Powder Recomendations for the 223 556

[powder smoke]

Getting ready to start loading a new to me Cartridge Got some starline brass on the
way and dies. Was going to buy some used military stuff but did not want to deal with the crimped primers. I believe I'm better off this way. What powder works well any comments will be appreciated Thank you. BTW I have Varget on hand. ps

 

[Aqualung]

Not that I have a lot of experience, as I've been shooting factory since it's cheap and plentiful.

That said, I've had good luck so far with loads using BLC(2), and it meters really well.

55grn bullets.

Aqualung

 

[daveg.inkc]

I load with several powders. H335, 4198, 748, BL-C2, CFE 223, 3031. Last week I shot 52 gr Match Hornady, #2249. With 3031. Excellent groups. 1:8 AR 556. I get 1/2 MOA with M855 NATO. I buy these 62 gr boattails from Pat’s Reloading. Primers are CCI 41. I use Lake City brass.

 

[recumbent]

I have excellent results with Varget and CFE223.

 

[loaded round]

I've had extremely good luck and fine accuracy with CFE223 and 62 gr FMJ bullets. Less than 1'' groups at 100 yds. from my two AR15's.

 

[powder smoke]

Thanks guys much appreciated I do have Varget and 3031 I'll get busy! Thanks again. ps

 

[contender]

I've always used BL-C2 in .223 & .222.

 

[Mobuck]

H 335 is my choice for 50-60 grain bullets.

 

[wwb]

You didn't mention which bullet or bullets you're going to reload for. Bullet choice will determine which powders work the best. Even after choosing a bullet and powder, accuracy will still vary with powder charge and seating depth. Takes a lot of trial and error if you're chasing the tightest group.

For 60 and 69 grain bullets, I use Reloder 15. For 40 grain bullets, Reloder 10X works the best.

 

[pleadthe2nd]

As stated above, H335 is an excellent power for 55gr bullets, it was more accurate than varget in 223 for me, although varget has performed very well in 22-250, and 50gr bullets, I am trying a new to me powder called Tactical Rifle by Shooters World, made in Czech Republic, very good price for 8# , so far so good, just getting started with it.

 

[onehandgunner]

Which powder seems to work best with Sierra 65 gr. ?

 

[recumbent]

Which powder seems to work best with Sierra 65 gr. ?

Varget

 

[loaded round]

No one else uses CFE223?

 

[powder smoke]

You didn't mention which bullet or bullets you're going to reload for. Bullet choice will determine which powders work the best. Even after choosing a bullet and powder, accuracy will still vary with powder charge and seating depth. Takes a lot of trial and error if you're chasing the tightest group.

For 60 and 69 grain bullets, I use Reloder 15. For 40 grain bullets, Reloder 10X works the best.

Thanks! ps

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

Limited experience here, all with 55 gr FMJs: Win 748 in a couple of ARs, H4895 in a bolt action. For "just shooting" ammo both worked fine. There are probably better powders for specific purposes, but I had a little 748 to use up, and during one of the "shortages" I'd picked H4895 as my "fits in everything I load and it's available" choice and have a bunch of it.

Rick C

 

[daveg.inkc]

There are several choices of powder for the 5.56. I’ve been buying each of the powders I listed. My LGS has CFE223 for $29.

 

[LAH]

I use WC844 & IMR4895 with 55 grain bullets.

 

[10mm]

I run TAC with 55gr FMJ's for my range ammo. Runs well in my Mini's and AR's.

 

[daveg.inkc]

IMR 4166 is another powder I forgot to list. It’s a newer release.