As all the usual suspect powders for 556 ( ar-comp, cfe223, benchmark, varget, etc) seem to be out of stock / no back order, I've been looking around for alternatives.

I have laid in a fairly good stock of Hornady 62gr fmj-bt, & am considering Shooters World powders. Been looking at their Precision Rifle, AR Plus, Tactical Rifle, & Match Rifle. Load data is available, at least.

Wondering if anyone here has any experience with any of the above - that they would be willing to share?

AR platform function & accuracy are primary criteria. 14.5 / 1:7 twist - if it matters.

In addition to the 62 fmj-bt, I plan to try some 75 - 77 gr (hornady speer, or Nosler) as well - on a limited basis.

I get it - no plan survives first contact, but a guy's gotta start some place...

Thoughts appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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Regards - GCF

I love Ramshot TAC and it's available from powder valley, grafs (only 1 lbs)

Looks like Shooters' World Match Rifle or Tac Rifle should work well in your 223. From their burn rate chart it looks like they will be largely equal to BL-C(2), H335 and Winchester 748.

I burn a lot of Winchester 748 (52 gr. to 75 gr.) in my 223 rifles, so a similar burn speed from SW should be a good place to start.

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Keep your powder dry.

Norma 201 ... 200 burns a little faster. Midway stocks both.

I've used Shooters World Heavy Pistol (much like AA#9 or H110) and I have no complaints. Works fine for .30 Carbine. Can't say anything about the other SW propellants. Their website has recipes for all their powders.

Wanted to say thanks to all for the input. Ordered 1 Lb each of Ramshot TAC, SW Match, Tactical, & Precision Rifle from Grafs. Cheap shipping & HazFee.

Would have bought a pound of SW AR Plus also, but Grafs was out of stock. If anyone has the opportunity to try it, I'd be very interested in the results.

Ordinarily, I'd purchase locally, & try one at a time. At this point though, I'm just glad to have the powder. New normal, I guess.

If one of the above turns out to be a winner, I'll update the thread, then buy an 8 Lb jug, & be done with it...

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Regards - GCF

I have used the Match Rifle with no issues. Seems to be clean burning and meters well. Loading data is available on the internet.

https://shootersworldpowder.com/wp-c...rld-manual.pdf


Reloading Data by LOVEX(R) | Shooters World

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Still Running Against the Wind

Thanks for the suggestion. Any comments on accuracy potential? Never even considered Norma propellants before, for some reason. Did check them out (without ordering) today.

Interesting, but a bit pricey. Right up there w/ VV N140. That said, I really don't consider a somewhat higher price per pound a dis qualifier - if performance merits. May try them both, at some point.

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Regards - GCF

I did use N140 in 5.56 with good results, the only thing I didn't like - it was bridging occasionally when dropped from my Dillon measure.

Recently acquired some N140 and Accurate 2015, but haven't loaded with them yet. Have used the Norma 200 & 201 in 45-70, love the 200 in this caliber with a Hornady 300 grain JHP.

The Norma book shows top velocity in 223 with 201. Walking it back a little, no 556 data in there.

I'm just getting set up for the 556/223, and am still accumulating components. I thought I would mention Norma, since no one ever does. It will be the first powder I work with.

Not a good thing, especially as I am planning to utilize my Dillon measure for this project. Thanks for the heads up.

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Regards - GCF

I would be interested in your end results - if you would care to post them.

Looking the Norma 223 data over, I noticed that they provide 201,202, & 203 data for the 69 grn MK, & 202 / 203 data for the 77MK. The 77MK in particular seems to garner a lot of interest.

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Regards - GCF

I emailed Shooters World with a load question for 223 in a Thomson Center Contender. I received an answer in 40 minutes. That speaks volumes about customer service.

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S&WHF 366

Seems we are no longer on the original "topic"

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Still Running Against the Wind