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Powder recommendations for .223

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  • KBG

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    I know the topic been discussed, BUT:

    I'm looking for some experienced reloading advice on powder selection for .223's; here's my specifics:
    1. Reloading a large volume of ammo; say upwards 10,000 rounds
    2. Using 55-62 gr projectiles, barrels are 1-8/9 in. twists
    3. will develop an appropriate load before this operation commences with whatever components we select

    Going to do this progressively on both Hornady and Dillion presses. Looking for that powder that meters extremely well, clean with excellent volume accuracy potential.

    I've loaded varget, 4895, 4064, RL-15......they are not it for volume manufacturing using this equipment; would prefer a ball powder or similar: does CFE223 or H335 do this? Or, do you have another suggestion?
     

    Younggun

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    I’m currently hooked on CFE223 because it’s just so easy to measure. Seems like it always comes out of the hopper just right.


    The downside is that it isn’t temp stable like some others. I tested some 69gr SMK loads the other day using H4895, Varget, and CFE223.

    4895 and CFE has similar groups. The 4895 would be far more temp stable but it’s just too easy to load with CFE. I have no experience with any other powder is .223.


    I’m still trying to find a load that Varget actually shows some kind of advantage in any cartridge.


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    Vaquero

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    as stated. CFE223 meters extremely consistently.
    For large batches on a progressive press, I highly recommend it.
     

    Younggun

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    Was told it is temp stable, and through testing I was able to get a 3/8" group out of my AR.

    Does it meter similar to CFE? If so, I’m pretty backyard gonna get some to try out.


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    Younggun

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    Varget has always done a good job for me. When I found the weight it likes, it shot a 3/8" group.

    I got some good groups while testing, but they always seem to be 100fps slower than similar groups with other powders.

    If I were loading for a 200 yards competition it wouldn’t make a difference and aside from the slower loading process it would be great.


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    deemus

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    Does it meter similar to CFE? If so, I’m pretty backyard gonna get some to try out.


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    I've not used CFE, but it meters well. And pretty flat out to 300. I used those rounds for prairie dogs and were accurate out to 250. On a squirrel.
     

    Younggun

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    I've not used CFE, but it meters well. And pretty flat out to 300. I used those rounds for prairie dogs and were accurate out to 250. On a squirrel.

    Thanks. No idea why my phone autocorrected to “backyard” in the post you quoted, lol.

    It looks like the H335 will have velocities similar to Varget but without the metering issues of stick powder.

    Right now I’m getting 2740fps with 69gr SMKs over 25.2gr CFE with an 18” barrel and can. The problem is that after a couple rounds the velocity climbs if the round sits in the chamber.

    A similar load using Varget only gets around 2550fps, But without the issue with rounds in a hot chamber speeding up.

    My varmint load is 26.6gr CFE under a 55gr Dogtown. Don’t have the data with me but I think it was around 2900fps or a little over. I’m using a digital scope so I doubt I could reach out far enough on small critters for the lower velocity to hurt me too much. Probably not gonna see as far as the bullet will accurately shoot.


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    KBG

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    as stated. CFE223 meters extremely consistently.
    For large batches on a progressive press, I highly recommend it.
    H335 meters wonderfully, and performs well for your chosen projectile weight. I would certainly recommend it for use on a progressive press
     

    Younggun

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    What kind of velocities do you get and what load are you using, bullet weight/barrel length, etc.


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    deemus

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    Don't have a chrono, so no clue. 55g bullets, usually Hornady ballistic tips w cannalure.

    Shooting them from a 16" 1:8, and a 24" bull barrel.

    Weird, but the performance is almost the same, except at 300 yds, the 16' barrel had +/- 1 inch drop, but the bull barrel is almost flat out to 300.
     

    TexMex247

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    I think for your purposes H335 will serve you well. Many recipes call for a magnum primer with it but I've seen just as many that use standard ones with no issues.

    Also, if you can find it, it's rumored that WC844 is the non-canister version of H335. If you are truly cranking out thousands of rounds that might be a little more cost effective.

    Personally I load in batches up to a few hundred rounds at a time using mostly Ramshot Tac. It does well with the heavier bullets up to 69gr. I prefer it over AA2230 and varget especially for 60-65gr bullets.
     

    mad88minute

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    I realize the op has been banned, but I want to answer anyways.

    I've started using Ramshot Tac a few years ago when blc2 and varget was as rare as a unicorn.

    It meters well. Isn't very temp sensitive. Good velocity. It's pretty available.

    I bought a few jugs, and 10k 62gr steel core projectiles. Pair those with my 5 gal buckets of brass and I have my retirement all planned out.

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