223/556 powder reco, 18" barrel bolt

[rm1911]

Been reloading rifle (mostly '06, some 303 Brit, 6.5x55, and others) and pistol for many years. Just got a mossberg MVP with the 18" barrel. Once we blow off the boxes of 556 and I have the brass, want to start reloading. Problem is most load data is for 22-24" bolt rifles or AR's. I have imr 4895 and 4350 on hand, neither of which is gonna work well.

We (me and my sons) want to mostly ring steel and stuff like that. Probably gonna shoot mostly 62gr bullets. Twist rate is 1:9.

Also, son is gonna use it for deer with the Barnes ttsx, which is sufficient. Yes, 223 can be an effective deer round to 200yds with a good bullet. And he ttsx is designed for deer.

I'm thinking just something like AR Comp or CFE223 which are both AR type powders. I'd gather the slower burning powders won't be as effective. Any other suggestions?

[highpower790]

Why assume IMR 4895 wont work well?It is a great powder to use,one that I tested when Varget was in short supply.

[dwalker]

I use CFE223 or Tac for my bolt gun loads

[rm1911]

Why assume IMR 4895 wont work well?It is a great powder to use,one that I tested when Varget was in short supply.

Funny you should mention that. I get great results with 4895 in my bolts. Sure, it is THE garand powder, but the exact same loads that I shoot in the garand shoots fantastic out my bolts, one a sporterized 03A3 and the other a marlin X7L.

IMR lists 4895 as a suitable 223 powder for anything 55-69 grains. And has load data for it. Seems to get decent velocity. But that's from a 24" barrel. So I figure the max load will probably not matter.

Hmmm...think I'll just use the 4895 and if I get decent results stick with it. I have a chronograph and can see what the does.

Thanks.