Need some powder help

Jackalope33B

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 5, 2010
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Sunny Florida
I have been surfing the Powder Depot in the reloading section and cant really seem to find what Im looking for.
Im about to start reloading 223 ammo on my Dillon 650. In the Depot section, I see that alot of people are using Varget, but the bullet weight is alot heavier than what I have. Currently, I have 2000 bullets of 55gr Federal FMJ. Im not looking to shoot dime groups at 400 yards. The furthest I would shoot is 300 yards. I do have a 10.5" barrel, but I want to reload as if I have a 16" barrel incase I end up switching uppers. Yes, I know I will throw a small flame out the end of the barrel. This doesnt bother me.

With that said, what powder and why would you say would be my best bet.
 
Re: Need some powder help

I like AA2230 for everything 60gr and below. I've never loaded for less than a 16 inch bbl. Its a ball powder with good load density and lot-to-lot consistency. It meters like water through a powder measure.
 
Re: Need some powder help

25 gr of H335 with a 55 bullet, any standard primer/ magazine length - in about any AR is a good basic load - 8 lbs will do 2200 rds so you would be set
 
Re: Need some powder help

I load 55 fmj's w/ 24.8gr IMR8208 on a 650. Meters good and shoots as well as a fmj can. It's a pretty stout load, so work up to it if you try the 8208.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">and why would you say would be my best bet.</div></div>
Don't know if it's the best bet, but it works well. It shoots consistantly despite temp changes. It's a good powder to have on the shelf for other uses. And I like extruded powders.
 
Re: Need some powder help

On a progressive metering is likely paramount, you'll probably be best served finding a ball powder.
That said Benchmark has given me my best results with 55gr FMJs, short cut extruded meters pretty well.
As far as ball W748, Tac, H322, H335, BL-C2, all work pretty well in my experience. CFE223 looks good on paper, but I've not tried it.
 
Re: Need some powder help

My spray and pray 223 is all done on a 650 and I just made 2000 55gr with Varget and some left over IMR4064. Both are stick and both meter well enough for the purpose. Ball powders are better but for non-match ammo I couldn't care less.