M1A + mini 14 powder

[sierra m37]

Just getting into reloading and wondering if there is a single powder good for both platforms so I can start scouting around.

7.62x51 and .223.

Thanks I advance.

[BigBronco]

There are several powders that work well in both calibers. Winchester 748 is one.
I do recommend you read a couple manuals. Info like this is basic in any manual.

[Gunsrruss]

Powder

748....BLC-2....also 4895 but it doesn't meter all that well. I prefer a ball powder myself, because of the metering.

[ptmn]

My top three choices are exactly the same as Gunsrruss, BLC-2, W-748 and IMR-4895. I use all three for 7.62 and 5.56 loading for semi auto and bolt guns. A few more that have the proper burn rate for semi autos in those calibers are A-2520, A-2230, H-4895, TAC, I-4064. There are some sources that say Varget and RE15 are too slow on the pressure curve for the M1A, but I think that is arguable, since there are many reloaders that use it in the M1A both successfully and safely. I gave no opinion on that matter, since I've never used those two powders. I want to use them, but they are impossible to find right now

[micro911]

I use IMR 4064 for 308 Win and V140 for 223 Rem. Excellent results for me.

[Divernhunter]

Win 748 has done well for me for many years. I shoot 55gr and some 40gr bullets in my 223 rifles(including Mini14)/pistol and 125/130/150gr bullets in the 308win(7.62X51) rifles(including M1A)/pistol.

[Citadelgrad87]

My .02, worth a bit less on the street than that, the powders I have used in 308 and similar loads are, at least in my limited experience, extruded, meaning rod shaped, powder. 4064 is what I am using for these loads. I confine my comment to that powder.

If you look at the size of the extruded 4064 granules, and the small neck opening on 223, to me at least, the powder is less than ideal mechanically speaking, bluntly, a tight fit in the case neck.

Burn rate wise, there are absolutely loads for 223 published, and therefore they are safe for that use, but for me, I am looking toward ball powder for my 223 use.

I second the advice to pick up a current reloading manual first, and read the beginning of the manual, not the load charts, the theory and mechanics, and cautions, of reloading.

[highpower790]

Varget is VERY suited for M1A's, that's the standard powder for High Power match loads. Varget works great for heavier bullet 223 loads, but for lighter bullets I prefer H322. H335 will work in both 308 Win and 223 Rem, as well.

another vote for varget...i use for the M1A,M1,and AR ,a versatile powder!