Powders for the .223?

[dovehunter]

While we're on the subject of loading for my new .223 Rem., I was wondering about powders. I first tried IMR 3031 based on a review of all my loading manuals and the fact that I had some on hand that I have been using for my .30-30 BA. I loaded it behind Sierra's 52 gr. HPBT bullets that have given spectacular accuracy in my .225 Win. Over the range of charge weights I tried I was getting 5-shot groups of 1-2" at 100-yds. Not that great when you consider I was getting 3/4" groups using Federal's Premium factory loads which used essentially the same bullet: Sierra's 55 gr. HPBT Game King.

A trip back to the loading manuals suggested that Hodgdon's Benchmark or Varget powders may be good choices for the .223. I was a little concerned anyway when I noticed even the starting loads for IMR 3031 needed to be compressed. I've never been that wild about using compressed loads though I know it is common practice. It appears that Varget loads would also be compressed.

What do you guys think? Should I try one of the other powders I mentioned or maybe some other brand and/or weight of bullet? Bill, I know you are a big fan of the .223. What do you use or what would you recommend? I'd like to keep the "trial by dollar" working up of a good handload to a minimum if I can.

[jimiowa]

I would have to go home and dig out my research notes.
When I was shooting my .223 in 200yd benchrest matches I used Hogdons H322 and worked up from minumum to max loads and gave real good accuracy at 200yds(it was grouping under an inch at 200 yds with a Sierra Matchking 52 gr bullet if I was on my game).
It burned clean, metered well and was good stuff to work with.
Some of the Max loads were too hot for 90 degree weather.
And none of them overfilled the case.
Seems like I also used some H335 and Alliance powder Number escapes me.
I'll lok tonight for my notes.

[Bill]

H335 is the go to powder for .223's. I have found it easy to make this powder shoot small bug holes with .223's than any other powder i have used.

[Jack]

In addition to the powders mentioned, Reloder 15, AA 2230 (guess where the name came from) , AA2460, and a few more I can't think of right now.

[klsm54]

H335 and W748 were my favorites.

[dovehunter]

I think I am going to try some H 335 next since my latest Hodgdon manual said that it was originally developed expressly for the 5.56 mm military round. That plus Bill's recommendation and now klsm54's too.

I think one problem with the IMR 3031 is those large extruded granules were too large to be effectively employed in such a small case. H 335, on the other hand, being a spherical powder shouldn't have that problem since it should almost be the consistency of beach sand. If nothing else, it ought to go through a measure pretty well and the charges should be very consistent.