I don't know if you guys noticed, but it has been increasingly harder to find anything related to firearms and ammunition lately.
So, since i have been looking for Varget for reloading my 223's and cannot find it in stock anywhere, i just picked up HODGDON INT'L CLAYS because IT WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE SHELF??? Their website it would be fine. HOWEVER, when you put the info in the reloading data page, you get no info on 55gr FMJ's in the STARTING LOADS column and 3.2 grs for the MAXIMUM LOAD column???

I think this is not good data
Anyone load 223's with CLAYS and wanna share some of your knowledge? what's your recipe?

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M&P40/45FS, 40C, 2206TGT

STOP RIGHT THERE
I don't see how they would say International clays would be at all appropriate for any rifle load.
It barely makes the rounds in the pistol segment.
This stuff don't like high pressure .. or even moderate pressure .. its a shotgun powder and is best left to shotguns if you don't feel up to picking gun parts out of your face

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it just needs more voltage

Not something I'd want to explore.

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GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

International is a fairly fast shotgun powder being the middle powder in a 3 powder set. Like said above, it IS NOT suitable for any rifle cartridge, please don't even try using it. Actually, Hodgdon doesn't even recommend using it for handgun rounds.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Wrong powder for your application. If you can't find what you're looking for locally you may just need to break down and check out online sales. Natchez and Powder Valley are a couple of good vendors. Be prepared to wait, and since you will be paying hazmat you should try to get as much in the way of primers and powder as you can afford in one sitting. Cost usually winds up way cheaper than what I find supplies for locally.

BTW, if you did find load info for Int'l Clays in .223, it was probably for a subsonic load. Those are tricky- easy to get a squib, and P.O.I. is way off from a standard load. I wouldn't try loading subs unless you're an experienced hand loader. I don't, and I've been rolling my own for a couple decades or so. No need to, really.

Good luck, stay safe!

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Thanks guys. I am fairly new to reloading myself and it was all that was on the shelf. Literally the ONLY ONE LEFT. the website says CLAYS but i didn't know there were different clays. Glad i didn't open. Gonna return later for a rain check.

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M&P40/45FS, 40C, 2206TGT

I wouldn't try regular Clays either, it is also a shotgun powder and not made for rifle applications. It is useable in pistol loads, but never rifles.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Just say no to fast pistol powders in rifles. While it is possible to do it.... it's an entirely different animal than standard type loadings with more cons than pros.

Clays - Very fast shotgun powder also used for target loads in the 38 Special and 45 Auto.

International Clays - Slightly slower shotgun powder in the Clays family which is not normally recommend for handgun loads.

Universal Clays - General used shotgun powder that mimics Unique and the slowest of the Clays family. (yet still a medium burn shotgun/handgun powder) It's just as versatile as Unique in handgun loads but it's cleaner and meters better. It mimics Unique but you can't use the same load data.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Gonna just wait to get some Varget or cfe223.

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M&P40/45FS, 40C, 2206TGT