Happy owner of MP-15 sport, (4 months now). I have reloaded .308, 30-06, 22-250, 45 acp, and 357 magnum and now want to start reloading .223/5.56.

What is the consensus on the "best" powder for .223?

I use IMR 4064 for my 22.250 with excellent results, (avg velocity = 3640 fps, avg group size .476 inches @ 100 yds).

But yet IMR 4064 seemingly is not very good for .223/5.56.

I will be loading 55 grain v-vax and 62 grain FMG.

Any suggestions?

I doubt there is any real consensus, but I like Varget for that weight bullet. I get the best accuracy with it in my Armalite SPR.

However, if you are using a progressive loader throwing automatic charges it isn't the best choice. Even though a short cut grain, it will still hang up most powder throwers. A ball powder would be better for that application.

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" I said, good DAY! "

1. varget. best so far is .668moa in 5 shot groups. meters ok in rcbs uniflow.
2, h4895. ok
3. cfe. ok

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A&M'61,NRAlife'61.

I use WW748 or Hodgdon H335. However, I intend to try the new Hodgdon CFE223 powder.

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Dick

IMR 4198 is good for me in 223
Varget is good in my 22-250
Just ordered 8# of CFE223 for my 223 because I HATE cleaning out copper fouling.

A buddy of mine has had very good results using 4064 in .223s, and he uses them in his DCM Bushmaster.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

I used to use Alliant Reloader 10X, but recently I have been using their new AR-Comp powder. I use 24 grains to push a 55 grain bullet, and that fills the case to the beginning of the shoulder. I am getting very good accuracy at 100-200 yards. When my first 1 pound bottle was empty I went and bought a 8 pound jug. It meters very well in my Hornady LnL powder measure.

Alliant Powder - AR-Comp

WW748 powder

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S&W Accumulator

+1

W748 meters soooo nicely (ball powder). It does a nice job in the 223.

Don't have an "AR" type rifle but Hodgdon H322 works great in my .223 T/C Encore with Hornady 55 gr. SP SX, have also had good results with AA2230 using the same Hornady.

Another vote for Varget. It has given me excellent results with different bullet weights and in different calibers. I use a Lee PPM and it meters very well for me.

I use CFE223, I started with IMR4895 and it was ok but I have loaded over 2000 rounds with CFE223 and they are super accurate plus it meters beautifully, using a Chrony my average deviation on my handloads is +/-7 using 55gr V-Max and +/- 9fps with 68 gr BTHP Match bullets, it is also recommended for .308 and I am getting ready to try some also my groups with the 55gr V-max were .46" and with the 68gr Match bullets were .51" at 100 yards off of a bench with a bipod. That was shooting the rifle I just built using left over parts and parts that I could get on sale. Not counting the parts that I took off of my Sport or that came originally on my Sport I built the latest one for under $300. I think shooting my rifle with the bigger scope I can get almost half the size of groupings plus there is no copper being left in my barrel...

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Grover Oathkeeper

I have used only 3 Types, and i have a lee Pro 1000 press.........

X-terminator was a GREAT option.. but too expensive locally

I tried Varget..... Great SHOOTING results but loading Was terrible... like VAdoublegunner said would get stuck in my Auto-loader.... and was a MESS

Currently using SMP844 Surplus powder and seem Really good for the $$$ looks like its just 844T in stock Now..

I have 16lbs of it and really like it for the $85 price tag.... Averaged to $105 shipped with all fees


my $.02

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--Stav--