To Re-Load or Not???

[kd5exp]

I have read about the CFE223 and would like to know more about this powder. I have used Varget alot in rifles. Just loaded 50 rounds of 223 this morning. Good powder.

 

[rebs081]

I have read about the CFE223 and would like to know more about this powder. I have used Varget alot in rifles. Just loaded 50 rounds of 223 this morning. Good powder.

What weight bullets are you loading with varget ? How well does it meter ?

 

[oneyeopn]

I am using the CFE223 and getting good results, I have also loaded IMR4895. I am using the last of it up in some .308's I am loading. I have used the CFE223 in .223/5.56, 30-30 and now .308. I really like the way it meters and as I am getting used to shooting it the results are becoming predictable. I have been thinking about changing powders just because I want one that I can use on all 4 of my centerfire rifle cartridges. The missus doesnt quite understand that I cannot use just one gunpowder for my pistol and rifle cartridges. The IMR4895 just didnt perform as well as I would like in the .223/5.56 or the 30-30. CFE223 works great in the .308 but the lack of reloading data for it makes it a little harder to work with. I have started using more Nosler Bullets and am having to work a little harder to develop loads using it so I am contemplating a powder change. I really hate to when my tested loads are shooting as well as they do. But there is a lot more info for Varget or RE-15 or some of the others. I have to admit I have little to no copper fouling in my barrels.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I'm slowly going through an 8# jug of Win 748. That powder meters like water and the ammo is plenty accurate. I've used both Varget and IMR 3031 but they are both extruded stick powders and every powder measure I've used them in has to chew through them pretty hard.

 

[MichiganScott]

Most of my loads were developed years ago, so they are all H-335 or IMR-4895. The IMR-4895 is surplus pull down. I bought 32 pounds of it many years ago for $8/pound.

 

[4barrel]

748 & Varget--both forgiving loads -- 1" or less @ 200 yards 5 shot with my 700 223 Remington bull barrel--52-55 gr. sierra spritzer bullets if I do my part.

 

[Maddmax]

I've always had great luck with the 4895 and 52-55 grain bullets. Good burn and fairly clean. I need to upgrade to a single press for just 556/223. So I can "play with some of the "newer" powders like CFE223.

 

[NotObvious]

Winchester 748 is pretty good for light to medium weight bullets. Otherwise, I have switched completely to Ramshot TAC for all my 60gr and heavier loads. TAC works well in 55gr loads as well, but 748 is just a bit more accurate.

TAC is by far the least expensive.

 

[growr]

I have used AA 2230,AA 2520,AA2460, WW 748, H335, BL-C2, 4895,Varget and had great results with all of them.

Price and availability were/are the determining factor....So, MY favorite powder is whatever is on sale in the largest quantity....

Randy

 

[hdbeast]

I use 25.9gr of Win. 748 with the 55 grain M193 FMJ, CCI 450 primers or Fed 205 with the Dillon 550B for over 15 years, works for me just fine at the range.

Gary

 

[1HAWKEYE]

For loading .223 or 5.56 i've had good results with W748,H335,&
IMR 4064 mostly using something in a 55gr Sierra.Either a Sierra #1360
or #1390 My pet load is 25.4 grs of IMR 4064 over a Remington #7 1/2 Primer with a Sierra 1360 (55gr SPT)@ 2.255" o.a.l. in either Remington or Winchester brass.

 

[rebs081]

primers ?

If you couldn't get CCI primers, what primers would you use ? I have always used CCI #400 for my AR reloads and never had a problem. But they have become hard to find.

 

[rcnixon]

If you couldn't get CCI primers, what primers would you use ? I have always used CCI #400 for my AR reloads and never had a problem. But they have become hard to find.

For my semi-auto service rifles, I use CCI #34s and #41s. Supposedly they have a harder cup for use in rifles with free-floating firing pins. I don't know if it's voodoo or not but I am unwilling to gamble.

For everything else, I use whatever brand equivalent I have or can get that the receipe calls for. So far that's been CCI, Winchester or Remington. I haven't noticed any quality differences and any chrono differences seem to be lost in the noise but that last part is a guess.

I'm sure a tightly-controlled, precisely-measured lab test could show differences but I'm not a good enough shot to care how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. ;-)

Russ

 

[MichiganScott]

My preferences are CCI-450, CCI-41, CCI-400, and WSR in that order.

If I couldn't find any of them, I'd probably hold off until I could.

 

[NotObvious]

Remington 7 1/2 are my preferred primer for most accurate loads.

Followed closely by WSR and Federal. I save my federal for 454c loads, though.

I've used CCI NATO primers for new LC ammo to duplicate mk262 ammo, but, unless you have a strong hammer spring ... I've had some shallow primer hits.

I've never used Wolf primers, so, I can't comment on them.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Hey guys, I merged two threads on primers and powder into this general reloading thread. There's an entire section on the Forum dedicated to reloading Reloading . It's ok that we keep one general reloading thread here just for .223/5.56, but we can't pile on a bunch of reloading threads in this M&P15 section. phil

 

[oneyeopn]

I bought a box of Wolf .223 primers last month and have been shooting them with great results, no misfires, no hangfires and what seems to be complete ignition of the powder.

 

[GMC man]

im using CCI primers with CFE 223 for my girl. Monday I plan on finishing the testing with the two best preforming loads and some over loads just to see how they do and try to achieve the mil spec round speed.
27.0, 27.3, 27.8, 28.2, 28.4, and 28.6 grains with a Winchester 54.9 bullet. The new Hornaday scale makes a huge difference compared to old cheapo one I had and with only 5 rounds to test I should be able to do 50, 100, 200 yards w/o a problem and even fire my little girl 15-22, I think shes feeling neglected

Btw guys I found a S & W lower for sale for 350 so I picked it up for the 300 blackout I am going to be getting.

 

[JaPes]

I'm still acquiring base experience loading rifle ammunition. I stick to whatever primer & powder Grover and Bill recommends. CCI primers + CFE 223.

 

[BHarada]

I'm still acquiring base experience loading rifle ammunition. I stick to whatever primer & powder Grover and Bill recommends. CCI primers + CFE 223.

John, you sure picked polar opposites to place your trust in. Grover, the mad experimenter; and me, who finds the cheapest stuff that works and sticks with that. hahaha