Powders for 223

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cjclemens

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I just shot a few test loads I had worked up for my 16" lightweight carbine. I was using 55 grain V-Max bullets over several different charges of TAC and Varget. I had one OK group out of the TAC series and I had a couple OK groups out of the Varget series, but neither were particularly impressive. Should I have used Benchmark instead? I know Varget is kind of a slow powder, but I've always heard it's a good accuracy powder as well. I was just wondering if Benchmark might have been a better option since the Varget wasn't quite what I was hoping for.
 
I like Benchmark and TAC for all my .223 loads. Both have been very accurate in my guns. I have used Varget, it was accurate, but too slow for me.
 
Try CF&E 223. It meters like sand and fills the case nearly full. I use it in my Ruger 204 and my 223. Some say it is temp sensitive but , I haven't noticed that. I shoot in winter and summer. I shoot a lot of rounds in a year. Target shooting, P.D. and coyotes. I shoot 40,50 and 52 gr. bullets in the 223. I have Varget, IMR 4064 and CF&E 223 in the safe. I use the CF&E 223 the most of all of them. The Varget and IMR 4064 are for my 22-250. I have a lb. of Tac that I haven't tried yet. Haven't tried Benchmark yet. Rudy
 
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I think I'm gonna try a set of test loads with Benchmark. If that doesn't work out, I'll try the CFE 223. My local supplier has a pretty limited selection, so I'd have to take a fairly long road trip to a real sporting goods store to get the CFE 223.
 
Originally Posted By: BleedsBlueH4895 simply perfect
The more I use it, I kinda wonder why I even keep the others in the cabinet.
 
Isn’t 335 kinda dirty in 223? I tried it in my 6x45 and it left an awful mess in the barrel. Also, which would be better for a 55 grain pill - 4198 or 4895?
 
335 is nasty, and is horribly temp sensitive, not to mention modern powders like Benchmark, CFE, etc leave it in the dust as far as speed.
 
CF&E 223 cleans out very nicely after a 100 rounds down the barrel. Haven't used any of the others mentioned. Suppliers don't seem to have much of the favorites mentioned is probably why. Shooters know what they like and stick to their favorites. We are lucky to live in America where we still have choices. God Bless America!!! Rudy
 
I'm just a novice level reloader but back during the Obama hording panic I tried a few powders, Tac, Benchmark, Varget, maybe another one or 2. I ended up buying a bunch of Benchmark and it works great. Pretty easy to work up sub MOA loads and I recently chronoed several loads at ~100 fps faster than factory loads without going to maximum charges. No complaints.
 
Another vote for benchmark.I use it in .223rem and .222rem.Ive used varget and liked it just not in the .223.May try some cfe223 some day but if it ain't broke why fix it.
 
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