Best powder for AR15 w/16 inch barrel?

[Chadster73]

Hi all! I will be finishing up on a custom upper very soon and will be doing all my own reloading. What powders are you folks finding works best with a 16-inch barrel? I'm thinking a faster burning powder would work best?

[aklaunch]

Best to buy a manual and follow it precisely as to there specifications.

Google IMR for a less comprehensive free version.

[RearwardAssist]

There are so many different powders and you will get so many different answers. It really is a personal preference. I prefer TAC, lots of people use varget, h335, h322 but your asking a very vague question. What weight projo are you planning on using?

[davidz71]

There are so many different powders and you will get so many different answers. It really is a personal preference. I prefer TAC, lots of people use varget, h355, h322 but your asking a very vague question. What weight projo are you planning on using?

That would be H335 instead of H355 wouldn't it? I use Ramshot TAC as well as Accurate Arms 2230 with 55 gr. bullets and H335 with 62 gr. SS109 bullet pulls.

[jstone]

Every barrel is different, there are so many powders. The powders that work for an Ar are not that far apart as far as burn rate. There are faster and slower, but your barrel is going to have little to do with the powder you choose. Faster for lighter bullets, and slower for heavier. That is not even set in stone a member markm has a killer load using h322 for 77 matchkings. Most Will say h322 is to fast for the weight, but his results show different.

Your going to have to do the leg work for your gun, but barrel length is the least important part of the equation. Once you get to shorter barrels it gets more important, because you are trying to squeeze more speed from a short barrel. With a 16" barrel choose powder for the bullet your loading.

[RearwardAssist]

That would be H335 instead of H355 wouldn't it? I use Ramshot TAC as well as Accurate Arms 2230 with 55 gr. bullets and H335 with 62 gr. SS109 bullet pulls.

Yes thank you I edited the original post to avoid any confusion.

[theblackknight]

Would I be crazy to say that reloading manuals are becoming obsolete? You can call the powder company directly and they can tell you what charge weights floor and ceiling to throw based of your data to get you close until you can chrono.

[870pilot]

There are so many different powders and you will get so many different answers. It really is a personal preference. I prefer TAC, lots of people use varget, h335, h322 but your asking a very vague question.

I've been pleased with performance and accuracy of Alliant "Reloader 15" which as the name applies, runs very well for my reloading needs in the black rifles.

[Chadster73]

O.K. guys lot's of great info... thanks! I probably should have added this info-it's a W.O.A. 16-inch mid-length barrel w/a 1-7 twist. I'm planning on starting w/hornady 68 grain BTHP (B.C. is higher than Sierra's 69 grainer) then maybe trying the 75 grain A-max. I currently use 26 grains of benchmark w/50 grain Vmax in my .223 bolt gun-can't imagine that bullet shooting well out of a 1-7 twist, 16 ar barrel.

[Trooper_Ry]

Most have already stated this, but to clarify-

w/ a 16in barrel, the most important factor in deciding your powder is the bullet. Fast buring for the light ones, slower burning for the heavier.

Unless your a competition shooter, i suggest picking a single powder and making your loads work for you. Practical accuracy can easily be obtained with all .223 powder