223 Primers and Powder

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Bob in MO

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I have a Bushmaster XM15 that I want to work up some loads for. I'm using Richard Lee's Modern Reloading, second edition. A couple of things I'm keeping in mind when choosing primers and powder are:
  • Slam firing
  • Cartridge powder volume (the fuller the better)
These are the primers and powder I'm considering:
  • Primers: CCI #41, Federal 205, CCI 450, CCI BR4
  • Powder: Varget, H335, Accurate 2230

What are your thoughts? What do you guys like?
 
While slam fires are theoretically possible in AR-type bolts, it's so rare I don't think you should consider it, other than reliably seating your primers below flush. Stoner fixed the M1's weakness; just use any standard pressure capable SRP (i.e. NOT Rem 6 1/2).

As for powder, since it doesn't sound like your squeezing 10ths off, I'd pick an easy-metering powder.

And I'll add: Lee's manual is encyclopedic (it intends to list every possible recipe). Most other manuals list a few preferred recipes.
 
If you're running blasting ammo. I would use a ball powder.
If you're trying for high volume "target" ammo.
I would try 8208xbr, benchmark, AR Comp etc.
If you're like me and grew up playing with Lincoln logs. Imr4064 or 3031 are great.
Really your bullet is more critical than your powder and primer choice within reason.
 
I prefer 450s and H335 or TAC depending on what projectiles I'm using. Mostly using 62gr BTHP and 77gr TMK. Also have some bulk 55gr FMJ I've been loading with H4198.
 
You do not need #41 primers. Look at all the load data out there. They use regular rifle primers.
Slam fires are internet talk, maybe in full auto firing a gazillion rounds.
Other than Accurate online all data is 223 Rem. Accurate has full service loads which are a more than most people need.

Invest in another manual or two. Lee is just a reprint of data published elsewhere.

Any SRP will work, as to powders there are to many to list. They all fill the case What do you have or can get??
 
I use Varget 24 grains behind a 55 grain bullet. If i want a light load i run 14 grains of 2400. Also have ran some loads with 9 grains of green or red dot. I shoot a bolt action.
 
For 55grn blasting ammos, I use...

CCI #41's or CCI450's interchangeably. The key to preventing slamfires in an AR is making sure the primer is seated at or below flush with the case head. Also, just so you are aware... some factory brass will have crimped primers; you will have to cut or swage out the crimp before being able to reprime those cases the first time.

Powder... I use H335 almost exclusively. On the To Do list is TAC, and possibly AA2230, which are supposed to be excellent as well.

Remember, don't expect benchrest accuracy out of any mass produced 55grn FMJ bullet... 2" @ 100yds is a reasonable expectation.
 
From your choices, I would no doubt choose the CCI 450's and H335. In my opinion it will be difficult to find an inaccurate load with this combo and a 50 or 55 grain bullet.

If you're going with heavier bullets there my be better options.
 
Slam fires happen, make dang sure your primers are seated below flush. Dang sure.

I have run a lot of 205 primers in .223 without issue, CCI #41s as well. CCI 450s will be fine.

FMJ? Don’t sweat the powder choice, H335 meters great and shoots great.
 
I prefer 450's or #41's (I use them interchangeably) and AA2230 or TAC for my 62gr FMJ "blaster ammo". Usually 205M's and 8208XBR or N140 in my accuracy stuff. Have used all of the primers you have listed in many AR's with no "slam fire" problems. Off of your list, I'd be going CCI 450/41's with AA2230. Meters great, good velocity, clean burning, this has been a really solid combo for me!
 
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H335 is a good choice, also I use a lot of BL-C(2) and Win 748. I pretty much only use one of those three ball powders for general .223 ammo as it's excellent metering consistency speeds up my (single stage) loading process. BL-C(2) is currently in stock at at least a few reputable online sellers if that makes a difference. Varget I use more for heavier 69-80 gr competition loads, also RE15 but those have been very hard to find in the last 12 months and more expensive.

