I am about to start reloading for my 223 and the array of powders that will work for this are staggering. Then I have a 308 and 30-06 I want to load as well. 150 and 165 for the 30cals and 55 and 60gr for the 223. I am trying to put a list together of 4 or 5 solid choices that may work for all 3 but will cover the bases neverthless. So far I have listed Varget, Reloader 22 and am considering H4895, IMR3031, H335, IMR4895. I am going to approach the shops around town and see what kind of a deal I can work but I figure I should have at least 4 or 5 choices to make it worth their while. Seems most of these are rated for all of the above. Your picks? Suggestions?
Another Noob! Powders?
- Thread starter bogie
- Start date
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- Location
- Old Man Land, AB
Are they all bolt guns?
Your powder choices will change with different actions.
(E)
Your powder choices will change with different actions.
(E)
My 5 choices would be 3031, H-414 or 335, IMR4350, IMR4895, & Varget for the calibers & bullet chosen!
223 & 308 generally take about the same powder-->I like H-414 or 335
the 30-06 needs a slightly slower powder-->IMR4350 with those bullet weights & if I was using heavier bullets I'd pick up a can of 4831.
All IMHO of course
223 & 308 generally take about the same powder-->I like H-414 or 335
the 30-06 needs a slightly slower powder-->IMR4350 with those bullet weights & if I was using heavier bullets I'd pick up a can of 4831.
All IMHO of course
.223Rem: try Benchmark or H332, maybe even H4198. I use Benchmark myself and best group out of my Tikka M595 HB Tactical Type - 0.191"/5 shots
.30-06/.308Win I will go with IMR4064 if you have patient. Varget is a good choice, H4895 as well. For some reason IMR4064 always works great in my .308Win, good accuracy.
- Location
- Vancouver Island BC
Consult several loading manuals and go with the powder that gives you the best accuracy load. Some of the manuals list which proved most accurate and may likely work in yours too. Being a new reloader you will likely go through the speed demon phase, then you will settle back and find that accuracy is better.
FYI I have a Speers, Nosler, and Barnes book about 1994 vintage. After looking at all the different powders listed for each and every friggin bullit I had a list a mile long. But I am starting to see a pattern and that is why I am here to see if the pattern I see comes up here. Looks like I was right. But all the same it is good to have input from people that have already been loading successfully. Thanks for all the help. How did we ever survive without this site?
The 99c 308 Savage I have is a 1965 vintage with probably less than a dozen rounds thru it and it is a tough mechanism. Fairly tight and very firm lockup. Not likely to be beaten up like a Winnie. More like a tank. Plan to shoot mostly 150 and 165 grain bullets in that. Already have a 180gr load worked up the 30-06 by a buddy with Reloader 22 so I can fall back on that. But I want to play too. Not thinking I have to baby either of them so not likely to back off powder for that reason. I plan to go slow and am looking for accuracy rather than speed. I read a lot of these forums chats. Slow and steady is the plan. And lots of shooting of course.
IMO you'll need 2 powders.
H332 or Benchmark in the 223
and 4895, or Varget in the 308 and 30'06
Ideally you should and could use 3 powders.
H332, or Benchmark (223)
4895 or Varget (308)
4350, 4831(30'06)
Too much diffrence from top to bottom to optomize on one powder, it might work but I doubt you'd be 100% satisifed accross the board.
H332 or Benchmark in the 223
and 4895, or Varget in the 308 and 30'06
Ideally you should and could use 3 powders.
H332, or Benchmark (223)
4895 or Varget (308)
4350, 4831(30'06)
Too much diffrence from top to bottom to optomize on one powder, it might work but I doubt you'd be 100% satisifed accross the board.
I see references to powders like 4895 and 4350 but there are 2 of each of these. IMR4895 and H4895 etc so which of the two are you referring to? FYI I see the nosler book says that H335 was the most accurate they tested for a 55gr bullet. That one for sure. I want accuracy and if it comes along then speed. From my reading I am told that powders like H4895 and IMR4895 are not necessarily interchangeable.
if you're running a semi 223 (like an AR), then you're restricted to mag-length loading. So, while RL15 is a great powder for a longer-range bolt gun, where you can use heavier bullets and load long (larger case capacity), it is terrible for an AR with 55gr fmjs. In that application, you would be better off with BL-C2 or H322 or the like - slightly faster powders.
Also, H4895 is dirty, which you want to avoid with gas operated guns. But it's great for bolt / lever / falling block guns, again with slightly longer OAL's on your finished rounds.
If you want to really play, get a copy of QuickLoad and see what works with various bullet weights and OAL's.
