Help me decide which powder to use

[finyllw]

reloading .223 for the first time, I have selected H335, BLC(2), IMR 4064 and IMR 4320 powders.

I already use BLC(2) for my .308 loads and am pretty happy with it. In your opinion, which powder would be best for .223?

My rifle is a 16", 1:9 twist A-2 comp. I will be using FMJBT 55grn and 62 grn bullets.

thanks in advance.

[NotEnufGarage]

Try 'em all. See what gives you the best velocity and accuracy.

What are you going for? Plinking rounds? SHTF stash? 200 yd accuracy?

I use TAC and Varget, but I'm planning to get some WC844 and try that.

[finyllw]

I already have 16 different powders in my stash. I really don't want another 4 or 5.

I will be shooting mostly out to 2oo yards, target shooting, plinking, but if needed SHTF too.

223 for close up, got a .308 for the longer ranges.

[XDRoX]

I've tried a few (when I use to load 223) and settled on TAC.

[jimmykan]

If you want to keep it simple, BLC2 will work in both 223 and 308.

That way you can just buy in bulk to save money, and if you want to save even more money, buy the military surplus version of BLC2, called WC846, in bulk from Hi-Tech Ammo. $95 / 8-lb jug.

However, BLC2/WC846 is not the BEST powder for 223. Lots of people settle on Varget for accurate loads, but like 4064 in 308, it doesn't meter that well so precise charges need to be trickled.

A decent and cheap ball powder for reloading 223 is WC844. The basic military 5.56 loads use WC844 (the civilian canister grade version is called Hodgdon H335). It's even cheaper at Hi-Tech: $84 / 8-lb jug, and if you buy 4 jugs, they will pay the HAZMAT fee.

The special purpose Mk 262 77-grain match load is loaded by Black Hills with some sort of ball powder similar to Ramshot TAC.

[rg1]

H335 for 55 fmj bullets, and since you have it already I'd work a load with
BLC2 for 62 and heavier bullets. H335 from 24.5-25.0 grains with 55 fmj bullets works well in most AR's.

[freonr22]

anyone use accurate 2230?

[Pete1979]

I just tried BLC2 in my 308 and was delighted, not as good as RL-15 but close. If you already have it, use in in the 223. H4895 works good too if you have it on the shelf.

[EWILKE]

hodgdons has a new powder that looks interesting called CFE223