Re: best powder?
Typically you'd want a faster powder for smaller, lighter bullets (such as .223) and slower powders for the larger, heavier bullets (magnums).
This "rule" (for lack of a better word) is broken often, though. Such things as barrel length and intended application can change things.
Here's an example of a "rule breaker". Varget in the .223 just plain sucks with 55gr bullets. It works, but not well. There are several powders that get the job done more effectively and more efficiently in that combination. It just burns too slow for that light bullet. However if you want to shoot a 77gr bullet, Varget is a great powder. For whatever reason, when using the heavier bullet the slower powder is able to get the velocity up to where the faster powders can't when using a 77gr bullet.
Hope I haven't confused you even further.