POWDER

AA2460.

Used to be my goto powder in .223. I think my charge weight was 24gr, but it's been awhile since I've reloaded .223.

My stocks are running low, so it's about time to fire up the 550B again. I haven't seen 2460 for sale in some time, so I may try something new out.

I'm running just a TOUCH faster powder than Sloan - Benchmark.

I have had good results with 2230 but I was thinking about trying something else next time.

I have had good luck with Varget for 308 and 30-30 and see that it is acceptable for use in 223. So I am going to see how well it works as this would simplify the number of different powders I would need to keep on hand. I already have 8 pounds on hand for the previous loads mentioned.

H322, H335 and Varget.

AA2520 is pretty good with the 77grain loads.

That's the ticket, bullet weight.

I run Benchmark 'cause I use 55 grainers mostly. When it comes to the heavies - such as the 69 gr SMKs - I use N135 or another in the 308 class (Varget, H4895, AA2520).

For shorter barrels and lighter bullets, a slightly faster powder is the ticket IMO.

I loaded my first 500 rounds with WIN 748. 8)

I used W748 with a 60 grain bullet, shoots great and meters good. I also like both H322 & H335, as they meter good. Nice thing about the XCR is it IS NOT finicky about powders like the AR platform. :

Varget gets good velocity in .223 and H335 gets really good consistency.

I have been using IMR 3031 for .223, .243, & 30-06 for about 20 years, (sort of stuck in a rut) But it has served me well.

Ramshot TAC works very well with 223.

Win 748

TAC

I just got some H335, and I plan to try it out side by side with the Varget.

I'm a new reloader, and had some issues with my very first loads not being resized enough, but I got some case gauges, and from what I can tell so far, I've got the die adjusted better now.

I've also got some 68gr Hornady BTHP match bullets coming in today. I'm looking forward to seeing how much accuracy I can squeeze out of a military style barrel this weekend. I plan to shoot them in my M16 clone, and then hopefully in the XCR sometime down the line.

gunner69 said:

I used W748 with a 60 grain bullet, shoots great and meters good. I also like both H322 & H335, as they meter good. Nice thing about the XCR is it IS NOT finicky about powders like the AR platform. :

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I'm thinking of trying this combination. What powder load do you use?

From the Nosler site for the .223/5.56. 60gr Partition OAL is 2.250, H335 starting (recommended) is 23.0gr, MAX is 25.0gr at 3102fps. For H322, 60gr partition, starting is 21.5gr at 2,860fps, MAX is 23.5gr at 3,070fps (from 24" barrel) Their best load for the 60gr partition was with Benchmark using 22.5gr at 3,048fps.

M.D. Smiths Reloading page data. 60gr JSP(Hornady Spire Point), H335 23.5gr, 2,825fps,

From Hodgdon Manual. 60-63gr bullet (not specified), H322 starting is 20.0gr at 2672fps, MAX is 22.0gr. at 2,862fps. (from 26in barrel)

Best bet is to visit both the powder manufactures as well as the bullet makers site. I highly recommend joining the www.loadata web site. :2cents: I personnally use 2.260(OAL) for the .223 unless the bullet maker specifies a different length. Good Luck & happy reloading. ;D

My best load through the M16 clone so far has been 23.7gr Varget with the 68gr Hornady bullet; I shot the ten rounds into 1.3". I've loaded some more and hope to be able to duplicate that performance.

21.8 grains of H322 under a 77 grain Sierra MatchKing, giving just under 0.5" groups out if a Tikka. Sub MOA from an Ar15 with a Timney Trigger and a 16" Lothar Walther Barrel. Just over MOA from the XCR with a light 16" barrel.

MickeyC said:

21.8 grains of H322 under a 77 grain Sierra MatchKing, giving just under 0.5" groups out if a Tikka. Sub MOA from an Ar15 with a Timney Trigger and a 16" Lothar Walther Barrel. Just over MOA from the XCR with a light 16" barrel.

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I am planning to load some 77gr for my Noveske, and ofcourse I love Sierra Matchking more than any other so I am going to try this recipe.