223 Powder Choice

[Longtrain]

Just put on a new Hart 223 1:12 twist barrel. This is the first 1:12 I’ve had as I mostly shot heavy bullets in other 223 1:8’s. I plan to use 52-55 grain bullets.

I picked up a pound of LT-32, what about N133, AA2015 or RE7, etc? Looking for easy and accurate metering from a powder measure. Any powder rise above the others in terms of accuracy, performance and barrel life?

 

[Dgd6mm]

Heck yes on the N133.

 

[padom]

N133 and 52 SMK and 55 SMK are stupid accurate in my .223.

 

[whatsupdoc]

N133 was designed for the 223

 

[NZ_Fclass]

All the above - and IMR8208, and with heavier pills H4895 and Varget.

 

[LVLAaron]

For the light stuff, Benchmark is an awesome powder

 

[243Lapua]

748 also works

 

[Bronsin]

AR-Comp, H4895, N133, N135, Benchmark.

 

[SSL]

I've had exceptional luck with both AA2200 and CFE223 within your stated 52-55 grain range as well as lighter (50 grain) and heavier (68 grain) bullets. As good a powder as AA2015 is, it still loses out to AA2200 in most weights.

 

[Toddmack]

Re7 is not good to use when throwing powder. I've only used it with a Hornady powder measure.

 

[6MMsteve]

RE 7,10,12, 1200varmint 2000 mr Alliant powders all good, 335 4895, 4198, benchmark, cf223,3031, 133,130,120, 530,,tac,

 

[JB10]

Im having real good luck with W748. I have had good results with other powders also, but this powder was around when others was not so i stocked up on it. There are many good powders out that will work. Id look at the ones you can get your hands on.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

Mainly are you using different powders between light and heavy bullets

 

[K22]

I have several 12" 223 Rem and they all shoot the 50 to 55 grain bullets exceptionally well with a variety of powders.

While I do not use the powders you mentioned, the 223 is fairly tolerant of a wide range of powders. Ones I have used with considerable success are Benchmark, H335, Varget, H 4895, IMR 4895.

As far as barrel life, unless you are blasting away in rapid firing sequence overheating the barrel, you should be able to get at least 5,000 rounds of varmint grade (1/2 to 5/8" moa) accuracy out of your rifle.

Currently, I am running H4895 with 50 and 55 gain Nosler BT's. When my supply of H4895 is exhausted, I will probably go to Varget or IMR 4985.

 

[Longtrain]

Thanks to all. I have shot 52’s XTC short lines with Varget, RE15 and the like, which like stated worked very well indeed.

I shoot 100 meter fun matches at our club each week, I have a few buddies that shoot very small groups for score with 52’s and various “bench” powders. So, besides chasing them each week, I like tuning my rifles for the best overall performance. So, I think the N133 is another powder along with the LT-32 to ring out.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Exterminator plays well with 50-55 gr bullets. Have Sierra BK loaded up for prairie dog.

 

[Plumsask]

Benchmark, H335, 8208XBR

Benchmark is no slouch

 

[spaniel]

I've had good luck with CFE223 in 50-60gr bullets, top velocities.

 

[William Vogel]

I’m using Ramshot TAC. I use heavier bullets. 75 grain ELD in an 8 twist 26 inch barrel with a long freebore. I’m using 24.3 grains with cci 250 primers Lapua brass and getting 2980 fps. My COL is 2.565.

 

[jpjulian]

H335 with 50 & 55 V-Max as well as the 55 Nosler Varmageddon. I've tried other powders but keep going back to 335.