New .223 Bolt gun powder choices 69 or 77gr

[JackWagon]

I am putting together a 223 bolt gun as I could not pass up the clearance deal on a Shilen alternut barrel for the Howa 1500 at 249.99 and free shipping. My 6mm BR has worked out great to say the least.

In looking at powders looks like Varget, RL15, N140 possibly Precision (which I have ton of) But I wanted to check with the crew to see if my thinking of out of line. The action is out being trued up and with the free Hazmat at Midsouth I wanted to take advantage of it.

I already have Varget and a small amount of RL15 but if VV will work better I am all in as I want to get away from Hodge greed.

 

[Longtrain]

In looking at powders looks like Varget, RL15, N140 possibly Precision

The first three you mention will work, there are others of course. Shot RE-15 for years XTC under those bullets. It just works, don’t go crazy, those burn rate powders are right on the money.

 

[SKWERLZ]

My favorite for those bullets is 8208XBR but bolt guns usually allow a longer OAL and case capacity so varget and N140 become good options.

 

[Rob01]

Varget, 8208 and N135 will work but N140 should also. Never used RL15. I load 75 ELD-Ms.

 

[qldreloader]

There are 4 .223s in my safe and all of them shoot great with Varget and bullets over 69grains. I haven't even had to do much load development with any of them. Just work up to safe pressure and seat to mag length. It seems to be a combination that just works.

 

[karrarararararar]

All of the powders listed work well

 

[JackWagon]

Thank you gents, these days I can't afford to just run out and buy powders to try out and "hope they work"

 

[Jeff Porter]

H4895 and 8208 are my favorites followed by Varget and RE-15

 

[Old Navy]

What twist is your new barrel?

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Now our season is coming to an end, one of the tasks in mind is to develop more loads for the 223. With the uncertain supplies of the usual powders - my usual is AR2208/Varget - I will do some testing with IMR8208 , Benchmark and if can find some AR2206H/H4895. Vihtavouri powder are too expensive and sporadic in NZ and Re15 is unobtanium (I actually found some RE17 recently, and may have to build a new rifle to use it). I have never seen AR Comp ofna shelf here at all.

One rumour is that 8208 is used for 223 military ammo in Australia - I have no official confirmation, as the Thales website offers an AR2210 as a military powder, that does not "exist" in civvy canisters.

Other unicorn powders I would like to test - StaBall Match, Power Pro Varmint, and If I can locate any IMR4064. I will be testing with 77g Sierra and 80.5 Bregers and for target/varmint loads with 69g, as I have quite a few.

 

[Homerange]

Now our season is coming to an end, one of the tasks in mind is to develop more loads for the 223. With the uncertain supplies of the usual powders - my usual is AR2208/Varget - I will do some testing with IMR8208 , Benchmark and if can find some AR2206H/H4895. Vihtavouri powder are too expensive and sporadic in NZ and Re15 is unobtanium (I actually found some RE17 recently, and may have to build a new rifle to use it). I have never seen AR Comp ofna shelf here at all.

One rumour is that 8208 is used for 223 military ammo in Australia - I have no official confirmation, as the Thales website offers an AR2210 as a military powder, that does not "exist" in civvy canisters.

Other unicorn powders I would like to test - StaBall Match, Power Pro Varmint, and If I can locate any IMR4064. I will be testing with 77g Sierra and 80.5 Bregers and for target/varmint loads with 69g, as I have quite a few.

I have some Bench Mark 8208 you are welcome to try. Bring a container next time you visit.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

I have some Bench Mark 8208 you are welcome to try. Bring a container next time you visit.

Thank you sir, be in touch soon

 

[Laurie]

http://www.targetshooter.co.uk/?p=3811

(Lovex S062 is Shooters World 'Precision' in the US.)

http://www.targetshooter.co.uk/?p=3856

VarGet alternatives in 223 (long-throat) with the 77SMK seated out.

The first of two parts on H4895 in this combination and REACH-compliant alternatives will be 'up' soon.

 

[Homerange]

Thank you sir, be in touch soon

I need say for 50gr 8208 I couldn't find good performance even with a full case however with heavier pills 8208 could well be useful but for now sticking with the faster AR2207.

 

[SecondsCount]

My experience is that these shoot well-

H4895
VV N140
8208XBR
RL15 - very good with the 69

Ball powders
TAC
2000 MR
A good friend likes CFE223 with the 77

 

[Laurie]

The first of two parts on H4895 in this combination and REACH-compliant alternatives will be 'up' soon.

Actually, now up

http://www.targetshooter.co.uk/?p=3934

 

[JackWagon]

What twist is your new barrel?

It's a 1-8, 26"

This is my first foray in to the heavy 223. My other two are both 1-12 so I have always stuck with 52, 53gr and N133 which is like pixie dust in those weights.

 

[Doom]

I have used 8208 for 52/53 grain match bullets but have switched to N135 and find it to work well. I would expect it to work well with the 69. I would stay away from 2000MR as it is too slow and will have a lot of unburnt powder leaving the muzzle.

 

[Rob01]

8208 works great with the 75 ELD-Ms and a buddy uses N135 with his 75 ELD loads and it works great also. I bought some N135 as I couldn't find any 8208 so looking forward to trying it out.

 

[jthor]

Varget worked well for me and 85.5 bergers. Doing a powder test with Shooters World Precision today though.