My search fu sucks these days so I'll just ask here. I have been using a Dillon press for a few years now, a 650 to be exact. When I reload my .223 I have been using H335 with good results. I meters well and I have been happy with it. I am getting into .308 now and looking for a good powder to run for that. I have 2K 175g SMK's that I will be loading and additionally I am setting up an AR-15 to run the 69g SMK's. I was wondering if there is a powder that can do double duty for both those grain bullets. I will stick with H335 for the 55g rounds for now. I want the rounds to be accurate, and I know single stage is the best way to achieve that. Can I get good acuracy out of the Dillon press for the 69g and the 175g or do I need to break out the RCBS for that. If I go with the Dillon, what powder would you guys recommend that will meter well. I really wanted to go with Varget, but word on the street is it sucks for powder throws. I will be shooting the 175's out of my new OBR. Thanks in advance. I also wonder if it would be wise to throw a reduced charge on the Dillon, pull the case and dump the powder and trickle it up to the proper load, funnel the powder back into the case and put the case back on the reloader to set the bullet etc... or is this just going to take longer. Any advice would be appreciated. Also, the brass I will be reloading is once fired 7.62 off my military range.
- Thread starter Munson
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Re: .223 and .308 powder
Take a look at H4895. It meters better than Varget.
Take a look at H4895. It meters better than Varget.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
I run 8208 in .223 on a 650 and Varget in .308 seated on a single stage. First sizing for the .308 is on the 650, then single stage from there. IMHO, Varget drops are not as bad as I've heard some people say, but they will show their true colors at longer ranges. 8208 in .308 is a good load, but I couldn't get the velocity I was looking for. I'm not much of a ball pawder person, so I can't help much there. I can say that I hated BallC2 when I tried it. YMMV.
I run 8208 in .223 on a 650 and Varget in .308 seated on a single stage. First sizing for the .308 is on the 650, then single stage from there. IMHO, Varget drops are not as bad as I've heard some people say, but they will show their true colors at longer ranges. 8208 in .308 is a good load, but I couldn't get the velocity I was looking for. I'm not much of a ball pawder person, so I can't help much there. I can say that I hated BallC2 when I tried it. YMMV.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
Give IMR 8208 XBR a try. Meters great and will work well in both cartridges. It is also less temperature sensitive than the ball powders.
Give IMR 8208 XBR a try. Meters great and will work well in both cartridges. It is also less temperature sensitive than the ball powders.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
I use accurate 2520 in 223 22 250 and 308 with good luck.
I use accurate 2520 in 223 22 250 and 308 with good luck.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
My go to powder right now is CFE 223 for both of those rounds. It is a ball powder and meters great in my Dillon 650. I run both 175 SMK and 155 Nosler Comp bullets using that powder. I believe I am using 47 gr. for the 175 SMK's.
My go to powder right now is CFE 223 for both of those rounds. It is a ball powder and meters great in my Dillon 650. I run both 175 SMK and 155 Nosler Comp bullets using that powder. I believe I am using 47 gr. for the 175 SMK's.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
WC846 is a military surplus powder that works for both and is inexpensive.Also reported to increase barrel life. The powder looks and meters like H335. It is recommended to use BLC2 load guidelines but mine is a little hotter so don't start with max BLC2 loads.
[email:http://patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.aspx?category=Powder]http://patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.aspx?category=Powder[/email]
WC846 is a military surplus powder that works for both and is inexpensive.Also reported to increase barrel life. The powder looks and meters like H335. It is recommended to use BLC2 load guidelines but mine is a little hotter so don't start with max BLC2 loads.
