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.223 powders, 69 SMK through 80 ELD-M

Billinthedesert

Private
Minuteman
Feb 28, 2018
14
6
Just setting up to load for a new Gen 2 RPR in .223. On hand: Lapua brass, 69-grain SMK, 80-grain ELD-M, BR-4 primers and H4895. If I were to add one more powder, I am thinking Varget or 8208-XBR, but have heard the XBR can be finicky with the Hornady 80. Any recommendations? Thanks.
 
Reloder-15 or Varget.

End of discussion, if you only want to add one.
 
24.0 to 24.8 of RL-15 with the 69 SMK...and 23.5 to 24.4 of RL-15 with 80 SMK...

With the 80 ELD I'm having good results with Ramshot TAC...not finished testing yet...
 
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24.0 to 24.8 of RL-15 with the 69 SMK...and 23.5 to 24.4 of RL-15 with 80 SMK...

Psh. What are you talking about?! 1/4 Minute couldn't really be THAT easy...

We have to test 4 powders and 8 bullets and 3 primers before we come back to RE-15 and admit that we just have to go shoot with no excuses.

-Nate

ETA: Not directed directly at you, Bill.
 
AR-COMP and Varget are my go to powders for 223 now, both have good temp stability, velocity and accuracy and I use both in several other calibers.
 
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AR-COMP and Varget are my go to powders for 223 now, both have good temp stability, velocity and accuracy and I use both in several other calibers.
How well does AR-COMP meter? I haven't used that one yet, and was curious....
 
Varget works very well for me with 69gr and 75gr hpbts without much work. I've gone over to 8208 XBR for 69gr and will start working on a 75gr load after hunting season because it shoots just as well, is temp insensitive and meters very well.
 
To the OP, I know you stated that your main interest was the heavier for caliber bullets but if you need a short range 200-350 yard load H322 with 50-55 grain bullets shoots lights out in everything I've tried it in with minimal workup.
Very temp stable and consistent powder for the lighter bullets.
 
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24 Grains of Varget + Lapua Brass + 77smk = .25-.30 Groups
 
75 Amax/ELD-M and 80 Amax/ELD-M both shoot lights out with H4895 and Varget. Ive tested both of these bullets extensively with both of these powders over 5 different 26" 223 barrels both 1:7 and 1:8 twist. They both are extremely accurate with H4895 being faster by about 100fps.

75 ELD-M OCW's






80 Amax Varget Barrel Break In - No Load Development


 
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Two were my pick also. The 69 SMK and H4895. Varget and 75 Amac. Lot to lot, thousands of rounds, stable and reliable in lapis brass.
52 SMK will run on the H4895 also if you want a neat short range flavor.
 
Another vote for 8208xbr. I used to use TAC and from now on my TAC goes into p-dog loads, 8208 did way better for me. One thing I’ve noticed is that it gets over pressure fast, so be cautious on the top end.

I have not tried RL15 or Varget, haven’t felt the need to since I’ve been quite happy with 8208.
 
Reloder-15, TAC, Varget, H4895, IMR4895, 8208XBR. Not a bad choice in the group