Powder for 77GR SMK HPBT?

[pratchett]

In this post, Randall cited QuickLOAD on 77GR SMK HPBTs.

If I read that correctly, QuickLOAD turned up 46 individual powders by 8 different manufacturers. That's a bit intimidating to a new reloader. Could you help me out?

Maybe you could list one or two or three you'd prefer for that bullet, and a consensus might develop here. Thanks in advance for your advice.

[freakshow10mm]

H335, TAC, Varget

[krzgoat]

I've used BLC(2) and Reloader 15 for mine. Both seem to group well. I have some H335 that I think I'm going to load to try next time out based on freakshow's recommendation.

[ocabj]

RL15, Varget, or N140.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

Varget, N140

[pratchett]

Anyone else? Cross-posted here to the sticky Request for Receipe (.223 77gr HPBT).

[Ahhnother8]

N540
Varget

[cowboyup]

In this post, Randall cited QuickLOAD on 77GR SMK HPBTs.

If I read that correctly, QuickLOAD turned up 46 individual powders by 8 different manufacturers. That's a bit intimidating to a new reloader. Could you help me out?

Maybe you could list one or two or three you'd prefer for that bullet, and a consensus might develop here. Thanks in advance for your advice.

TAC and H4895 go down easy.............

[Someoneelseok]

Varget, N140

What's the opinion on RL15? Lot of folks say that it groups tighter than at least Varget, and swear by RL15.

The only con I've heard about RL-15 is that it's sensitive to temperature, but have never seen any empirical evidence, just a ton of hear say.

I use Varget, however RL15 did perform extremely well in my test rounds.

[sv_1]

The availability of rl15 made it my choice. I have noticed some temp sensitivity but the tradeoffs were worth it.

[ocabj]

I've been using RL15 for 75/77/80/82 in .223 since 2005.

Temperature sensitive? I'm not sure what that means in real life. I've shot in temperatures from 50F to 100F+. Bullets went downrange and hit paper with good groups everytime.

I guess as long as you don't shoot beyond SAAMI, you'll be fine.

[Jicko]

I've been using RL15 for 75/77/80/82 in .223 since 2005.

Temperature sensitive? I'm not sure what that means in real life. I've shot in temperatures from 50F to 100F+. Bullets went downrange and hit paper with good groups everytime.

I guess as long as you don't shoot beyond SAAMI, you'll be fine.

+1 on RL15.

I use 24.7gr RL15/Rem7.5 or CCI-BR4 with 77SMK, superb result.

[krzgoat]

+1 on RL15.

I use 24.7gr RL15/Rem7.5 or CCI-BR4 with 77SMK, superb result.

How are the primers and the the brass looking with that load? Everywhere I have seen 24.1 is max. Just wondering if you are seeing any difference in the brass or primers or maybe everyone is just being super safe on their listed max loads.

[lazuris]

24.2g rl15 grouped best for me 1:7twist Shilen barrel. Primers look good.

[jdogg2000]

I use RL-15 too, since I reload .308 as well as .223. Its nice only having to worry about one powder. Varget was impossible for me to find when I was buying my powder...