Looking for a new .223 powder

With the massive temperature swings in Manitoba, I like powders that are stable. I've avoided any ball powder, and typically shoot Benchmark or 8208 depending on bullet weight. Both of these are fine grained stick and meter decent, I have a non-max load with a 69gr TMK that I load on a 550 that holds easy sub moa from an SLR at 600.

If you go with ball powder, do some testing in both hot and cold, but beware of working in the max range if the load is developed in colder temps and it gets hot. Even a heat soak in a hot chamber can cause a spike.
 
PGW Steve said:
With the massive temperature swings in Manitoba, I like powders that are stable. I've avoided any ball powder, and typically shoot Benchmark or 8208 depending on bullet weight. Both of these are fine grained stick and meter decent, I have a non-max load with a 69gr TMK that I load on a 550 that holds easy sub moa from an SLR at 600.

If you go with ball powder, do some testing in both hot and cold, but beware of working in the max range if the load is developed in colder temps and it gets hot. Even a heat soak in a hot chamber can cause a spike.
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This are pretty much my thoughts also. I use Benchmark and H4895 (depending on the bullet weight). Benchmark meters well, gives excellent accuracy, is temp. stable and the cleanest
powder I have ever used. H4895 is a super stable/ temp. insensitive powder, gives high velocities and also excellent accuracy although not as clean as Benchmark, it is also excellent for reduced loads if so required as in prolonged " gopher shooting". If a .223 will not perform will one of these 2 powders then there is something wrong with it, or the scope ( or your shooting). Ball powders are too temp sensitive for year round use in Manitoba, are too dirty and do not do anything accuracy wise that can not be done with Benchmark and H4895. 8208 is an excellent choice also.
 
3031 is an okay powder but because it is so "long" I find it does not meter worth a darn. Tried it in the .222 as well and shot okay, but found that H322 metered way way better and was more accurate.
 
CFE223 was my last go-to while I was still in the .223 game. That being said, prior to CFE, I loaded truckloads of W748 and was very impressed with the accuracy of loads with 55 grain - 60 grain bullets.
 
My AR likes CFE 223, works great (55 grain Campro).
My bolt gun (24” 1in8) prefers H4895 over Varget. I’m still finalizing my ocw and final load but the groups are way better with H4895 (75g ELD-Match).
 
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