Powders for 223

My favorite in an autoloader is aa2230 but I can't find it locally, so I switched to cfe223. It was not as accurate as the 2230, too slow burning is the reason I figure. Switched to H335 and it shoots to the same point as the AA2230 and is about the same accuracy. That is what I will be using until I can find more AA2230.
 
Originally Posted By: tackMy favorite in an autoloader is aa2230 but I can't find it locally, so I switched to cfe223. It was not as accurate as the 2230, too slow burning is the reason I figure. Switched to H335 and it shoots to the same point as the AA2230 and is about the same accuracy. That is what I will be using until I can find more AA2230.
Can you find ramshot exterminator? I believe it is the same as aa2230
 
Benchmark is very accurate for me
BLC(2) was very inaccurate for me
CFE-223 is a good all around 223 powder. Clean burning
I recently switched to TAC and am loving it. accurate and meters well.
 
AA 2230 and Xterminator are the same powder. I have used 24 grains of Xterminator extensively in my 1 in 7 AR with 65 grain Sierra game kings for pigs and yotes. Xterminator is my go too powder and is readily available in the Memphis area. I have been using Rem 7 1/2 primers with Xterminator but I have recently tried some "Sellier and Bellot" primers with very good results . This gets my cost per kill down a few cents. Ha ha !
 
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Originally Posted By: RamjetAA 2230 and Xterminator are the same powder. I have used 24 grains of Xterminator extensively in my 1 in 7 AR with 65 grain Sierra game kings for pigs and yotes. Xterminator is my go too powder and is readily available in the Memphis area. I have been using Rem 7 1/2 primers with Xterminator but I have recently tried some "Sellier and Bellot" primers with very good results . This gets my cost per kill down a few cents. Ha ha !


Ramjet,

What type of velocities are you getting out of what length barrel? Also what was the temp when you took those readings?

I am also curious if you have pushed the Exterminator up to pressure? If so how many grains did it take until you found the limit?

Thanks!


On another note... I never had any luck with CFE223.

W748 and WSR primers have treated me a little to well. It is only 24.25 a pound at my local BiMart these days.
 
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I'll throw my $0.02 worth on CFE223 using 55 grain Hornady bullets based on my personal results and loading for 3 other AR's with 16" barrels owned by friends.

Anything under max powder loads posted on the Hodgdon web site shot from poor to fair groups at 100 yards, indoor range, off a solid cement rest using a 30X scope with fine X-hairs. All rifles had excellent aftermarket triggers as well. Upon reaching a tad under to a tad over the maximum listed charge for the CFE223 powder, which is 27.4 grains, per Hodgdon, of CFE223 with a 55 grain bullet - groups really came together for all. My AR shoots excellent with a couple tenths over max, and will group right at or a tad under 1/2 inch - 5-shot groups. Outdoors the groups seem to open a bit but are usually under an inch - off hand at 100 yards outdoors the groups are usually within a small bushel basket.
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I have a 2 moa Aimpoint mounted on my AR for everything except load development and anything the size of a prairie dog and larger are in Harm's Way up to 300 yards, that is, if I can see them, as if nothing else, I'll scare them. (I usually need a few "sighters"
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on prairie dogs at 300 yards but 150 yards and closer that Aimpoint, 55 grain Hornady bullet in front of CFE223 will make the rancher very happy.

I haven't chronographed those loads but I'd hazard a guess the bullet is flying fairly close to 2,850fps??
 
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I like Varget, H322, W748 and H335. My Savage axis really likes H322 and Varget (clover leafs). My Ruger American ranch loves Varget (clover leafs). Both shoot all 4 powders at 1/2 to 3/4 inch with Hornady Vmax in 50 and 55grn bullets. I will probably just switch to H322 or Varget for the bolt rifles and keep an 8lb tub of W748 for the AR's.

H322 may surprise you.
 
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Originally Posted By: bmooreI like Varget, H322, W748 and H335. My Savage axis really likes H322 and Varget (clover leafs). My Ruger American ranch loves Varget (clover leafs). Both shoot all 4 powders at 1/2 to 3/4 inch with Hornady Vmax in 50 and 55grn bullets. I will probably just switch to H322 or Varget for the bolt rifles and keep an 8lb tub of W748 for the AR's.

H322 may surprise you.

I agree! H322 has been very good to me in a couple of different 223’s.
 
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