One powder for the 223/556

[uscbigdawg]

I personally think that W748 and H335 are the same. Results are just too identical. I've seen minor temperature sensativity in both. Neither is suited for heavy bullets.

My 69gr. loads are with Varget and it (as a stick powder) meters AWESOME in my Dillon 650.

Rich

[rat31465]

[QUOTE=uscbigdawg;273986]I personally think that W748 and H335 are the same. Results are just too identical.


Back when I first started reloading...that would be around 1985. The general train of thought then was that BL-(C2) and Win 748 were the same powder. Since Hogdon began as a surplus powder distributor, repackaging Mil Surplus powders for civialian use...this is a very real possibility.
Although after contacting Hogdon they deny this but say the burn rates between Ball C 2 and Win 748 is virtual identical.
Personally I have never cared to use any stick powders in the .223/5.56 cartridges....I admit that I have shot some very accurate and highly consistent groups from an Old Heavy Barrell Bolt Varminter using a charge of IMR 4895 and a 60gr Berger.

[Noodles McGee]

Hmm, some intresting replies.

I remember a friend of mine using the BL C2 for the 7.62x39. That would kill two powder birds with one stone for me.

[Blitzking]

best over all that I've used has been Accurate Arms 2230 seem to keep the most consistant accuracy hot or cold, Down side is you can't find it anywere, I usally have to order 8 pound kegs online.

[MarshallDodge]

These are the powders I have tried:

Vihtavuori N135- Very clean but does not meter well through my Dillon measure.

Hodgdon H335- Good accuracy, meters well, but not real clean.

Hodgdon Varget- I did not have good success with 60 gr. bullets with this powder for some reason. It does not meter well through the Dillon measure.

Accurate 2230- I got a good deal on 8lbs of it. Fairly accurate and meters well but is dirty.

Hodgdon Benchmark- This is a short grain extruded powder and flows through my Dillon measure very well. I have had great success with it in 308 and the limited amount I have tried it in 223/5.56 looks promising. It is an "Extreme" powder which means that it should be very consistent in varying temps.

[R1pper]

Im using IMR 3031 for 55gr FMB BT @ 22.0 gr. I havent has a chance to shoot the rounds I made yet because we have a pretty good snow storm going on right now. I will say it doesnt meter that well through my Hornady powder feed. It has made me think about getting a electronic powder measure/scale.

-DM-

[KevinB]

I use Varget with my 77gr Nosler match loads - meters quite well in my XL650

I generally dont load for 55gr - as generally I buy cases of it for courses and just always seem to have a crate or two lying around for practice.

[Vic303]

Been using WC846 lately for .223/5.56. It meters well.

[cowboy54]

I like H335 the best! Varget is a stick powder, and doesn't meter as well.

[aedavis]

Hmm, some intresting replies.

I remember a friend of mine using the BL C2 for the 7.62x39. That would kill two powder birds with one stone for me.

I've tried BLC-2 in my MAK90/7.62x39 and had poor results. If you try it, beware of erratic velocities and sudden changes in pressure with relatively small changes in charge weight.

I gave up on that and stick with AA1680 in the 7.62x39.