Hodgdon "Benchmark" in .308 and .243?

S

Sharps '63

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
25   0   0
A local outlet is stocking "Benchmark" rifle powder.

Anyone had some experience with this powder in .308 and .243 loads?
 
In my experience Benchmark is a good choice for "light for caliber" bullets in both .243 and .308, but performance drops off when tou go beyond mid weight bullets... I would use it for bullets under 70 grains in .243 and under 150 grains in .308... which makes it a good choice for varmints and coyotes.
 
The label on "Benchmark" states 2752 fps in the .308 with 150 gr bullets/43 grs and 2630 fps with 168/42 grs. That's inline with what I'd expect with Varget or 4064 with both bullet weights. That's not too shabby.

I'm not interested in shooting anything lighter in my .308's, so I'll be giving it a go with "Benchmark". If the velocity is less than described, I'll live with it so long as the accuracy is there.
 
My .308 load is 42.5gr of Benchmark behind a 165gr Sierra GK. Set off with a CCI BR2 primer. To be honest i have never chrony it but willl be soon now that i have a chrony. Acuracy is about 1" @ 200 yards if i do my part and recoil compared to other powders seem mild.

Cheers
Josh
 
I've had great results with Benchmark in 308. I use it for my 150gr loads and some of my 168gr loads. I've never chronied any of them mind you. I've had 308 loads shooting a little under MoA in good conditions with Benchmark.
Not many people seem to use it as I managed to find it available all over the place even during the worst months of the shortages.
 
silverfoxdj said:
I acquired 4 lbs of Benchmark along with a order of Varget and was going to use it as a back up for 223 55gr bullets any thoughts?
Click to expand...

I would use it before Varget. You can keep the Varget as back up. In my experience the Benchmark will be faster. Accuracy will depend on your rifle of course.
 
silverfoxdj said:
I acquired 4 lbs of Benchmark along with a order of Varget and was going to use it as a back up for 223 55gr bullets any thoughts?
Click to expand...

I tested several powders for use in my 24" bull barrel target AR. Tried Win 748, IMR 3031, AA2230, AA2200, Benchmark and a couple others I can't remember. With 52 gr. Sierra Match Kings I got a 5 shot best group of .28" @ 100 yards. Every group I shot was under .5" so I'm guessing you'll be happy with it for 55 gr. bullets. The only caveat is that my barrel twist is 1:10. If yours is faster than that YMMV.
 
ted_dent said:
I tested several powders for use in my 24" bull barrel target AR. Tried Win 748, IMR 3031, AA2230, AA2200, Benchmark and a couple others I can't remember. With 52 gr. Sierra Match Kings I got a 5 shot best group of .28" @ 100 yards. Every group I shot was under .5" so I'm guessing you'll be happy with it for 55 gr. bullets. The only caveat is that my barrel twist is 1:10. If yours is faster than that YMMV.
Click to expand...

Benchmark out performs Varget in my 223 rifle with 1:9 twist all day. I've had good success with 24gr of Benchmark behind 55gr Berger match grade varmint FB projectiles. Past 60 gr and Varget gets closer in performance, surpassing Benchmark with the 69gr SMK's.
 
ted_dent said:
I tested several powders for use in my 24" bull barrel target AR. Tried Win 748, IMR 3031, AA2230, AA2200, Benchmark and a couple others I can't remember. With 52 gr. Sierra Match Kings I got a 5 shot best group of .28" @ 100 yards. Every group I shot was under .5" so I'm guessing you'll be happy with it for 55 gr. bullets. The only caveat is that my barrel twist is 1:10. If yours is faster than that YMMV.
Click to expand...

Many thanks guys
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom