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.
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.223 powders, 69 SMK through 80 ELD-M
- Thread starter Billinthedesert
- Start date
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...
With the 80 ELD I'm having good results with Ramshot TAC...not finished testing yet...
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.
It's a stick powder also but like a short cut, So it definitely meters better than Varget.
I have way less over throughs in my chargemaster using it compared to Varget with no mods on my chargemaster.
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.
Very temp stable and consistent powder for the lighter bullets.
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
75 ELD-M OCW's
80 Amax Varget Barrel Break In - No Load Development
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.
52 SMK will run on the H4895 also if you want a neat short range flavor.
You need to work up and find the node for your rifle. Node is pretty wide in that specific barrel.
I've got a shit ton of 69 smks.. Never tried 4895, what kind of charge range and performance are you guys seeing??
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.
I have not tried RL15 or Varget, haven’t felt the need to since I’ve been quite happy with 8208.
