Powder recommendation for .223 Rem?

[Jim_B]

I'm looking to load up some match grade .223 rounds,or as close as I can get to match grade). I've got an AR with a DPMS upper, 1 in 9 twist and a .223 chamber. It seems like Vihtavuori N-133 or N-140 would work well, but both of those powders seem to be as scarce as hen's teeth.

Any suggestions for what powder would work well? Ramshot, Hodgdon, Accurate, IMR and the other commonly available powders are what I'm looking at. Cost isn't really an issue. Accuracy is the goal.

I usually use Hornady bullets,68 and 75 grain HPBT).

TIA.

 

[memilanuk]

N140, Varget, H4895, Win748, TAC, RE-15, AA2460, AA2520 all have their proponents. Some good loading info here:

http://whiteoakprecision.com/info-reloading.htm

 

[USAPatriot]

My most accurate load was with IMR3031...but it was also a Rem700VS not an AR. At 100yds the 5 shot group measured .107. -Rod-

 

[Archermike]

My most accurate load was with IMR3031...but it was also a Rem700VS not an AR. At 100yds the 5 shot group measured .107. -Rod-

With what gr bullet? I have a Rem700 VSSF I'm going to start working up a load for it. I kind-of want to shoot a 50gr bullet.

 

[USAPatriot]

It was a 52gr Berger. I'm looking the load up...25.0g IMR3031, CCI400 primers and Lapua brass. -Rod-

 

[Jim_B]

With what gr bullet? I have a Rem700 VSSF I'm going to start working up a load for it. I kind-of want to shoot a 50gr bullet.

I've got a Remington 700VS,as well as the AR) and the Remington really seems to like the Hornady 40 grain V-Max bullets. It will shoot about 1/2 MOA with quality ammo,Hornady factory loaded) and me doing my part.

 

[Jim_B]

It was a 52gr Berger. I'm looking the load up...25.0g IMR3031, CCI400 primers and Lapua brass. -Rod-

Rod,

Any overpressure problems with that load? The IMR/Hodgdon web site list a max load for a 53 grain bullet,a Sierra was what they had listed) as 24.5 grains. This would be a compressed load.

The next lightest bullet listed was a 50 grain Speer; the max load for that was 25.0,not compressed).

 

[USAPatriot]

No, no overpressure. Temp was about the 70's IIRC AND the altitude was right around 7500 feet in Ramah Colorado. I don't recall it being compressed offhand but if it was it was only slightly so. None of my loads have ever been more than just 'slightly so'. On a slug as short as the 52 that would mean, to my eye, that the powder was not more than 1/2 way up the neck. -Rod-

 

[USAPatriot]

Looking back a few months prior, I also did a load up with 25.5gr of IMR3031 using 40gr Noslers and that was not more than 'slightly' compressed either. My case length is 1.750. -Rod-

 

[Jim_B]

No, no overpressure. Temp was about the 70's IIRC AND the altitude was right around 7500 feet in Ramah Colorado. I don't recall it being compressed offhand but if it was it was only slightly so. None of my loads have ever been more than just 'slightly so'. On a slug as short as the 52 that would mean, to my eye, that the powder was not more than 1/2 way up the neck. -Rod-

Thanks, Rod - that's great info.

 

[USAPatriot]

Glad to help. I still think 3031 is one of the best powders around. I've got some loaded up for my 6BR but haven't fired them yet. -Rod-

 

[amamnn]

I've had good results with H335 and a 69 grain Sierra MK. I also don't live anywhere near a Vihtavuori dealer, but I'm glad now, as the H335 actually does better in my AR than the Finnish powder.