go with Varget. Higginson has it in stock currently.
 
I'd suggest you buy the first you find of one of the 4895's, IMR4064 or Varget.

It's a pound of powder, not a house, so you can consider it the first powder you try, not something you're stuck with.
 
I have used win 748 because of versatility and ease of loading (ball). But recently have started using varget as it is way less temp sensitive. The 748 had great results but let it sit in a warm chamber for even a few seconds too long and it will change poi fairly drastically.
 
IMR4895, H4895, and IMR4064, W748, Varget, IMR4320, etc. You need one or two of those on your shelf anyway. You also need a good reloading manual, and preferably more than one so that you could form your own educated opinion, rather than relying on the opinions of others.
 
THE POWDER CHOICE THE BEST.
303 British testing in a P14 5 shot group 174gr SMK .668 "(with scope)
223 Rem 80.5 gr 5 shot group .165 " 5 shots
Rem 308 win 200 gr Bergers at 100y .121"
All using VARGET
I shoot Fclass and in the FTR class .308 & 223 95% of shooters use Varget in 223 or 308.
It is just the best powder out there for what you want.
 
FGR said:
I have used win 748 because of versatility and ease of loading (ball). But recently have started using varget as it is way less temp sensitive. The 748 had great results but let it sit in a warm chamber for even a few seconds too long and it will change poi fairly drastically.
Click to expand...

Good to know.
 
H335, H4895, IMR 4895, Varget, IMR 8208 (XBR) will all work.
H335 meters best but makes a lot of muzzle flash.
XBR is the next best metering powder but has no muzzle flash even out of my Noveske CQB with a Surefire brake.
 
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