IMR 4198 for .223

[smle-man]

I bought a pound of IMR 4198 from a Calgunner for reloading .223, my usual choice is WW748 but I thought I'd give this a try. It is a long grain stick powder which doesn't meter well at all. Nominal load that I tried is 21.1gr with a 55gr FMJ bullet. Accuracy is ok but most of the rounds short stroked the action. Max according to the Sierra book is 21.9 so I would think that 21.1 would be enough to function but not so. I will be glad when this powder is gone. I will step it up to 21.5gr and see if I get the action to function properly at that point. Anyone else have experience with this powder in .223?

[smoothy8500]

My Oly CAR15 operates fine with 20 to 20.5gr behind a 55gr FMJ, However, my 20" A2 needs 21.5 to operate reliably. Unfortunately 4198 is too fast to be efficient with 55gr projectiles in a full length AR.

[smle-man]

I bumped it up to 21.6 and it is still short recoiling. the 21.0 and 21.6 works the Saiga .223 with a 16" barrel no problem so I guess the 4198 is going to be used up for the Saiga and I'll get some 748 like I usually use for the A2.

Thanks for the input.

[Sunwolf]

4198 is fine for bolt actions,never liked it for semi autos.

[smle-man]

You are right, it is the wrong powder for semis. I bought it as a package deal from a calgunner, 1000 FMJ bullets, 1000 primers and 1 lb of 4198. Just glad I didn't buy the other pound the fella had too! Seems to work ok out the Saiga but maybe that is because the gas port is closer to the chamber than on the AR15. I'll use up the powder between the Saiga and the Mini MkX bolt action .223. The powder is a real pain in the butt to use in a RCBS rotary powder measure.

[IntoForever]

Works fine in mine. I use the minimal amount to cycle properly when I just want to hear steel ping at Angeles. I use the Lee dipper 1.3 and just bought 8 lbs. I'm right over the hill so if you want to sell it hit me up.

[fabguy]

smle-man,
I have a pound of H335 if you'd like to trade for that instead or I can get you a pound of WW748 for it.
I feel bad that it isn't working for you and I want to make this right, either way PM me if you'd like to trade for either one.