Powder for 223 and 6.5

[mausermanbob]

I use Staball 6.5 in 6.5 CM as well as 22-250. I noticed on the Hodgdon data web site they now have data for this powder and the 77 grain SMK in 223

AccelaR8

I'm definitely going to check out Staball 6.5

Appreciate it

 

[TrapperBR549]

I haven't tried it in .223 but 8208xbr has worked well for me in two grendels, an AR and a Contender pistol.

 

[mausermanbob]

I use Gordon’s reloading tools software to help selecting combinations of powder and bullet for each of my rifles. It makes predictions for pressure and even optimal charge weight. Accuracy of these predictions can align with findings in the field but I really just use pressure prediction to attempt to be safe, as the optimal barrel time prediction gives me varying degrees of success. The most important thing it made me aware of was powder burnout before bullet exit of the muzzle. My choice of powder with a burnout before muzzle exit has lowered my ES and SD and gotten my group sizes tighter at long and short range. Is it for real? I don’t know for sure except I have experienced better results after using the software and with component changes, I waste WAY less stuff than relying on published min/max load data because COL, barrel length etc are never within my combination. I use TAC in 223 because the above mentioned results and I shoot 73, 75 and 80ELD bullets in modified throat barrels with long free bore and 1 degree 30 minute leade angle. 6.5 Creedmoor I use IMR 4350, Hybrid 100V, Ramshot Hunter and Big Game (different bullets). 308 is IMR 4895 and 6Dasher is VV n140 and Varget. I’ve got a lot more powder but it’s sitting on the shelf because after GRT, I learned they aren’t what I need. If you don’t have it, I suggest you download it and let it guide you. It’s not always right but it sure narrowed down my waste.

William I have a follow up question since using Gordon's reloading tool, and thought you might have an idea.
Support

I'm starting to do some detailed reloading.
I'm using Gordon Reloading software and it is good at telling me when the powder burns out in relationship to the barrel length.
Would you know if it is better for accuracy and precision if the powder burns out before leaving the barrel muzzle or after the barrel muzzle.
If the best time for the powder to burn out is before exiting the barrel approximately how long or how far from the end of the barrel would be optimal?
I know that this is theoretical but any advice or suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you William

Bob

 

[William Vogel]

William I have a follow up question since using Gordon's reloading tool, and thought you might have an idea.
Support

I'm starting to do some detailed reloading.
I'm using Gordon Reloading software and it is good at telling me when the powder burns out in relationship to the barrel length.
Would you know if it is better for accuracy and precision if the powder burns out before leaving the barrel muzzle or after the barrel muzzle.
If the best time for the powder to burn out is before exiting the barrel approximately how long or how far from the end of the barrel would be optimal?
I know that this is theoretical but any advice or suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you William

Bob

I believe the most important factor for consistency is to completely burn all the powder before the bullet exits the barrel. Probably the best case scenario would be for burnout to occur just as the bullet reaches the muzzle. I don’t think it’s worth betting on the software’s prediction to play that close to exit. I look for an efficient powder, that has pre exit burnout and maximum velocity within safe pressure. One of my accuracy loads is 223 rem, COL 2.565, 26 inch barrel, 8 twist, hornady 75 ELDM, 24.3 gr TAC. Use OBT to adjust MV to 2980. Look at the burnout and pressure.

 

[mausermanbob]

I believe the most important factor for consistency is to completely burn all the powder before the bullet exits the barrel. Probably the best case scenario would be for burnout to occur just as the bullet reaches the muzzle. I don’t think it’s worth betting on the software’s prediction to play that close to exit. I look for an efficient powder, that has pre exit burnout and maximum velocity within safe pressure. One of my accuracy loads is 223 rem, COL 2.565, 26 inch barrel, 8 twist, hornady 75 ELDM, 24.3 gr TAC. Use OBT to adjust MV to 2980. Look at the burnout and pressure.

I'm going to try your 223 with 75 grain bullets.
William, I'm still getting used to Gordon's although I've used it to load some 6.5 Creedmoor and they shot a 9 standard deviation.

 

[mausermanbob]

I'm going to try your 223 with 75 grain bullets.
William, I'm still getting used to Gordon's although I've used it to load some 6.5 Creedmoor and they shot a 9 standard deviation.

Do you think that the people that are left taking care of the site will keep updating the powders and the bullets and the guns?
I want to join their forum and perhaps they'll have some answers.
Thanks again William

 

[Zero333]

N-550 good for long freebore / COAL 80+ gr bullets in the 223rem...

and good up to 140 gr in the 6.5CM.

 

[SecondsCount]

I was going to suggest N540. Good success in 223 / 77 SMK, and 243 / 95 TMK loads. It may be decent in 6.5CM.

 

[mausermanbob]

N-550 good for long freebore / COAL 80+ gr bullets in the 223rem...

and good up to 140 gr in the 6.5CM.

Thanks Zero33

I made a note of N-550.
That's on my list.

Bob

 

[mausermanbob]

I was going to suggest N540. Good success in 223 / 77 SMK, and 243 / 95 TMK loads. It may be decent in 6.5CM.

I'll check out N540

Thanks SecondsCount

 

[Zero333]

If you choose to go with 6.5 StaBall, I recommend Magnum primers for sure.

 

[USMCDOC]

i have tried and used to great success in the 223 the following powders. Winchester 748, H4895, Varget, 2000MR last but not least, RL15.