.223 powder ?

[schoots]

I have a .223 rem 700 with 1-8 twist 16" barrel , what
Powder should I start reloading with?Will be using 80 Sierra bullets.

 

[Kirk930]

I'm using Varget in my Tikka T3 Varmint in .223 with very good results.

Others will likley suggest RL-15.

 

[mmilne]

I have had success with Varget, RL-15, H4895 & N140

 

[roseau river rat]

i second VARGET

 

[Wissem70]

My goto is Benchmark and w748... Love the 223.

 

[redshooter]

With the 16" tube you might want a slightly faster powder than RL-15 or Varget. Powders in the middle of the ideal burn range for .223 such as H4895, IMR 4895, or H335. H322 might be perfect, it's listed in the Sierra manual, would have thought it too fast. Benchmark is in the same range also.

Powders like Varget, W-748, BL-C2 and RL 15 may not burn completely in the short barrel. If they don't they'll make a cool muzzle flash though.

It is a heavy bullet though so you may be good with the slower powders. If that is the case I'd go with Varget or W-748.

 

[KDX]

I've never tried Varget but I do like Benchmark and H335 for semi auto.

 

[smak_daddy]

Three clear choices with bullets that heavy:

#1 Vitiveria N-140
#2 RL-15
#3 Varget

 

[CanuckWR]

CFE223 or Varget. I'm using varget in a 20.75" with 80gn SMK's
.

 

[hometownhero]

Another one for varget

 

[Ganderite]

RL15 , N140 and N150 have given me best results.

 

[r106]

Varget here. I will note that i'm using it with a 70 gr bullet with a 26" barrel

 

[freedomintheskies]

Reloader 10, Varget, 4198, 748, BLC-2, H322, I have used them all with success and particularly like the 748 for economy... Best group was 19.5gr of 322 under a 55 gr FMJBT bullet. .
It measured right around 9/16" @ 200m out of my Ruger KM77 Mk II KMVT...16x Super Sniper scope and fired from a bipod...