223???

[Kevin R.]

I know this has probably been on here before but I couldn't find anything on it.

I just started loading for the 223 and because there is so many choices for powder I though I would ask here. I would like a powder that has good consistency from warm to cold weather. I would like to use V-Max or Nosler BT in 55gr and keep the FPS at about 3250-3300. I have shot allot of coyotes with the factory loaded 55gr V-Max with good results and they at 3240fps. I had just thought the Noslers would be easier to seat as they are boat tail??
My thoughts for powder are, Benchmark,BLC-2,H-335 and maybe Win748 but I have heard it's a dirty powder??. Varget seems to be to hard for me to get around here??

Any thoughts would help. Thanks.

Kevin.

 

[rembolt]

The hodgdon extreme line of powders are the powders that are least senitive to tempature changes.have a look on there site.

 

[saskcop]

Ramshot TAC may also fit the bill here.

 

[Farlsincharge]

I have had good luck with Benchmark in other peoples guns. mine do not like it however. I don't have any data with me right now, but I believe in the bolt guns 25 gr of benchmark was giving me around 3250 with a 55gr spbt.
If you can't get Varget, I would definitely try some benchmark. H335 is great as well, but not an extreme powder and is more sensitive to temp changes.

 

[notsorichguy]

I like varget in my .223, but I almost exclusivley use Benchmark now as I get just a hair smaller groups with it.

My current 'go to' load is 25.5gr of benchmark pushing a 50gr Nosler BT @ 3120 fps. My .223 has a 20" barrel, so you should see about 3200 fps pushing a 55gr bullet from a 24" barrel.

Cheers!

 

[Breaker61]

Varget

 

[wcat]

H-4895

 

[saskcop]

H4895 is a great powder that is very versatile, but it is a stick powder which can slow down the reloading process. I do find it to be incredibly accurate in the .223 and very temperature insensitive. It is thee powder in reloading for the M14.

 

[twig_40]

I don't know if it is temperature sensitive or not but I like Win 748, I don't think its dirty? it is a ball powder that meters awesome. I shoot lots of gophers and haven't had problems with it. I use hornady v-max 55 gr. I would have to go look at my records for how much I use, but I really like it. Haven't bought anything else since.

 

[bobsonofbob]

I use 748 and have never had any problems, mostly 55 fmj rounds in various cases and all perform well. Velocity is slightly lower than you want in my case, but it is an accurate load.

 

[Jeromeo]

My current 'go to' load is 25.5gr of benchmark pushing a 50gr Nosler BT @ 3120 fps. My .223 has a 20" barrel, so you should see about 3200 fps pushing a 55gr bullet from a 24" barrel.

This is my exact load. Using both the Nosler BT and 50 gr v-max. Same POI. GROUP amazingly well out of my .223. I have a longer barrel though.

 

[Hi-Standard]

Hodgdon BL-C(2). Deadly accurate in 223. I don't know if it's temperature sensitive though.

 

[Winnipeg Toymaker]

i have used 25 gr. Varget to push my 69 gr. Sierra SMKs with phenominal results.. But get great grouping with IMR 3031 for both the 55gr FMJs and 62 gr Match. Both of the latter have groupings 1/2 the size than normal by crimping them. I shoot my 12BVSS in all temps ( +30 and -30) and see no definite difference in performance.

 

[CROWCA]

Throw the gun away and get something with a little more stopping power!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[todbartell]

25.6 grs Benchmark behind a 55gr Nosler BT did 3250 fps in my 22" brl m700 I had. Good coyote load

Throw the gun away and get something with a little more stopping power!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you obviously have not shot many coyotes with a 223

 

[Winnipeg Toymaker]

.223 is for fun shooting....if I need to stop something, I will use my .270, 30-06 or 45-70.

 

[CROWCA]

It was a little Humor sorry I have offended the 223 crowd,you guys are a serious bunch.

 

[bassman]

Benchmark for me as well, with 50 gr Blitzkings. Fantastic on coyotes.

 

[Cinch]

Varget seems to be in abundance around here lately (if you can stomach the $40 price tag) but as an alternative I would look at either RL-15 or TAC.

 

[heavyBullet]

(if you can stomach the $40 price tag)

I just paid $27/lb don't worry, with our dollar being so close to par I am sure your supplier will lower his price on his next order.