.223 powder

[whoknows]

I'm slowly getting into reloading and the only powder I found local was varget and benchmark. Im curious if anybody has used them both and could tell me which one was more accurate. I know every gun is different, but I'm curious. I have a few rounds loaded with the different powder, I'm just waiting on a day that I have time to try them out.

 

[Leadeye]

WW 748 has been my go to powder for 223. Thousands of rounds ground through an M16 with no stoppages at all.

 

[whoknows]

I've heard that's one of the best for .223, I just can't find it local and I am not going to pay a hazmat fee to get it shipped to me.

 

[rxer]

Haven't tried varget, but benchmark is what I use for 223. I've not had any problems with it so far.

 

[avboiler11]

Varget works GREAT in 223 over the entire range of bullet weights (probably "best" for 68gr+) though 1. it doesn't meter well, 2. it typically doesn't provide maximum possible velocities, and 3. most accurate loads are often a bit compressed, which isn't a big deal at all but can be unsettling to a new reloader.

I've used 24.0gr Varget over a 75gr Hornady HPBT with CCI-400, and it has shot sub-MOA in a number of different ARs and bolt guns.

 

[wsenefeld]

IMR 8208 XBR. I'm not a great shot but I can get MOA with this powder and a 55gr Nosler ballistic tip out of a Rainier match barrel. I've been able to find it often at Profire.

 

[Classic]

I use H335 for 5.56. Usually available here and there.

 

[Water63]

Just look up some load data for Benchmark and try it. I know I am using powders that I have never used but this shortage will change how alot of us load we will all have our pet loads but some new powders have hit my bench.

 

[ISP 5353]

Varget and H335 are both great .223 powders. H335 meters better.

 

[tat2clod]

I've had good luck with H335 and IMR 3031

 

[O'Shark]

I'm also a fan of W748 but in the end, I have one rifle that seems to prefer H4198 and one that likes Varget the best. Varget doesn't measure consistently in my Lyman powder measure but if I use a trickler, it's easy to work with.

 

[CAT 1000B]

Benchmark and Varget are my go to powders for .223. One of my rifles really likes Varget with a 55 gr. Nosler Ballistic tip. The case won't hold enough Varget to get max velocities with a 55 gr. bullet but it is very accurate and I'll take accuracy over speed any day. My other rifles love Benchmark and I keep a good supply of it on hand. I use it mostly with 50 gr. Vmax bullets. It meters great.

 

[Tc343]

IMR 8208 XBR. I'm not a great shot but I can get MOA with this powder and a 55gr Nosler ballistic tip out of a Rainier match barrel. I've been able to find it often at Profire.

I second this

 

[Sniper 79]

I have used both and didn't see a difference in accuracy. The range I shoot at is inside of two hundred yards. I imagine when shooting long distances is when powder bullet combos come into play. If you are just plinking grab what ever is cheaper.

I prefer 748 because it meters like water and actually gave me a little better accuracy in my rifle. Could be because it metered better and was more consistent.

This day and age I would grab whatever was available to you and shelf it.

 

[Madjack181]

I started using H335. I really like how it meters.

 

[Farmritch]

IMR 4895 & H4895

 

[whoknows]

Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate it. I know there are a lot of different loads, and I have a bunch to learn about them. I'm hoping I get some time to mess around more and figure out what my gun likes. Oh, my .223 is a Savage 11vt, which is a Dicks Sporting Goods special. 69 gr bullets are the heaviest my gun likes. I have 100 55 gr hornady soft points that I plan on testing the loads with.

 

[IndyGlockMan]

CFE223 is my go to powder for .223.
Meters amazing and shoots clean.
Good stuff

 

[glock212327]

H335 here works great.

 

[Leo]

REloader 15 is right there with Varget and H4895 as far as being good performance in the .223. It is also a stick powder about the same size so it meters a little chunky.

AA2460 is like little ball bearings, it meters really well and shoots pretty good, too.