Best powder for .223/5.56

[Leo_B]

Back to my powder craziness and the newest thought. One pound each of 4 different powders (maybe 5 if not too expensive ones) rather than a 4# or 5# jug of one powder. Then I can try more variety and see which my gun prefers. Current candidates are in no particular order:
**TAC
*W748
*BL-C(2)
***H335
Benchmark
**H4895
AA2015
AA2230
* Either/or of the slow powders but not one of each or maybe not either, just in contention
*** Almost definitely one of the picks but not 100% absolute yet
** Strong contenders

 

[Leo_B]

Yes, the Sierra Match King is commonly referred to as the SMK, while the Tipped Match King as the TMK. Both Sierra offerings are available in different weights and diameters.

Another bit of info tat I did not know until just a few months ago, Barnes Bullets is also owned by Sierra. Which could be why the SMK and the Match Burner shoot so much alike.

Another little tidbit, Sierra Bullets is across the road from Starline Brass. Don't know if there's any affiliation or not.

 

[KMW 1954]

Of your list, I have shot a lot of Benchmark, TAC and some BL-C2 in the 223. Of the 3 I like Benchmark the best. The TAC I developed a very nice load for my gun and was going to use it in my Match load. It was developed in the spring when temps were in the 50/60's. Then over the summer when temps rose above 80* I started developing pressure problems and the load fell apart. The BL-C(2) I just never shot enough of it to get a good feel for it. But it did show promise.

 

[searcher]

searcher, are these AR platform rifles, bolt actions, or both?

7 rifles are A/R's, one bolt gun. The bolt gun is the one that favored Reloader 7, so half of my A/R's favored Accurate LT32. While my favored powders don't always provide the highest velocities, I strive for accuracy above all else as long as I'm getting acceptable velocity and good SD's. That is pretty easy to do, as I don't run my loads hot for ground squirrels. The twist rates on my varmint barrels runs from 1-12" down to 1-8", average tube is 1-9" (my favorite for the 50-60 grain). All barrels are heavy contour, minimum 24" - several at 26".

 

[Retired shooter]

And you can get H335 at WalMart!

Whaaaaaat, really. Will have to check that out.
Thank you.

 

[Leo_B]

Based on availability it looks like the store credit will be used for one pound each of Benchmark, H4895 and AA2015 plus a brick of Federal Gold Medal AR Small Rifle Match primers. Subject to great arguments or epiphanies otherwise between now and Monday morning.

 

[GetReal]

Varget works well for me. Whatta Hobby!

Shooting varget in 223 or 556 is wasteful. Varget is for serious shooting.

 

[NF1E]

Shooting varget in 223 or 556 is wasteful. Varget is for serious shooting.

 

[GetReal]

<pics>.

1" groups are nice. But not serious. 223 / 5.56 is not serious ... in ***MY*** world.

I get mad when My 6ARC semis arent 0.375 "

Thats just me. One guys opinion. If you disagree, Ignore me.

 

[Mark W]

1" groups are nice. But not serious. 223 / 5.56 is not serious ... in ***MY*** world.

I get mad when My 6ARC semis arent 0.375 "

Thats just me. One guys opinion. If you disagree, Ignore me.

You got it, bud.

 

[GetReal]

I try.... and I repeat TRY ... to approach matches like practice. I ***TRY *** not to get too much in the moment, in my head. Not worry about other shooters / witnesses / score for record.

As soon as I finish my follow through on one shot, I forget about it and focus entirely on the next shot. I tried to think of competitors as I think of other guys on other benches during my practice times.

 

[jelenko]

I try.... and I repeat TRY ... to approach matches like practice. I ***TRY *** not to get too much in the moment, in my head. Not worry about other shooters / witnesses / score for record.

As soon as I finish my follow through on one shot, I forget about it and focus entirely on the next shot. I tried to think of competitors as I think of other guys on other benches during my practice times.

You know it's working when you feel the same as at practice - relaxed but attentive.

 

[NF1E]

A note for anyone interested:
I only shoot for my own enjoyment. We all have our disciplines. 90% or more of what I shoot is prone with a bipod. It's all fun. At 77, I love the range in my yard. Only goes to 300, with most shooting 50 rimfire,then 100 and 150 for centerfire. I don't care to walk much further than that. Never shot off a concrete bench in my life. Leaving that to the bench boys. I shoot mostly the 1/4" 10 dot challenge at 100 yds and love it. Try it, you might like it.Whatta Hobby!

 

[GetReal]

A note for anyone interested:
I only shoot for my own enjoyment. We all have our disciplines. 90% or more of what I shoot is prone with a bipod.

Nice rifle / targets. Jealous of your home range!

Lemme re-word above:

Your targets are EXCELLENT targets.... FOR 223. I doubt many ppl could do better. Maybe a pro, sponsored shooter.

I say that cuz Ive owned near every configuration of 223 available and Ive never done better than 0.75 moa. Ive competed against some really good shooters. They really didnt do much better.

Its just that 223 has BC, wind drift, and other limitations no human can overcome. So I abandoned it for 6 ARC 6 Dasher and other calibers. Glad I did.

But your targets above are VERY good... all things considered. My apologies if I was a jerk b4.

 

[NF1E]

Nice rifle / targets. Jealous of your home range!

Lemme re-word above:

Your targets are EXCELLENT targets.... FOR 223. I doubt many ppl could do better. Maybe a pro, sponsored shooter.

I say that cuz Ive owned near every configuration of 223 available and Ive never done better than 0.75 moa. Ive competed against some really good shooters. They really didnt do much better.

Its just that 223 has BC, wind drift, and other limitations no human can overcome. So I abandoned it for 6 ARC 6 Dasher and other calibers. Glad I did.

But your targets above are VERY good... all things considered. My apologies if I was a jerk b4.

Thanks, I accept the responsibility for any misinterpretation of what I was showing. I did not make it clear that I am just a hobby shooter that likes keeping things under or as close to 1/4 moa as I can. I very much enjoy putting together Savage projects and a few happen to be in .223. Sometimes I shoot off my 3 legged table with a rest and rear bag. Whatta Hobby!

 

[GetReal]

Thanks... <snip>

The internet sucks.

As to the powder for 223, you can get good accuracy from powders other than varget.

And my suggestion to save varget for others Calibers is based on it's near total unavailability as of a year or two ago.

I got six pounds of Varget , and I would give up one of my kids before one of those bottles.

( I dont actually have any kids)

 

[NF1E]

The internet sucks.

As to the powder for 223, you can get good accuracy from powders other than varget.

And my suggestion to save varget for others Calibers is based on it's near total unavailability as of a year or two ago.

I got six pounds of Varget , and I would give up one of my kids before one of those bottles.

( I dont actually have any kids)

Powder Valley has had Varget. Got in a couple of 8.8# due in tomorrow.

 

[Leo_B]

Varget is on the rich side for my fixed budget, $55.95/$389.00 and confusing too. Some jugs labeled 8# and some 8.8#. But if I was going to shoot heavy it would be on the short list. For my 50-63gr. main intended use I guess a little too slow a powder.

 

[BHP9]

I got six pounds of Varget , and I would give up one of my kids before one of those bottles.

( I dont actually have any kids)

None that you are not telling us about! LOL.

 

[GetReal]

None that you are not telling us about! LOL.

The govt is always watching. if they found out Im selling my kids for powder....