Slamfires are not just internet talk, they can and do happen but are really quite rare. In both of the instances I personally witnessed were during a slow fire stage where shooters are single loading rounds which elevates the risk a bit due to higher bolt speed. Bolts were completely closed and locked, no damage except to the grass in front of the shooter. I would and have used CCI400s when i had to but I feel better using 450s and BR-4s (for what it's worth CCI does not recommend the 400 for AR type rifles for that reason).
 
Honestly I think any combination of powder and primers on your list will work fine. If you don't already have the items on your list the trick is finding them. If you can find primers and powders that will work for .223 then I would buy them and do load workup. There are so many choices for loading .223 in the powder world that you might not want to limit your choices to only a few. Varget is one of my favorite powders and has produced some very accurate ammo for me but it has been nearly impossible to find the last few years. Even before this shortage.
 
I like to use the CCI #41 and AA2230 or Win 748. Mostly I load 55grn FMJ type bullets.

WB
 
For 55gr FMJ H335 will work, and it meters nice as well. There may be better powders for other bullets, but I use H335 for everything 55gr. Heed the warnings about keeping primers seated properly. I typically use CCI srp.

-Jeff
 
I have used H335 with Winchester Small Rifle Primers and some test loads with standard CCI SRPs. I like it for my 55 grain loads in my A4 clone. It’s reasonably accurate (2 MOA with iron sights) and meters really well. I’ve used BR4s with IMR 4064 and heavier bullets with very good results. I do not use CCI #41s but I really like the #34 version for 7.62x51(308 Winchester). This is only because I can’t find any. I’d like to try Varget and 2230, but can’t find any of those either.
 
Bob in MO said:
I have a Bushmaster XM15 that I want to work up some loads for. I'm using Richard Lee's Modern Reloading, second edition. A couple of things I'm keeping in mind when choosing primers and powder are:
  • Slam firing
  • Cartridge powder volume (the fuller the better)
These are the primers and powder I'm considering:
  • Primers: CCI #41, Federal 205, CCI 450, CCI BR4
  • Powder: Varget, H335, Accurate 2230

What are your thoughts? What do you guys like?
Click to expand...

I tested for slam fires in my rifles and the Fed 205 are a NO GO. Have not tested with the CCI's, don't have any. 1 of my AR-15's would set them off at a 50% rate. My LR-10 in 6.5CM almost 90% of the time till I changed the bolt to JPI HP bolt setup, That dropped the rate down to 30%. Now every gun is different so the only way to know for sure is to test in your gun. Drop a loaded round into the chamber (make sure it fully seated in the chamber) and let the bolt fly, using the release. This is the most serve test since the magazine is not slowing the bolt down. Also the Fed primers will show pressure signs and blow when the CCI will not.

The Fed 205MAR are fine, no problem since they are designed for AR use.

As for powders it depends on your application. If blasting and general I would use TAC so I could use my std dispenser. I never had any luck using H335, have not used A2230.
 
Like many others above I agree CCI #41 primers followed closely by CCI-450 primers are my choice for .223/5.56mm ammo. My choice of powder is H335 followed by Accurate TAC. I usually loads 55gr or 62gr bullets.
 
I had been loading M193 bullets (55gr fmj boat tail) with 748, which is really close to varget when it comes to 55gr bullets.
But I have also been experimenting with loading them with 18gr of reloader 7 aka RE7 for reduced blast, reduced or no muzzel flash and less barrel heating but still cycles a direct impingement gun.
 
Strongly suggest you invest in a carbide primer pocket uniforming tool. Primer pocket depth can vary considerably in depth and flatness.
 
I don't have much experience with those components. But I've heard good things about them. .223 isn't anything special as long as you follow directions and recipes.
 
I use CCI 450 primers and AA2230/Ramshot xterminator with 55 grain bullets. Very accurate for me. Seems to have a large sweet spot.
 
H335 and 55 FMJ's is a good combination. I use RP 7 !/2 primers but have tested with CCI 41's. Careful with some data sources with H335 powder. Some data is dangerously high. Trust Hogdon's data which has a maximum of 25.3 grains. Lots of loaders with 55 FMJ's load from 24.5 to 25 grains of H335. 25 grains is a very popular charge. I find CCI 41's to be just slightly warmer by a few fps over RP 7 1/2's.
 
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