What Powder for a SMK 69gr HPBT?

[Gargoyle]

Varget, Varget, Varget! That's if you can find it.

What good does that do the OP? OP has a more than adequate list of powders, but you tell him to seek one of the most in demand powders. I can understand if you offered up some help with what he listed and a "BTW, if you come across Varget, try it."

OP: If you can't find a good load with those powders listed then your barrel don't like 69gr SMK. Lol

 

[sparky123321]

What good does that do the OP? OP has a more than adequate list of powders, but you tell him to seek one of the most in demand powders. I can understand if you offered up some help with what he listed and a "BTW, if you come across Varget, try it."

OP: If you can't find a good load with those powders listed then your barrel don't like 69gr SMK. Lol

Over the decades I've been reloading, I found 69gr SMK's over a compressed load of Varget the most consistent and accurate load in numerous AR platforms and bolt action rifles(over a dozen total). My brother and my shooting buddy would say the exact same thing. That's over 80 years of combined reloading experience, so I stand by my post.

Varget is readily available on Gunbroker BTW. Not cheap, but nothing is these days.

 

[B Nettesheim]

H322 shootin tiny in my setups

 

[Gargoyle]

Hi Guys,

I am pretty new to reloading and have just picked up some SMK 69gr HPBT's.

I am running an AR with a WOA 18" SPR 223 Wylde barrel with a 1:8 twist.

I have a selection of powder and was wondering what you guys think the most suitable powder would be from the below list.

Ramshot TAC
Ramshot X-Terminator
IMR 4320
BLC(2)
H335
H322

Thanks

I'd also suggest a Hornady load manual. You won't blow your face off with any of their max charge listings. You can get a lot of info off Sierra's phone app too.

 

[GetReal]

I'm running CFE 223, about 1 - 1.2" groups @ 100 yd with a 6x scope with a bone stock AR15, but I suck with a gas gun. Mine's more of a CQB setup, with a 6x and a Holosun (dual optic)

No personal expereince with your specific list, I've heard alot of ppl use BLC(2)

Mostly, I wanted to "temper" expectations with most any gas gun.

I had a setup very similar to yours, and best I ever got was about 0.80" @ 100 yd. But...like I say.... I suck w/ a gas gun.

 

[SecondsCount]

Varget, Varget, Varget! That's if you can find it.

Not saying you are wrong but Varget has been so hard to get for so long that I don't even try it anymore. You can get great results from other powders but for some reason people push the stuff like it is the golden magic powder.

 

[Woofie]

I will add yet another vote for Ramshot TAC. If you see some 8-pounders, buy a couple though, as I imaging the Belgian manufacturer will be busy filling orders for ammo to re-stock the German military, who, apparently, have decided that actually having ammunition for their rifles might be a good thing.

I think of TAC as a spherical H4895. Versatile and accurate.

BTW, since someone had to bring up temperature stability, attached from Ramshot:

 

[Gargoyle]

Over the decades I've been reloading, I found 69gr SMK's over a compressed load of Varget the most consistent and accurate load in numerous AR platforms and bolt action rifles(over a dozen total). My brother and my shooting buddy would say the exact same thing. That's over 80 years of combined reloading experience, so I stand by my post.

Varget is readily available on Gunbroker BTW. Not cheap, but nothing is these days.

You are still irrelevant to the thread.

 

[mac86951]

This is a hot button for me also. I think some people seem to just respond to the last post.
I've decided to stop trying to correct poster on this. At best, I think it's like trying to piss up a rope. Worst case, pissing into the wind.

Well, at least it may be a lower cost way to learn how to read the wind.

+1 to h322

 

[JDBraddy]

Hi Guys,

I am pretty new to reloading and have just picked up some SMK 69gr HPBT's.

I am running an AR with a WOA 18" SPR 223 Wylde barrel with a 1:8 twist.

I have a selection of powder and was wondering what you guys think the most suitable powder would be from the below list.

Ramshot TAC
Ramshot X-Terminator
IMR 4320
BLC(2)
H335
H322

Thanks

Tac - (23-24gr)
X-Terminator - (22-23gr)
IMR 4320 - (23-24.5gr)
BLC(2) - (24-26gr)
H-335 - (22-24gr)
H-322 - (21-23gr)
Tac and BLC(2) would probably be the best choices from what you have, Varget and RL-15 would be ideal, I shoot the 77gr SMK's now, but I have shot cleans using 69gr SMK's and 22gr H-322. from a 1:8 twist in a CLE, A-2 upper. it will probably shoot best around 2.24 - 2.25" OAL.

 

[joshb]

I have multiple 223 bolt guns and ARs. I buy H335 by the 8 pound jugs. I’ve used a lot of Blc-2 also. They meter well for reloading plinking ammo in the ARs. Careful use of your powder measure can produce consistent loads within .1 grains with ball powders. Find a midweight load that works and you have a safety factor for the charge spread.

 

[BlackGrouper]

TAC, CCI 450 primer with a crimp using the Lee Factory crimp die is what I use. Work up a load using Ramshots data for charge weight, keeping in mind hot weather use may spike pressures so stay with the most accurate load that isn't at the high end.