Need some good powder to reload 55gr. 223

[aedavis]

I use Hodgdon BLC-2 because it meters well and I can buy it in 8lb jugs. I've also used Winchester 748 for the same reasons. I only switched to BLC-2 because it was a bit cheaper per 8 lbs.

I've used the extruded powders from IMR, but it wasn't worth the hassle having to weigh each charge when the ball powders (BLC-2, W748) meter perfectly from my RCBS powder measure. If I saw a difference in group size I might would put up with the hand weighing, but I didn't.

[Lawdog-1]

aedavis, where do you buy your Powder from?

[aedavis]

I have been getting it from Sportsmans Warehouse locally to avoid HazMat shipping charges, but they haven't been able to keep it in stock. I haven't purchased any for awhile, but next time I need some I'll be making a large order from Powder Valley.

[Kaiser Mike]

24gr h335 55gr varm.jpg

This is from a 16" A2 barrel. Fc brass and 450 primers.
Granted, this is onlly 50 yds but 100 should still be under moa.
I wouldnt have thought varmageddon's would be this good having a flat base. I was wrong.

[billyhill]

What bullet? Accuracy?
Reloder 7, Lt-32, 2015, h322, Benchmark, 2230/X-Terminator, TAC. Good news is, lots of different powders will work.

[Pilot1]

I like AA2230, but I also use BLC-2.

[markm]

Good news is, lots of different powders will work.

The one thing to keep in mind is that slower powders (like Varget) combined with light (55 gr) bullets accelerates port erosion on carbine gas systems. I run fast burning powders all around... even with heavy bullets.

[billyhill]

The one thing to keep in mind is that slower powders (like Varget) combined with light (55 gr) bullets accelerates port erosion on carbine gas systems. I run fast burning powders all around... even with heavy bullets.

Yep, even TAC has been implicated in port erosion. It was the slowest I listed.

[markm]

Yep, even TAC has been implicated in port erosion. It was the slowest I listed.

I used to shoot a ton of TAC behind 55 gr FMJs through my carbeans. Oops.

[billyhill]

Yep, me too. Some of them were pretty hot loads too. TAC was/is very versatile 50 gr to 80 gr. I shoot more 80s with it these days.