Best powder for AR15 w/16 inch barrel?

[gashooter]

I have found XBR 8208 and cci 400 srp's to perform really well. The powder meters well and has excellent temperature stability.

As stated by other members, loading manuals are an absolute necessity. I usually compare data from several sources as the manuals don't always include all the components you may use.

I may also suggest a book called "The ABC's of reloading". I read it from cover to cover before I started to reload my first round.
IMHO,YMMV.

[7 RING]

These links are a valuable source of information. Choose your bullet weight and you will get recommended charge weights.

http://hodgdon.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/default.aspx

I have had good luck with 24.5g Varget and a 68g match bullet. I shot it out of a 20" Wilson 1:8 twist barrel, so you may have to adjust your charge weight up or down a few tenths of a grain to get optimal accuracy.

I purchased a pair of Lyman Reloading Manuals years ago, the books are well worn and I still refer to them now and then. I would recommend picking up a good reloading manual that discusses pressure, crimps, C.O.L. etc. You won't regret it.

[Thump_rrr]

I have found XBR 8208 and cci 400 srp's to perform really well. The powder meters well and has excellent temperature stability.

As stated by other members, loading manuals are an absolute necessity. I usually compare data from several sources as the manuals don't always include all the components you may use.

I may also suggest a book called "The ABC's of reloading". I read it from cover to cover before I started to reload my first round.
IMHO,YMMV.

I was surprised that it took 3 pages for anyone to mention IMR 8208(XBR). It has the temperature stability of Varget but a little faster burning which lends itself well to lighter bullets.

[markm]

I was surprised that it took 3 pages for anyone to mention IMR 8208(XBR). It has the temperature stability of Varget but a little faster burning which lends itself well to lighter bullets.

Strange as it is... BOTH H322 and 8208 work LIGHTS OUT with 77 gr SMKs.

[MrSmitty]

Strange as it is... BOTH H322 and 8208 work LIGHTS OUT with 77 gr SMKs.

Kind of makes me wish I tried my H322 when I loaded some 69s the other day. Would you prefer H322 or Varget behind SMKs? Out of a short barrel?

[markm]

Would you prefer H322 or Varget behind SMKs? Out of a short barrel?

Varget NEVER makes sense for me in .223. There's at least a half dozen other options that are just as good, but meter better.

We run H322 with SMKs in shorties... and in theory... a faster powder would mean a quicker pressure spike that'd get more bang for the buck in a shorty...

[MrSmitty]

Varget NEVER makes sense for me in .223. There's at least a half dozen other options that are just as good, but meter better.

We run H322 with SMKs in shorties... and in theory... a faster powder would mean a quicker pressure spike that'd get more bang for the buck in a shorty...

I didn't have much trouble metering the Varget but a faster powder did sound better in theory out of a short barrel. Next batch I do I'll try the H322 or maybe some 8208 if I see it locally again.

[eperk]

I go the easy route. RL-7 for anything up to 62gr. RL-15 from there up to 75gr. Hornady HPBT. Or maybe it's the other way around.

[CaptainN8]

Varget NEVER makes sense for me in .223. There's at least a half dozen other options that are just as good, but meter better.

We run H322 with SMKs in shorties... and in theory... a faster powder would mean a quicker pressure spike that'd get more bang for the buck in a shorty...

That's maybe what I was thinking, maybe better function with AR gas system? That's why I need to get a chrony. I think AA2230 might get higher velocities than AA2520 with heavies according to some data.

[HKGuns]

It really depends on what you're loading. For standard 55gr I find Varget works very well. For other loads something else might work better.