223 powder questions

[G19G26]

Join Date
Apr 2008
Posts
64
223 powder questions
I know it's a bad time to start reloading something new, but...
Starting to reload .223. Looking for suggestions on a powder that I might find available for 55 gr bullets.
Also looking for suggested load data. Want a load for accuracy, not just stuff to go boom.

Yes, I do know powder is hard to come by.

 

[sugarcreekbrass]

I used CFE 223. Seems to work well with my 55 gr plated.

 

[Elcardo]

Just finished a pound of h322 seemed to run pretty good, not particularly dirty or anything like that

Fyi I dont load 223 for long range so cant say anything about accuracy or ballistics
I load it with whatever cheap bulk bullets I can get (usually 55grn) and for those I just hit em with a 1.6 scoop (not a popular option I know) or if I'm doing larger batch I set my disk up to drop 23grn

 

[red_zr24x4]

Now is not the time to be picky about what powder to use. Make a list of all the powder that will work for .223 and keep it handy while shopping.
As to a recommended load, I would suggest doing a ladder test to see what your gun likes, then playing with the charge in ._ increments to find that node.
When you settle on the charge weight play with the seating depth to really dial it in. just remember that Magazine length will limit your OAL

 

[tenring]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_propellant#Hodgdon

 

[Fixer]

I have been using H335 with great results. CFE 223 would also be a good powder. I prefer ball or flake/disc powders as they meter better with the auto disc or drum powder measures vs the stick powders like IMR 2350 or Varget.

 

[blkrifle]

25grns Accurate2230

 

[bstewrat3]

My recommendation is to buy a reloading manual or several and see what they recommend. I started with Speer and am glad I quickly bought several others, because some of their loads at the time were significantly hotter than the others. I very rarely trust just one source. My preferred powder in 223 is W748.

 

[Fixer]

Depending what powder brands you like here are 2 online sources that are free.
Hodgdon Reloading Data Center
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle
Accurate Reloading Data
http://www.accuratepowder.com/load-data/

 

[SALJER]

Join Date
Apr 2008
Posts
64
223 powder questions
I know it's a bad time to start reloading something new, but...
Starting to reload .223. Looking for suggestions on a powder that I might find available for 55 gr bullets.
Also looking for suggested load data. Want a load for accuracy, not just stuff to go boom.

Yes, I do know powder is hard to come by.

 

[SALJER]

There are so many great powders for 55 gr bullets. It all depends on what 55 gr bullet your rifle likes, not just the powder. Varget works good for me but others at my range swear by a dozen different powders. No simple answers to your question. The Lyman book marks their most accurate loads as does Sierra book, if your rifle meets their spec's. Happy testing.

 

[Trapper Jim]

Join Date
Apr 2008
Posts
64
223 powder questions
I know it's a bad time to start reloading something new, but...
Starting to reload .223. Looking for suggestions on a powder that I might find available for 55 gr bullets.
Also looking for suggested load data. Want a load for accuracy, not just stuff to go boom.

Yes, I do know powder is hard to come by.

Save your money and go with the bread and butter Winchester 748. When you can outshoot this or your barrel explodes because of copper build up, then you can spend some money on novelty powders. Also Loaddata.com is a good source if you have no printed manual. Load Data | The Best Reloading Manual Online This from Speer Manual #15.

Thanks and have fun handloading!

 

[bgcatty]

CFE-223 flows like water through powder measures and is easy to keep an eye on when dropped into brass while loading. Check your manuals and the Hodgdon website for recommendations loading for 55grn Bullets. Have Fun!

 

[G19G26]

My recommendation is to buy a reloading manual or several and see what they recommend. I started with Speer and am glad I quickly bought several others, because some of their loads at the time were significantly hotter than the others. I very rarely trust just one source. My preferred powder in 223 is W748.

I've got manuals, but trying to find loads with an available as possible powder

 

[fordfarmboy]

I use BLC-2 in 223 works well for me.

 

[G19G26]

I use BLC-2 in 223 works well for me.

Know where I can find some in southern Indiana?

 

[92FSTech]

I shoot mostly 55gr in .223. My go-to powder for that (and several other rifle calibers) is H335. It's a couple of bucks cheaper than many of the others, meters well, burns consistently and yields acceptable results for my purposes. Not being a stick powder, it's easy to get it into the small mouth of a .233 case. It is typically readily available around here, in the 1 and 8lb varieties, which is another reason I've gravitated towards it, but obviously these days you've gotta take what you can get. I'll be out of primers long before I work my way through what's left of my jug of H335.

 

[Warsaw214]

Varget, CF223, H335... Varget precision competition, CF223 & H335 plinker rounds under 200yrds 2 moa accuracy

 

[tomcat13]

Just finished up some 55-grainers over 20g of IMR 4198 for Plinkin. IMO-Ur Biggest challenge will be Finding Powder. Best of Luck!

 

[billybob44]

I shoot mostly 55gr in .223. My go-to powder for that (and several other rifle calibers) is H335. It's a couple of bucks cheaper than many of the others, meters well, burns consistently and yields acceptable results for my purposes. Not being a stick powder, it's easy to get it into the small mouth of a .233 case. It is typically readily available around here, in the 1 and 8lb varieties, which is another reason I've gravitated towards it, but obviously these days you've gotta take what you can get. I'll be out of primers long before I work my way through what's left of my jug of H335.

HA...A (Full)#8 jug of H335 will load 2,240 rounds of 55gr. FMJ loads using the charge that I use..??
I HOPE?? that you have more than 2,240 SR Primers??HA HA...Bill.