[email:http://patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.aspx?category=Powder]http://patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.aspx?category=Powder[/email]
Re: .223 and .308 powder
I think a compromise powder is just that. If you can find someone to load single stage(if you don't have one) try it. Can you shoot the difference? If not wait on the press change until you can. Try different powders for each cal. with money saved/not spent on press. I haven't shot BC2 in 40yrs,but H4895 seems to be a compromise I can not out shoot in a 22-250 and 308w.(my skill set)
I think a compromise powder is just that. If you can find someone to load single stage(if you don't have one) try it. Can you shoot the difference? If not wait on the press change until you can. Try different powders for each cal. with money saved/not spent on press. I haven't shot BC2 in 40yrs,but H4895 seems to be a compromise I can not out shoot in a 22-250 and 308w.(my skill set)
Re: .223 and .308 powder
I use either H335 or ramshot TAC in 223 and 308 with the 175 SMK's either of those powder meter perfectly in the dillon P M.
I use either H335 or ramshot TAC in 223 and 308 with the 175 SMK's either of those powder meter perfectly in the dillon P M.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stranded</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think a compromise powder is just that. If you can find someone to load single stage(if you don't have one) try it. Can you shoot the difference? If not wait on the press change until you can. Try different powders for each cal. with money saved/not spent on press. I haven't shot BC2 in 40yrs,but H4895 seems to be a compromise I can not out shoot in a 22-250 and 308w.(my skill set) </div></div>
Thats exactly the way I view it too...a great compromise.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stranded</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think a compromise powder is just that. If you can find someone to load single stage(if you don't have one) try it. Can you shoot the difference? If not wait on the press change until you can. Try different powders for each cal. with money saved/not spent on press. I haven't shot BC2 in 40yrs,but H4895 seems to be a compromise I can not out shoot in a 22-250 and 308w.(my skill set) </div></div>
Thats exactly the way I view it too...a great compromise.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SASSdriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use accurate 2520 in 223 22 250 and 308 with good luck. </div></div>
+1, I don't use much ball powder but I have had great results from AA 2520 in both .223 and .308.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SASSdriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use accurate 2520 in 223 22 250 and 308 with good luck. </div></div>
+1, I don't use much ball powder but I have had great results from AA 2520 in both .223 and .308.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
I appreciate the input guys. I wont actually be able to put rounds down range for a few months due to waiting on a scope. I just wanted to get ahead of the Obama buying frenzy that will start up again the November should the anointed one remain in office.
I appreciate the input guys. I wont actually be able to put rounds down range for a few months due to waiting on a scope. I just wanted to get ahead of the Obama buying frenzy that will start up again the November should the anointed one remain in office.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
I am running Varget in my Savage FCP 308 with the 175smk, and 208 A-Max. In the wife's DPMS Mini SASS I am running Varget and the 75g Hornady hpbt.
I am running Varget in my Savage FCP 308 with the 175smk, and 208 A-Max. In the wife's DPMS Mini SASS I am running Varget and the 75g Hornady hpbt.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
Varget and 8208XBR
Varget and 8208XBR
Re: .223 and .308 powder
For a one powder solution..
Varget
Benchmark
CFE223
For a one powder solution..
Varget
Benchmark
CFE223
Re: .223 and .308 powder
Single stage for optimal accuracy, Varget or RE15.
Good metering, decent accuracy, TAC, or 2000MR.
Just the ones that work for me. There's more choices than I've had time for, I like load testing and I like having options.
Single stage for optimal accuracy, Varget or RE15.
Good metering, decent accuracy, TAC, or 2000MR.
Just the ones that work for me. There's more choices than I've had time for, I like load testing and I like having options.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beef</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Single stage for optimal accuracy, Varget or RE15.
Good metering, decent accuracy, TAC, or 2000MR.
Just the ones that work for me. There's more choices than I've had time for, I like load testing and I like having options. </div></div>
How different between Varget and RE-15? I do not have an experienced with RE-15.
Is it better for .308 win with 168SMK or 175SMK?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beef</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Single stage for optimal accuracy, Varget or RE15.
Good metering, decent accuracy, TAC, or 2000MR.
Just the ones that work for me. There's more choices than I've had time for, I like load testing and I like having options. </div></div>
How different between Varget and RE-15? I do not have an experienced with RE-15.
Is it better for .308 win with 168SMK or 175SMK?
