.223 52 ELD

[mheimer_45]

So I’ve decided to work up a new load for my ar. Barrel is a 18” 1-8 twist. I plan on using the 52 ELD because I have plenty and also shoot them in my 22-250. I’m just looking for advice on what powder to try first. I have XBR, Varget, H4895, and AR-Comp on hand. Is any one better than the other? And no I don’t want to try them all. Will be using fully prepped matching brass and cci #41 primers. Looking accuracy over speed.

 

[winniedonkey]

You have a good selection. My shelf looks 100% of same powder. They just work. Cool think about ar comp is it burns 100% of powder. I'll let others chime in as I'm not running the 52s yet but they are all good. Might just pick ar comp since it has AR in the name. But I would bet the xbr is a favorite amongst the crowd. Seems to be a great powder.

 

[Codiekfx400]

XBR gets my vote?

 

[mheimer_45]

You have a good selection. My shelf looks 100% of same powder. They just work. Cool think about ar comp is it burns 100% of powder. I'll let others chime in as I'm not running the 52s yet but they are all good. Might just pick ar comp since it has AR in the name. But I would bet the xbr is a favorite amongst the crowd. Seems to be a great powder.

Honestly out of all my guns ar-comp is the least accurate. Probably why I have the most of it. And honestly the gun I’m loading for does not like varget for the heavies. So it’s between either xbr and h4895.

 

[MarinePMI]

XBR...

 

[gunsnjeeps]

I didn't like Varget for light bullets. The loads seem to run 2-3 grains more than H335. I use H-335 for the 52-55 grain bullets. Good velocity in a 20 inch barrel, but big fireball.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

PS: 27 grains Varget for 53 SMK, if I recall. 25 grains H335. I'd have to look up velocity.

 

[padom]

Varget has shot great with 52smk for me but XBR is my favorite AR powder

 

[mheimer_45]

Xbr it is then. Padom this gun doesn’t seem to like varget for some reason. But I’m open to try it. The 73 eld favored ar-comp and the 69 smk favored xbr. Any of you xbr guys have a good starting point for load workup. Hornady book says 26.2 gr max. This is the first gun I’ve used xbr on so I’m kinda clueless. Gun has a Wylde chamber jp heavy scs and adjustable gas block.

 

[Dewey7271]

I run 25.2 in a standard chambered 223 w 55s
Know it's not your bullet but works.

 

[mheimer_45]

I’m running 23.0 grains xbr with an 69 smk. No real results yet. Got to get out and do a seating depth test

 

[Codiekfx400]

Varget has shot great with 52smk for me but XBR is my favorite AR powder

Padom may I ask why xbr over Hodgdon Benchmark?