First powder
- Thread starter ShawnRich
- Start date
So you're starting with 223 Remington.. what else, if anything, do you plan to load for?
The reason I ask is that some powders are more versatile than others, and may give good results in several different cartridges.
Also some powders are more temperature stable than others, which is always a good thing. That information is available if you look.
And as has been mentioned, availability is often a wild card, especially now.
If you have a store you'd like to use for supplies, check their powder inventory and see what's available that will work in a 223 with other available components.
Plan on a couple of trips, the first is for recon.
Spur of the moment impulse buys when it comes to powder might leave you wishing you'd done more research first.
Be aware that powders with similar numeric designations, such as IMR 4895 and H4895 for example, are NOT the same thing.
The reason I ask is that some powders are more versatile than others, and may give good results in several different cartridges.
Also some powders are more temperature stable than others, which is always a good thing. That information is available if you look.
And as has been mentioned, availability is often a wild card, especially now.
If you have a store you'd like to use for supplies, check their powder inventory and see what's available that will work in a 223 with other available components.
Plan on a couple of trips, the first is for recon.
Spur of the moment impulse buys when it comes to powder might leave you wishing you'd done more research first.
Be aware that powders with similar numeric designations, such as IMR 4895 and H4895 for example, are NOT the same thing.
rifleman762
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
For 223 I'm REALLY liking 8208 XBR. I find it's as accurate as H4895 but runs through my powder measure much easier with its small grain size. H4895 is a powder you should always have on hand, though, so it's good to start with that. Many, many cartridges list H4895 and it's been accurate in everything I've tried it in! Plus you can use it for reduced-recoil loads (Google "H4895 reduced loads").
FYI, Canada Ammo sells powders that are made in the same batches as IMR powder that is supplied to ammunition manufacturers. The burn rate can vary more than canister-grade (reloading-spec) powders but if you work up a load with the lot number it's just as safe. The benefit is the price - $160 for 5 lb ($32/lb). It ships free if you buy minimum $200 worth of stuff from them; I usually buy 10 lbs of powder and call it good.
FYI, Canada Ammo sells powders that are made in the same batches as IMR powder that is supplied to ammunition manufacturers. The burn rate can vary more than canister-grade (reloading-spec) powders but if you work up a load with the lot number it's just as safe. The benefit is the price - $160 for 5 lb ($32/lb). It ships free if you buy minimum $200 worth of stuff from them; I usually buy 10 lbs of powder and call it good.
- Location
- Vancouver island, bc
Hi Shawn! I'd definitely recommend varget, temp stable powder is always nice.