Re: .223 and .308 powder
Varget is your friend I use in both; 77gr Nosler CC in the 223 and weights from 150 to 185 in the .308.
Varget is your friend I use in both; 77gr Nosler CC in the 223 and weights from 150 to 185 in the .308.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
Had the very same question on my mind about 3 months ago. Went with Varget. Scrapped the powder thrower/ balance scale and bought a RCBS Chargemaster 1500 as I single load. Varget works well in both. You can also look at H4895 and BL-C(2) (which is a ball powder and meters well) as an option.
Had the very same question on my mind about 3 months ago. Went with Varget. Scrapped the powder thrower/ balance scale and bought a RCBS Chargemaster 1500 as I single load. Varget works well in both. You can also look at H4895 and BL-C(2) (which is a ball powder and meters well) as an option.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
Varget for me
Varget for me
Re: .223 and .308 powder
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sakohunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Varget is your friend I use in both; 77gr Nosler CC in the 223 and weights from 150 to 185 in the .308.
</div></div>
That is certainly the common view. I switched from `RL15 and RL17 to Varget to get better temp stability. What i got was a 200 fps loss of velocity from published data in loads for 150gr and 200gr heads. Drops confirm the crony results
Presumably it is batch problem. Screw that I am going back RELOADER
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sakohunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Varget is your friend I use in both; 77gr Nosler CC in the 223 and weights from 150 to 185 in the .308.
</div></div>
That is certainly the common view. I switched from `RL15 and RL17 to Varget to get better temp stability. What i got was a 200 fps loss of velocity from published data in loads for 150gr and 200gr heads. Drops confirm the crony results
Presumably it is batch problem. Screw that I am going back RELOADER
Re: .223 and .308 powder
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Golfy Sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beef</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Single stage for optimal accuracy, Varget or RE15.
Good metering, decent accuracy, TAC, or 2000MR.
Just the ones that work for me. There's more choices than I've had time for, I like load testing and I like having options. </div></div>
How different between Varget and RE-15? I do not have an experienced with RE-15.
Is it better for .308 win with 168SMK or 175SMK? </div></div>
RE-15 will deliver more velocity at the same charge weight. My loads in my .308 shoot very nearly identical groups, to the point I could not give one a clear nod in that sense. RE15 does exhibit more temp sensitivity, so I've gravitated to Varget.
I shoot Horn 168Amaxs and 178BTHPs primarily, both bullets do just as well accuracy wise with either powder once I found the right loads.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Golfy Sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beef</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Single stage for optimal accuracy, Varget or RE15.
Good metering, decent accuracy, TAC, or 2000MR.
Just the ones that work for me. There's more choices than I've had time for, I like load testing and I like having options. </div></div>
How different between Varget and RE-15? I do not have an experienced with RE-15.
Is it better for .308 win with 168SMK or 175SMK? </div></div>
RE-15 will deliver more velocity at the same charge weight. My loads in my .308 shoot very nearly identical groups, to the point I could not give one a clear nod in that sense. RE15 does exhibit more temp sensitivity, so I've gravitated to Varget.
I shoot Horn 168Amaxs and 178BTHPs primarily, both bullets do just as well accuracy wise with either powder once I found the right loads.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
i dont have a progressive. so varget is tops on my list.
i'm loading it in 3 calibers right now (223 w/ 55g vmax, 308 and 30-06 with 165gr sst's) using my chargemaster.
best $300 that my reloading "savings" has funded so far
i dont have a progressive. so varget is tops on my list.
i'm loading it in 3 calibers right now (223 w/ 55g vmax, 308 and 30-06 with 165gr sst's) using my chargemaster.
best $300 that my reloading "savings" has funded so far
Re: .223 and .308 powder
Been trying to find accuracy node with several powders. CFE223, H4895, IMR 4064 (is close still need fiddling) and just started with Varget this week. I hit one right away with 168 Amax & 42.9 gn Varget, BR2 & Win brass. Retested same load three 5 shot groups sub 1" at 100 from my LR 308 16".
