Favorite powder for 223/AR-15?
Dave H.
[subject]
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 15:17 (499 days ago)
I’ve accumulated enough range brass to start reloading 223 for my Ruger AR. What’s everyone’s favorite 223 powder these days? I need to start looking for powder. Thanks.
Due to the small caliber I like fine ball powders
WB
[subject]
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 15:31 (499 days ago) @ Dave H.
They usually don’t bridge, and meters well. Of course clean burning is a factor as well. The location of your gas port is a factor too. Pistol, carbine, mid-length, 20” barrel positions are totally different. I’ve been using AA powders for a while. They have performed well, Hodgon too.
If you find a need to inside lube some necks the sprays are great. Just work a couple angles with a spritz in the case tray. It sort of dries and powder does not clog the case mouth.
Should have clarified (ball)
Dave H.
[subject]
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 07:57 (499 days ago) @ WB
These will be for the AR, so ball, aka spherical, will be preferred. Have 335, used to burn a lot of BL-C(2) and 748. I hear great things about TAC and CFE223, but never used either. My choices would be different if this were a bolt gun.
I’ve mostly stuck to the classics. I seldom
WB
[subject]
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 10:16 (499 days ago) @ Dave H.
Use or select a powder for a single use. Quite the opposite. I have used BLC2 for .223 and .378 GNR. It was a favored powder for the .338 GNR. Works good for everything in between, etc. That’s just how I roll.
As to the AR. Gas port position is often overlooked. The farther down the barrel the better, and lower the pressures too. My 20” shoots so much better than anything else. It’s almost infallible. The Carbines can be a little temperamental.
I’d put my 20” HBAR against any bolt gun I’ve ever shot. It could stand a little trigger work, and being a carry handle rig the scope mounts are goofy (I use a B-Square) but she’s a shooter!
.223 powders
AlanT
[subject]
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 17:22 (499 days ago) @ Dave H.
Old standbys
Hodgdon H335
Accurate AA2230
Newer and better
Hodgdon CFE223
These are mine as well! Haven’t tried CFE though I do
drdougrx
[subject]
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 05:12 (499 days ago) @ AlanT
Use CfeBlack in my 762x39.
Years ago I bought 8 jugs of powder (8 LB each)
Gary Reeder
[subject]
Monday, March 17, 2025, 12:43 (498 days ago) @ Dave H.
in over runs from GIBrass.com The powder was said to be the normal powder used by the military for the 223 and 308 and was Winchester 748 which is a good clean burning ball powder. If you plan to load 223 my recommendation is Winchester 748 and stay away from any of the "gimmick" powders.