Wanting to load .223 plinking ammo

[ancjr]

Just getting started and wondering what available powder(s) to start with. Finally have some brass, primers, and bullets stocked up.

 

[turnerdye1]

CFE223, H335, Benchmark, Varget, IMR4198, TAC

Honestly anything you can find right now that’s suited for 223 I’d buy it and use it

 

[Bennettjh]

I like Varget for .223. Several powders will work though.

 

[ancjr]

Yes, I would have started with Varget if I could find it because it's universally endorsed. Looking for something inexpensive and available at this point.

 

[gmcttr]

It seems like TAC is showing up online more often than many other choices.

 

[DadSmith]

It seems like TAC is showing up online more often than many other choices.

TAC is good for 223 and 308. I've had good results with it. I've got about 8lbs of TAC and CFE223 left. So getting on the low side.

 

[drm-hp]

VihtaVuori N140 is right next to Varget on the burn rate chart. I know that Brian had this in stock last week (a friend bought a 4 lb'er). Frank White (Compass Lake Engineering) suggests N135. The only thing I am not be sure about is the temperature stability compared with Varget, but if Frank recommends it he has tested it XTC.

 

[thelefthand]

Ive used N133, N135, N140, N530, and N540 for 223/556 loads. They all give outstanding accuracy. Expensive, but also more available right now as a result. For general plinking/training fodder, I use TAC. It seems to be coming back in stock. So is CfE223.

 

[Bill2905]

I have used W748, H322, N133, N135, IMR4895 and AA2230. There is probably more 223 load data out there than most any other cartridge so go with whatever is available to you.

 

[Elcardo]

Getting through a couple pounds of 3031 right now before I start the 8lb of blc2 I have, no complaints ...not sure how good it is through a drop as I just dip it but it's what was on the shelf at the time

 

[indyblue]

I have a lot of XBR8208 to use.
It’s been very consistent for me

 

[2in1evtime]

Actually all listed above are good to go, i have used them all, Imr4198 is a good 223 powder and you get more loads to the pound.

 

[DadSmith]

I have a lot of XBR8208 to use.
It’s been very consistent for me

I really like 8208xbr. I just can't find more than a lb at a time locally. It has a slower velocity, but very accurate results with 75gr Hornady BTHP.

 

[indyblue]

I really like 8208xbr. I just can't find more than a lb at a time locally. It has a slower velocity, but very accurate results with 75gr Hornady BTHP.

Yeah, I’m not sure if I was lucky or smart to buy like 12 pounds of it a couple years ago

 

[55fairlane]

My match rifle load uses 8208 XBR makes a service rifle shoot !
My 100 yard/plinking load uses Imr 4895