Rifle powder for .223

[Topkick]

Howdy guys, i've been using IMR- 4198 and H-4198, supplies running low, any recommendations??.

Topkick

 

[Reloadron]

Depends on the bullet weights and what powders you can get these days. However, I like H335 and BL-C(2) using a small rifle magnum primer. I also like the VihtaVuori powders N133 & N135. IMR 3031 & IMR 4895 both work well. There are plenty of powders that will perform well in a .223, really depends on the bullets and type rifle you plan to shoot them in.

Ron

 

[Geno]

I like Varget. In fact, Varget works well across several cartridges, and that makes me like it even more. Benchmark also works well.

Geno

 

[rule303]

Bullet type and weight make a huge difference, but for most loads I am very happy with Varget or Accurate 2230.

 

[Walkalong]

4198 is a bit on the quick side of usable .223 powders. I would suggest something a bit slower like BL-C2, H335, H322, N130 & N133, Terminator & TAC, 2230, 4895, etc.

 

[SpentCasing]

Ive been using CFE223 lately. Works well, and meters AWESOME! I think Ill be sticking with it. I load on a progressive so Varget, extruded type, etc. is too much hassle for me personally.

 

[jstein650]

RL-10x is excellent for 45, 50, 52, 53 gr bullets if you can find any.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I like Varget. In fact, Varget works well across several cartridges, and that makes me like it even more.

I've just about standardized on Varget. Everything from .35 Brown-Whelen to .223 Rem. The only rifle cartridge where I don't use it is the .22 Hornet, where I use Li'l Gun.

 

[M1key]

ditto on Varget. I also like Accurate 2015.

M

 

[winkzoot]

IMR-4895 has worked well for me.

 

[taliv]

What they said. But the more important question is ANY of that in stock anywhere in bulk?

 

[2ndtimer]

There are more than a dozen powders that work well in the .223/5.56. For 40 and 50 gr bullets, I tend to use Ramshot TAC, Accurate 2015 and Accurate 2200. For 55 gr and heavier, I use Varget and CFE-223. I could also use TAC, 2015 or 2200 with the 55 gr bullets but prefer them with the lighter bullets. I have also used many others successfully. These days, most people use whatever they can acquire. I plan on trying some IMR-8208XBR when I exhaust my supply of TAC and 2015.

 

[jack44]

I use VARGET.

 

[osteodoc08]

Varget and CFE-223 lately. I second the meter ability of the CFE-223. Awesome to crank out some major numbers on the Dillon!

 

[beatledog7]

Varget, 335, 4198, AA2200, Varmint Pro Xterminator.... it all depends on what weight bullet you're using and how fast you want to make it go.

 

[itsa pain]

to me Rel 15 and cfe 223 are the best fpr me being they shoot just as good as the rest but leave no copper fouling just swab the barrel with patches no brushing. the less you work a rod in a barrel the better it is. more barrels have been ruined by cleaning then shooting

 

[BullfrogKen]

As others said, bullet weight makes a difference. 4198 is optimal only for the light bullets in a .223. If you are shooting those light bullets, Accurate 2230 is a decent replacement in a ball powder. And it's not as popular among reloaders so you might actually be able to find it in stock someplace. AA 2015 is popular as well.

I like Varget and 4895 for the heavier powders. AR-Comp is a newer powder to the market. You might be able to find that someplace.


There are so many powders on the market today that'll work it's just a matter of picking one or two that your local shop keeps well stocked.

 

[steve4102]

Open your manuals and copy the data from the pages that match your bullet weights.

Grab these copies and head to your LGS and see what they have available that matches your copied data. You may find little to nothing available, or you may get lucky.

I like 2230/X-Terminator and 748 for 50-60gr bullets. For bullets above 60gr I like Varget and 2520.

 

[lightman]

Like others have said, there are many good choices. I've always bought BL-C2 in 8# jugs. I plan to try 2230, 748, and TAC in the future. I shoot more 223 than anything else, so I'm looking for something that meters well. Lightman

 

[7.62 Nato]

Although there are a lot of good choices/suggestions I'm throwing out another vote for Ramshot TAC because I feel it's underrated.

 

[tcanthonyii]

I've been loading win748. It's been available here and works well.

 

[rskent]

I use 335 for light bullets and Varget for heavy ones.

 

[frankmako]

i use 4895 and pull down 846 powders in my 223 loads.

 

[Rodfac]

I'd vote for 748 as well...but beware of super hot loads on hot days...it's a bit temperature sensitive. Best Regards Rod

 

[Stonecutter]

I have used H-322, H-335, IMR 3031, and even IMR 4064. I run 55 Grain bullets. H-335 has worked the best for me. I use H-322 for plinking most of the time. Depends what I can find.