Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

[TheGerman]

Looking to consolidate powders and I've consolidated calibers down to 308 and .223/5.56 and am heading out to Utah where I've seen the temperatures run from about freezing to over 100. I have a bunch of random powders and its time to restock but wanted to pretty much get 1-2 powders that will do the following:

- Deal with the temperature ranges (as good as powder can)
- 1 great 308 powder for the 175SMK and 208AMAX
- 1 great 223/5.56 power for 55gr & 77gr HPBT
- Prefer spherical for the 223/5.56 as I need it to meter in a Dillon
- Bonus if the powder(s) can work in both (as a backup)


What's suggested? I've read that Varget (good 175grain powder) is pretty good as far as holding up to temperature and I've used it quite a bit so I may be answering my own question with the 308; what about Reloader17?

And what about the 223/5.56? Only thing I have used for it so far was Accurate 2230, but have not loaded for the 77 grain rounds yet.

Suggestions?

 

[JGorski]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

This is a easy one, CFE223.

 

[GregKonze]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

I read a few months ago that someone on M14forum.com had loaded SMK 168
using CCI #34 primers and got some serious pressure signs as he approached the max recommended load. If anyone else can confirm this, I would be interested because I would like to use CFE223 in both .223 and .308 myself!
I find this powder attractive because of it's accurate metering and of course, no copper fouling!

 

[TheGerman]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

I looked at it before but didn't find too much info on it so I didn't look much further. For the applications I want to use the powders for, and the 2 very common calibers, I wasn't going to get overly creative.

Was also looking at Ramshot TAC, but keep seeing the argument of if being/not being sensitive and was looking at AA 2460 for the heavier 223 and sticking with Varget for 308.

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

I use Varget in both calibres, for 178 amax, 208 amax, (bolt gun)
77grn bullets (any box colour for .223) AR platform.

Also use it in 22-250 for hunting ammo all year thru.

Never had any temp issues, I love the stuff.

 

[Rainier42]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

For my 308s and 30-06s I use H4895. Excellent powder designed specifically to avoid the temp issues associated with IMR4895.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

If you can get it (if you can get anything these days...), Varget would be a good compromise as a singe propellant for the broad range if applications you're suggesting.

Not the smoothest metering powder, but if you're not weighing individual charges anyway for critical applications, then powder choice is not your most important issue.

Greg

 

[Clark]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JGorski</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is a easy one, CFE223. </div></div>

CFE is a ball powder, and not great for temp.

It is one of the new anti Copper fouling powders.

Easily confused with the new temp stable powders like AR-COMP.

 

[aviumvenator]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

I use AR Comp for 69 and 77. I have loads to test for 175 SMK and 147 FMJ. I plan to try it as well with 123's in a 6.5. It meters fine in a 650 after semi polishing any internal parts in the powder measure that the powder comes in contact with.

 

[jkonzal]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

I would say Varget for the 308 and 77gr 223. I think Varget wouldn't work well with the 55gr tho.

 

[bward]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

Sounds like 8208 is a perfect match for everything you're after besides the 208 AMAX. Burn rate will be what you are after, it is very temp insensitive, and it has a tiny kernel size so it meters great.

 

[Aimsmall55]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

Looking for temp stability. Hodgdon Extreme powder line up will fit the bill. Although power pro 2000 mr by Alliant has now become my go to for the 175 smk in .308. Gained 90 fps with = if not better accuracy than I was getting with 44.5 varget. Sucks with anything less than 175 grain bullet. Varget was hard to step away from though......

 

[TheGerman]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aimsmall55</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking for temp stability. Hodgdon Extreme powder line up will fit the bill. Although power pro 2000 mr by Alliant has now become my go to for the 175 smk in .308. Gained 90 fps with = if not better accuracy than I was getting with 44.5 varget. Sucks with anything less than 175 grain bullet. Varget was hard to step away from though...... </div></div>

Not even kidding, someone I shoot with said to look into 2000MR today. I also read its ideal for the 77grain SMK; do you know anything about that?

I still have some Varget, but seems to be sold out everywhere. I practically want to buy 1-2 8lb jugs and components every month and wanted something that I could just keep stocking up on.

 

[Aimsmall55]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

No I haven't heard about the 77 smks. Ar comp maybe for that?? I don't reload for .223 so my advice is limited. IMHO that with a heavy 77 grain bullet the burn rate may be excellent. I just would have to research it a little.

 

[cuffm4615]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

Varget for both.

 

[Bob 964]

Re: Powder Suggestions - Temperature Sensitivity

PowerPro 2000 MR has become my powder of choice for the .308.