New powder rec...

[21SF]

Recommend a new powder for .223 and .308.

Right now I'm using Varget for both, with great results (1/2 groups with 168 amax), but it meters pretty poorly from my powder measure due to the long grain structure.

I was thinking of trying BL-C2 because its a ball powder.

Im more concerned with the performance in .308 than the .223.

[popeye4]

I like VV N-140. A bit pricey, but excellent powder. It isn't spherical, but darned close and meters well.

Varget is excellent powder, if you are getting good results then stick with it. Find a load that isn't too sensitive to powder charge and then don't sweat being off by 0.2 grains.....

[Bongos]

I've tried Varget, RL15, BL-C2, H335, 748, what I found is extruded works best in 308 and ball works well in 223... you can not have the best of both worlds

[killshot44]

you can not have the best of both worlds

Sad but true. I have to trickle Varget but can throw H335. Varget is still my best-performing powder.

[damndave]

I would say R15 or H335.

[21SF]

I've tried Varget, RL15, BL-C2, H335, 748, what I found is extruded works best in 308 and ball works well in 223... you can not have the best of both worlds

Im more concerned with the .308 staying accurate than the .223.

Also its not powder charge inconsistencies, its the powder drop actually gets jammed up on the long grains.

[noylj]

Just remember, benchrest shooters loaded by volume only for decades and they never complained about stick powders. Unless it showed up on-target, it just doesn't matter. There is a reason why, if you watch a benchrest shooter loading at the range, there is probably NOT a balance in sight.
If you are getting 1/2 inch groups now, how much better could it possibly get?
Powder weight variation of 1% has almost NO effect on-target for rifle loads.

[bohoki]

tac is no joke

[Divernhunter]

Win748 has served me very well for many years. I have tried many others but always go back to Win748

[hk91666]

.223 & 6.8 spc is Reloader 10x
.308/3006 is Reloader 15

Very consistent across temp changes and very accurate

[popeye4]

Just remember, benchrest shooters loaded by volume only for decades and they never complained about stick powders. Unless it showed up on-target, it just doesn't matter. There is a reason why, if you watch a benchrest shooter loading at the range, there is probably NOT a balance in sight.
If you are getting 1/2 inch groups now, how much better could it possibly get?
Powder weight variation of 1% has almost NO effect on-target for rifle loads.

So true. I have developed loads for .308 that are not sensitive to 0.3 to 0.4 grains either way, though I can usually get my Harrell's measure to throw in a smaller range. Either VV N140 or IMR 4895 has worked well for me. I'm loading mainly for an M14 type rifle with 168 - 175 gr bullets.

[21SF]

Thanks for the recommendations.

But i think some of you misunderstand me.

Im NOT concerned with slight weight variations.

My hornady case activated powder drop gets stuck on the long grains. Its will break through the jam just fine on .308 but with .223 sometimes the case gives before the grain gets cut, smashing the case.

Thats the ONLY reason i want a different powder. I didnt want to keep switching powders when i load .308 .223. Maybe I will hand weigh Varget for my .308 and use something that meters well for .223. Argh.

[JagerDog]

I use Benchmark for .223. Should be a fine powder for .308 as well. Small grains, semi-spherical.

[popeye4]

Thanks for the recommendations.

But i think some of you misunderstand me.

Im NOT concerned with slight weight variations.

My hornady case activated powder drop gets stuck on the long grains. Its will break through the jam just fine on .308 but with .223 sometimes the case gives before the grain gets cut, smashing the case.

Thats the ONLY reason i want a different powder. I didnt want to keep switching powders when i load .308 .223. Maybe I will hand weigh Varget for my .308 and use something that meters well for .223. Argh.

Ah, so it is a Hornady problem. Still, I'd recommend the VV powders. N140 can be used in both rounds (at least for the heavier .223 bullets). The grains are technically cylindrical, but the cylinders are so short that they are effectively spherical (length ~ diameter). They meter nicely.

[csterl]

TAC, works well for me in both .223 and .308