AR Comp in a 222 Remington?

[fatelvis]

After repeatedly seeing AR Comp at the top of the velocity list on Quickload, and at reasonable pressure, I'm wondering if it is a viable choice with a Berger 52 FB match bullet. Has anybody tried this combo? Please share. Thanks!

 

[HawkI]

I know AR-Comp gets noted for being "similar to Reloder 15", but if you look at load data across the applications its used in, its VERY similar in burn rate AND powder charges to Hodgdon's Benchmark where both have data listed.

I've used Benchmark and AR-Comp in the 222 Magnum with 50gr. bullets. Loads and velocities in several rifles were about as identical as powder lot and powder makes can get. The Benchmark load actually used about 1/2 gr. more to get the same baseline velocity (3,500 fps.).
With 75 gr. bullets in the same cartridge, its no where near '15 in charge weight and top velocity.

I don't have QL, but I would check how Benchmark lines up with AR-Comp data; it might surprise you.

 

[B23]

Have you given any thought to using H322? It may be an older powder but a ton of that stuff has been used by benchrest shooters in the 222 over the years with exceptional results, both in velocity as well as accuracy.

 

[fatelvis]

Have you given any thought to using H322? It may be an older powder but a ton of that stuff has been used by benchrest shooters in the 222 over the years with exceptional results, both in velocity as well as accuracy.

Thanks for the responses guys...I am using H322 right now in competition, and it is working well. It is more accurate in my rifle than my last used powder, RL10X, but I do miss the decoppering agent of the 10X. It really did allow me to postpone cleaning my bore, allowing me to go about 4 matches or longer, before cleaning was needed. Cleaning my rifle isnt a big deal to me, but I don't like shooting unknown numbers of rounds through a clean barrel to achieve a stable bore condition. I've found that the copper really starts building up with the H322, and I've been cleaning after every match. To me the ARcomp SEEMS to have all the bases covered with the temp stability and copper control additive, thus my interest in it's capabilities.

 

[B23]

Maybe give CFE 223 a try, per QL it shows to be a top performer with regard to velocity and it's supposed to help with coppering build up.

 

[fatelvis]

Maybe give CFE 223 a try, per QL it shows to be a top performer with regard to velocity and it's supposed to help with coppering build up.

I tried it, and it worked well, but did not handle temp variances well. Seemed to only group well when it was cooler, in my rifle.