223 powders.

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RugerBob

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Hi Guys, I have several loading books and looked them through.
I am getting ready to load for my m&p 223/5.56. Barrel is stamped 5.56.
I have w-748 and imr-3031 on hand from doing my 30-30 and 45-70 loading. But only about 3/4 pound of each.
I want to make a powder order because I but don't see any at local suppliers.
What is your go to powder for the 223/5.56 with 55hr fmj?

I went to Graf and sons, Midway, Cabelas, Powder Valley, and MidSouth shooters to see what they had in stock. Nothing I seen was on my list from the loading manuals I have.

Also hoping to find 700x and Unique to make a full order and refill my dwindeling stock. I have not had to buy powders or primers in 5 years as I stocked up back then.
The wife and I do cowboy shooting and I am getting into 3gun.
So, my only question for here is whats the go to powder for you guys who load for 223/5.56 with 55gr fmj's?

Thanks, Bob
 
You will find different folks will have their own favorites.

Personally, I use Accurate 2230 and Varget in 223 Remington. I plan to try out CFE223 someday as i have it on hand and use it in 204 Ruger.

W748, H4895, H332, H335, BL-C(2), Benchmark, CFE223 and others all work well and are favorites of different folks.
 
I have used a multitude of powders in AR platform 223s/556s.

When I was in a pickle and needed powder in a hurry, I managed to get my hands on RL-15. Although not ideal for the 55gr FMJs, the steel and paper we were shooting didn't complain too much about it. I have become a huge fan of H335 though. I have also used IMR-3031 before when in another bind. Although I did not find it ideal, it still worked as it should and was accurate as well.
 
while it is not an exhaustive sample set (5) , I have had pretty good luck with everything (as approved by a load manual) I have dumped into a 223 case.

I really like ramshot's tac and exterminator because they meter so very well, but I have had very good results with varget too.
 
Your W748 will work great. 3031 is a bit quick, but will make it go bang. Anything similar to W748 will work as well. Lots of powders with a burn rate suited to .223. I used to use H335 until I bought some surplus powder for 55 gr FMJ bullets. They are not going to shoot great no matter what powder one uses. Some shoot better than others.

Powders from H332 to 4895 will work.
 
There are a lot of good powders for loading the 223/5.56mm but IMO the best are CFE-223, TAC, AA2230 or H335 but the list is extensive.

Both your powders will work in the .223 especially W748.

Other powders include H322, Benchmark, Varget 4895, BL-C(2), IMR 8208, Power Pro 1200-R, RL-10x, RL-15, AA2015, AA2460, AA2495,AA2520, X-Terminator and probably a few more I didn't think of right now.

There have been several threads on this topic lately so if you want more information do a search.
 
I use 748 in all my .223 loadings.

Walkalong is correct on bullet choice being more important than powders of a similar burn rate.
I have no idea of the accuracy requirements for three gun, but pretty much ANY appropriate .224 solid base bullet will outshoot the FMJs.
JT
 
I use Varget. But I have 16lbs of WC-846 from pulled-down military ammo that I'm told works good in .223/5.56, but I've never tried it yet. Supposed to be similar to BL-C(2).
 
I have some IMR 4064 have not tried yet, I know some that has with good results.
 
What bullet weight do you want to shoot?

I like to shoot 52gr bullets in cool weather matches. For cool weather matches, 748 works really well, but not in hot weather. The go-to load for that weight bullet is 26.5gr of 748, a LC or WRA case, and a CCI primer. If a rifle will not shoot well with that, it won't shoot well with anything.

For 69 and 80gr bullets, I like RL15 and either of the 4895s.

At this link, go to "Reloading Stuph" and view the survey results for what match shooters use:
http://www.njhighpower.com
 
"223/5.56 with 55gr fmj's"

I have found that (most) FMJs are not the best for pin point accuracy but are excellent for most other non hunting uses.

I load for several .223/5.56 weapons and my loads with FMJs 55 grain BT types are with 748. For my loads for specific weapons/needs, again 748 is used in almost all loads. I do prefer H4895 for longer/heavier bullet weights.

In today's market, it is what you can find.

Note: Varget and 748 are right next to each other on the burn tables and starting charges are very close. But, it is my untested opinion that Varget produces a pronounced louder concussion over 748. To many/most this is of no concern. I shoot some 8 yards from the house and it is a concern of mine. Varget produced very adequate loads in my weapons, but I no longer use it because of the concussion. I can't hear it storm but the youngest granddaughter says, 'PaPa booommm'.
 
For target/accuracy I get .55 moa groups with Varget and 69 SMKs. For plinking I still get sub moa with 55 fmjs and TAC powder. These days you sort of have to go with what you can find. Some places will never have any "typical" .223 powders in stock, but be plumb full of 2230.
 
I use AA 2230, 335, and BL-C2 because they meter very well. I think I've also used some others. I'm not sure that a specific powder is as important as burn rate. My accuracy load is Varget, but I individually measure those
 
Thanks for the replies. I plan on going to local cabelas and a trading post to see what they have on the shelf. If no luck , I will hit on line again with info you have given.
 
I received two pounds of VhitaVuori N-530. Seems to work fine. I've used it with 55gr fmj, 55gr (Sierra) game king, and Privy 62 gr fmj.

Once i found a good charge weight they did just fine...and yes, the sierra did give best results.

I liked the "Tac", too...just haven't run up on it for a while.

Mark
 
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