What kind of powder?

[mattf87]

I realize this is probably commonly asked but I did a search and didn't come up with what I am looking for. I am starting reloading and am looking to do .308 and .223 for now. I am wondering if there is a powder that I can use that will work good with both of those calibers? What kind of powder is your guys' favorite for these calibers?

 

[jdman]

never loaded 308, but for 223 my favorites are BL-C(2), and varget.

 

[sniper762]

X2 on BLC-2 love it .

 

[Johnny_Zanni]

BL-C(2) and Varget forsure.

 

[sunray]

Your manual should tell you what powders are common to both. I'd suggest a Lyman manual anduse whatever powder is given for the accuracy load for the bullet weight you're using. Mind you, BL-C2, the 4895's, IMR4064 and Varget are well known .308 powders.

 

[maynard]

Varget works in both .308 pushing 155 gr bullets and .223 pushing 80 gr bullets.

 

[mattf87]

So by the sounds of it the BL-C2 or Varget would be good for both rounds.

 

[ehntr]

Use the Hodgdon website. You never did say what "rounds", you only gave us your cartridge size. The cartridge and weight of your bullet will dictate which powders. 4895/Varget covers a wide range of bullets in those cartridges.

 

[Shawn.]

Imr3031: A lot of ppl say that its an old powder and that their is better powder out there but the imr 3031 is good. Getting good grouping plus it burns real clean. We have a remington 700 , 26 inch barel 1 in 12 twis in a 308 caliber. I dont now if it would be good for 223.

 

[Stevebot-7]

I use IMR 4064 because I like that it has two 4s in the name.
Plus I was intentionally looking for a powder for both and it seemed to pop up the most times in the loading data and on the lists of what the stores had in stock at the time.

It goes bang when it's supposed to and puts holes where I point.

 

[mattf87]

I am thinking varget, or IMR 4895. Both seem to work and be recommended in my Lyman manual for those 2 calibers.

 

[beretta boy]

Hodgdon's H335 is also a good choice !

 

[danksranger]

Varget works good in a 223 for sure.
I have just tried the new powder CFE223 in my .223 and it seems to work good also. I am going to try it in my 308 also but have not loaded any yet.

 

[Boomer]

I prefer ball powder in small capacity rifle cartridges like the .223 and .308, so for me it would be Win 748, but H-335 is what I have on hand at the moment. When I load heavier bullets in the .308, I select to a slower burning powder like W-760/H-414. The idea of using a single powder for two cartridges is slightly flawed though; because powder is consumable, and because most powders are similarly priced regardless of burning rate,there is no saving by selecting only one type. In general terms a .223 will get about 270 rounds per pound vs 155 .308s; subject to the selection of bullet weight and powder choice for each cartridge. IMHO, choosing the best powder for each application produces the best results.

 

[SavageLapua]

CFE223 works AWESOME in my 22-250

SL

 

[Fassteel]

I have a great load with a 125gr Sierra with Win. 748, also useable in 223. FS

 

[savage.3006]

Look at Lapuas web site for vihitori powders I think that N140 will work great for both.

 

[79Jimmy]

Varget is a good one but good luck finding any.

 

[Ganderite]

My favourite powders in these two calibers are 4895, Varget, BLC2, RL15, N140, N150

 

[peacefrog]

+1 for Varget. Use it in my .223 match loads and .260 Rem match loads. Love it.