Reloading .223

Gunsforfun

Gunsforfun

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I just got my new Hornady progressive press all set up and plan on loading some .223 for my AR. I purchased some campro 55 grain that I plan to use. I have the shell plate but just missing a set of dies to get started. I still haven't purchased any powder and was wondering which powder would work best or is preferred for the .223. Just seems to lots out choices out there. Thanks
 
Also using WIN748
Having great results with the campro 55 grain pills

There are cheaper options in surplus powders for bulk reloading if you can find it and if shipping doesn't kill any possible savings

YMMV
Shoot straight - chrisco
 
chrisco said:
Also using WIN748
Having great results with the campro 55 grain pills

There are cheaper options in surplus powders for bulk reloading if you can find it and if shipping doesn't kill any possible savings

YMMV
Shoot straight - chrisco
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback. They suggest using 22.5grs to 25Grs with Win748 is that around what you are using?
 
Had good results with blc 2 and cfe223. I'm working with benchmark and nosler Ballistic with 4 through the same hole at 100with my axis. Lots of powders will work and look for 8 lbs. jugs to keep costs down
 
I use a Dillon XL650 with a budget reloader case feeder..

I have an extra, inexpensive die set and tool head in which I deprime an resize my lightly tumbled brass..

Then I trim with a power trimmer..and tumble to a shine

Then I actually reload using varget or benchrest or XBR8028
 
My powder preferences in order are:
Win 748 (good all around performance and meters well)
IMR 4198 (super accurate @19.1gr.)
CFE223 (great velocity/ pressure ratio)
BLC2 (was developed for the 5.56NATO round)
H335
H4895
You will notice that all of these powders are ball except for the H4895. In a small case like the .223, the ball powder takes up less volume and it meters well through a powder measure. I use several powder measures (Hornady, on my L&L AP, a Lee measure on my Lee 1000 progressive press and a stand alone Lee powder measure. Both Lee products have been upgraded from the disks to the micrometer insert.)
Contrary to the manuals recommending magnum primers for ball powder, I use either CCI Small rifle or Winchester small rifle primers. I have not had any problems with either.
I also trim my brass initially and then again when required. (I measure a few cases from each fired lot to see if they need a trim and if they check out, I don't bother trimming the whole batch) Even if you are well below max load, you WILL get pressure spikes if you shoot cases that are too long, as the brass in the neck area will interfere with the throat area of the chamber, so best to keep an eye on it. It's sort of like kinking a garden hose. When you let it go, the water comes out with more force for a second or two. Same applies with shooting a gun; except the fluid is the expanding propellant gasses.

Have fun and be safe.
 
I like WC 735 powder because it's cheap, but I suspect we have seen the last of it. I don't see it listed on Higginson's latest price list.
 
With 55 gr Hornady I am using H335 (23.5-25.0 gr depending on brass and primers), regular (sometimes magnum) CCI primers.
WC 735 works well too, 22-24 gr, I don't push it to the max.

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I'm using IMR 4064 in my initial test load using Campro 55gn FMJ @ 21.2 gn. I want to also try using the Hodgdon CFE 223.

I haven't used a powder thrower using this powder, as I am just using the lee powder dipper and using an RCBS trickler.
 
bobbynewmark said:
I use a Dillon XL650 with a budget reloader case feeder..

I have an extra, inexpensive die set and tool head in which I deprime an resize my lightly tumbled brass..

Then I trim with a power trimmer..and tumble to a shine

Then I actually reload using varget or benchrest or XBR8028
Click to expand...


^^^^ I'd use the above powders but with 55g bullets I'd use Benchmark first
 
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I'm currently working up loads for 55gr campro FMJBT, Hornady 50gr Vmax, Nosler 55gr Varmageddon, 55gr Speer TNT, and 50gr Barnes varmint grenades, all using fully prep'd once fired brass, Remington 7 1/2 primers, and Benchmark powder. If anyone has data for the 50gr varmint grenades please give me a shout haha
 
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