Benchmark and 223 heavy loads

[mattt]

Just realized I had 6 lbs of benchmark in the back of powder locker that I bought a couple years ago. I had used some in my leverguns and some light 223 loads but never had great luck. Has anyone used this stuff in 223 with 75 ,80,82 loads? I have a 1in 7 30" that I was thinking of tying it it. thanks

 

[SpencerC]

Worked for me using 80SMK's and 80 Berger VLD's. I can't locate my data on it so I couldn't tell you what loads I had, it shot good though. It is a fast powder for the weight so work it up accordingly.

 

[kelbro]

Worked great for me up to 55gr bullets. Not so well with 69s. May have to revisit it with 77s or 80s.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

Varget would be a much better choice. Benchmark would work much better with lighter bullets say 40's and 50's esp in a 22-250.

 

[tenring]

Varget is better. However, for heavy .223 bullets, take a look at the new Alliant 2000MR.

 

[Nutjob]

I have a 1 in 9 Savage heavy barrel that shoots the Moly coated 75 amax into bugholes with Benchmark. The velocity has been impressive enough that I might only use Benchmark in the .223 with 40-75gr bullets. I can't remember the powder charge weight off the top of my head, sorry.

I would give it a try.

 

[RonAKA]

Hodgdon lists data up to 80 grain SMK's for Benchmark in a .223. See this link:

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

 

[minnesota]

What kind of rifle you shooting? Also what brand,make and weight of bullets/ charge of powder where you using? I have had excellent results with benchmark with 50 grain projectiles. They shoot better than varget and can meter better in my progressive.

 

[Killshot]

What kind of rifle you shooting? Also what brand,make and weight of bullets/ charge of powder where you using? I have had excellent results with benchmark with 50 grain projectiles. They shoot better than varget and can meter better in my progressive.

mattt has a Savage 12F for F/TR so he's not looking for anything under 75gr. The 80/82s are for Berger BT, guessing the 75s are Amax. He's got a long throat in it, too.

 

[mattt]

Well I loaded up some 80 a/max wich I havent been able to get to shoot out of this rifle. I went with 22.5 grains benchmark. If this works I will be amazed as I have tried 2 other powders varget and xbr 8208 from 2600 to 3000 fps and nothing has worked with these 80 a/max. My rifle will shoot any other bullet from a 55 grain to 82 but not the 80 a/max . The only reason I keep trying with it is I have 500 of them and I like a challenge.I have a ammo can full of old 223 loads from other rifles some neck sized some not all kinds of different powders , I can reach in there and grab 5 random rounds and they will group better then the 80 a/max at 100 yards out of this savage cant figuire it out ??? Maybe this benchmark will work today ;D

 

[usmc1986]

In AR's I've had good luck with Benchmark and 77gr SMK's. 21.1gr