.223 Powders

[jhe888]

What powder do you like in .223 Remington for accuracy? Accuracy, and not maximum velocity is my goal, although of course, I still want reasonable velocity. I will be using, I think, the 50 grain V-max, and other 50 grain bullets.

 

[foxhunter223]

I have had great success in my SAKO 223 L461 with what you know as Benchmark and Varget. With the Benchmark I use Remigton 71/2 and Varget PMC Russian primers in the red box. But I use 55 gn projectiles exclusively.
Pete

 

[steveyrock]

never seen a 223 that didn't like H-335 but any powder in that burning rate will do well.

 

[NeilNE]

Second steveyrock

 

[gaintwist]

My fullbore 223 prone gun with 1-7 Krieger likes Varget and 80gr Bergers. Can't offer much advice of slow twist loads.
-lige

 

[ReedG]

Hi JHE:

I think the .223 will probably shoot well with the widest variety of powders of any caliber. I have had excellent accuracy in 1:9 and 1:12 twist barrels of several different .223s with Varget, Benchmark, H322, BL-C,2), W748 and AA2230C. In my testing, the most accurate factory bullets are 40-gr. V-Max, 50-gr. V-Max, 55-gr. V-Max and Sierra 53-gr. Match HP, regardless of twist. If I had to choose just one powder I would flip a coin between Varget and BL-C,2). Varget tends to fill cases full with the lighter bullets unless you use IMI or Win. brass. Lots of people use magnum primers with these powders, but in a case as small as the .223 I don't see the need and have never used anything but CCI 400 or BR4,don't waste your money on "match" primers, they're no better).

Try lots of powders, try different seating depths, and enjoy the .223 ... it's a great round.

 

[jhe888]

Thanks for the words.

I've been shooting the .223 for years, but I am new to reloading for it. I formerly shot only a short barreled AR15, but I now have a Tikka Varmiter in .223, so I thought rolling my own would be worthwhile. I have loaded straight wall cases for years, but never bottlenecked cartridges.

 

[halfmile]

If it doesn't shoot 748 it needs to be fixed. I am now using an Accurate Data powder,2200) because I can get to 3800 FPS with 40 grain pills. Anyone wishing to sell some let me know.

I used 748 for years with Hornady 50 and 55 SX bullets, very explosive combination.

HM

 

[jb1000br]

27gn benchmark + LC brass + 50vmax + 3450fps = dead critters!

 

[tenring]

Mine is a Savage 12FV; I like the 80 gr. Sierra MK, have been using 25.0 gr. Varget w/CCI BR4,etc. It has shot well, but the other day I loaded max loads from the book: H4895; H335; VV133 and H322. Three shot groups. None could beat the above Varget load, which produced a .178 group. But that is not a fluke; 5 shot groups with that load have been running near .225.

 

[wc872]

Alliant 10X has worked extremely well for me with 52-53gr. bullets in a 1:9 twist.

 

[jhe888]

How does Reloder 7 do in .223? There are some loads for it, although it looks like it might be a bit too quick burning. I have some Reloder 7 for 45-70, so I was curious how useful it might also be for .223 in addition to the powders that seem to be the favorites.

 

[Travelor]

It is very hard to beat H4895 - 25.5 grains and a 52 gr. Sierra MatchKing with Federal 205M primer - in all the .223's I've used it in.

 

[AckleymanII]

The 223 is without a doubt one of the most versitile cartridges ever made when it comes to getting extreme accuracy from a number of different components. Like one fellow said, "if it won't shoot 748, there is probably something wrong with it" is absolutely true. Lots of people shoot Varget, I had rather eat a rat than shoot Varget...it is one of the hardest powders to get to meter in my BR-30 to a spread with in 0.5g.

I have had several total custom 223's built with min spec match reamers, hart bbls, and McMillen stocks set with 2 oz triggers and B & L 12-32x scopes. I got great accuracy with Benchmark with the 50's at 3450 fps.

I also got great accuracy with AA2230 with the 50's, but lot to lot variations is a big swing in burning rate...some slow...some very fast.

At the urging of some fellow board members on the Go Go Varmint Board, I tried N-133...HOLY COW! First time to the range I shot as well as my buddy that was shooting his 6 PPC. I was getting groups in the 2's with 50g ballistic tips at 3600 fps. Then I tried the N-135 with the 55's and I got the same accuracy at 3500 fps. Next we put out the MINI clay pigeons at 400 yards and I ran 30 straight without missing.

There are a couple of things about using the 133 & 135, their accuracy node is at the top end of the pressure curve. You need to use either IMI brass or Lapua to take the pressure without having to full length size the brass. Also, you will need to use 7 1/2's or CCI BR-4's to take the pressure due their thicker cups.

In summary, if I want to shoot the 50's at 3450, I will either use 748 or benchmark. If I am wanting to get the full potential out of my 223, I will use n-133 with the 50's at 3600 or the 135 with the 55's at 3500.

Good luck