Off topic but good story about when I was doing this. An Oakland PD swat team LEO showed up & we got to talking, he was a way cool guy. He let me shoot a few out of his .308 sniper bolt gun with a NF 5-15 and I let him shoot one of the 5 shot groups I was testing. There was just one shaggy hole when he finished & he was impressed. His rifle is highly accurate. I fired just 2 shots
of his FGMM 168 SMK into a 1" dot.
But anyway, FKG Varget! I should have listened to what everyone was saying about it in the first place.
Been trying to find accuracy node with several powders. CFE223, H4895, IMR 4064 (is close still need fiddling) and just started with Varget this week. I hit one right away with 168 Amax & 42.9 gn Varget, BR2 & Win brass. Retested same load three 5 shot groups sub 1" at 100 from my LR 308 16".
Off topic but good story about when I was doing this. An Oakland PD swat team LEO showed up & we got to talking, he was a way cool guy. He let me shoot a few out of his .308 sniper bolt gun with a NF 5-15 and I let him shoot one of the 5 shot groups I was testing. There was just one shaggy hole when he finished & he was impressed. His rifle is highly accurate. I fired just 2 shots
of his FGMM 168 SMK into a 1" dot.
But anyway, FKG Varget! I should have listened to what everyone was saying about it in the first place.
Re: .223 and .308 powder
So I spent some time hanging out with a buddy the other day and this is what we came up with, let me know if I'm way out in left field. I told him how I was thinking of going with Varget as the powder and hand measuring each charge, then putting that into the case and moving onto the next station for seating the bullet and crimping. He thought that would be a waste of time for this reason... He said its like measuring with a micrometer, marking it with a piece of chalk and cutting it with an axe. The powder funnel on the 650 will give you +-.1 grains, the beam scale will give you +-.1 grains, and the chargemaster will give you +-.1 grains. Why waste your time (and money) hand measuring each load with a tool that will give you the same accuracy at a much slower rate. Is he off base with this? Yes, the chargemaster will guarantee more reliable consistency because you see each charge, but honestly I've never been off on my charges once I get the powder funnel dialed in on my dillon. So now its just a matter of finding a powder that will meter well, preferably one that has a good temperature tolerance. Are we missing something here or are we correct in our thinking?
So I spent some time hanging out with a buddy the other day and this is what we came up with, let me know if I'm way out in left field. I told him how I was thinking of going with Varget as the powder and hand measuring each charge, then putting that into the case and moving onto the next station for seating the bullet and crimping. He thought that would be a waste of time for this reason... He said its like measuring with a micrometer, marking it with a piece of chalk and cutting it with an axe. The powder funnel on the 650 will give you +-.1 grains, the beam scale will give you +-.1 grains, and the chargemaster will give you +-.1 grains. Why waste your time (and money) hand measuring each load with a tool that will give you the same accuracy at a much slower rate. Is he off base with this? Yes, the chargemaster will guarantee more reliable consistency because you see each charge, but honestly I've never been off on my charges once I get the powder funnel dialed in on my dillon. So now its just a matter of finding a powder that will meter well, preferably one that has a good temperature tolerance. Are we missing something here or are we correct in our thinking?
Re: .223 and .308 powder
^ my advise buy a # of something and get going with it.
After my experience I wish Varget was my first go at it. Now I have lbs of different powders I tried and I wish they were all Varget. Except for the CFE223 because I want to make that work with heavier than my 168 gn Amax bullets.
I have 178 Amax & 180 Nosler's. I want to get velocity up with those in my 16".
^ my advise buy a # of something and get going with it.
After my experience I wish Varget was my first go at it. Now I have lbs of different powders I tried and I wish they were all Varget. Except for the CFE223 because I want to make that work with heavier than my 168 gn Amax bullets.
I have 178 Amax & 180 Nosler's. I want to get velocity up with those in my 16".
Re: .223 and .308 powder
I use Varget for as many calibers as possible.
I use Varget for as many calibers as possible.
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