.223 Loads

[majcl5]

I have a friend how is new to varmints and bought a ar-15 .223 and I was wondering what powder to start with. I am going to start with the 40 grain v-max and was thinking about h-335 or hogden benchmark for a powder.

[OldTurtle]

I've read a lot of good reports on the 335.. My go-to favorite though is the Winchester 748... From what I've read, it is based on the original 5.56 AR loads.

So far, it produces the most consistent loads in both my .223s and my .204s..

[acloco]

What is the barrel twist rate?

My bolt guns like H4198 for the lighter bullets and H4895 for the heavier.

[Hawkeye Joe]

I use Hodgdon H335 and Benchmark to launch 55 grain bullets in my bolt gun. Both work well.

[Lee C.]

I'm useing h335 with a sierra 60gr sp bullet. That shoots really good out of my savage.

[Rick in Oregon]

maj: When I was building and shooting AR's, shortly after my return to "The World", it was learned that WW748 about duplicates the powder the military uses in the M16, as it contains about the same amount of calcium carbonate, the chemical used for shelf life of ball powder, as well as an almost identical burning rate.

Both of these factors are critical for the AR's gas system, and may well be the most "AR- friendly" powder for these weapons. The Army's AMU (Army Marksmanship Unit) uses this powder exclusively in their reloading for their rifle teams (which should say alot).

As you may know, during the early days of the M16's initial use in Viet Nam, many instances of weapon failure occurred, and the cause was eventually traced to improper chemical composition of the powder used, causing a buildup of residue in the gas system during sustained fire that rendered the weapon inoperable. This was corrected, and the M16 and it's clones now enjoy a world-wide reputation as an excellent battle weapon.

[Sagebrush Burns]

FWIW - it is my understanding that H335 is very similar to W748. My Remington M700VS likes 27.0 H335, CC!450(mag primer), and Hornady 52BTSP(M).

[futuretrades]

i am also using h335, behind 40gr. vmax in my vangard. 1-12 twist lets me shoot 26.3 gr powder very accurately, sub MOA.

[Hotshot]

Some years ago Bill Campbell, owner of HSM in Stevensville, Mt, told me W748, H335, and AA2460 was all the same powder. Made in Israel it was packaged under the different lables by our American companies. I suspect Ramshot exterminator to be the same also, but I don't know that for sure. HSM used to load tens of millions of rounds of 223 every year with H335. They now prefer Benchmark and load all 204's with it and most of the 223's.

I'd say use your favorite load and don't worry about changing unless the gas mechanism doesn't work properly.

[acloco]

I DREAM of Montana.

Thanks.....

[Hotshot]

acloco,

Take I-80 to Cheyenne, then turn north on I-25. That will will join I-90 at Buffalo and Montana is only about 60 more miles.

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

[majcl5]

Not to be stupid but does ww748 stand for wincester

[acloco]

acloco,

Take I-80 to Cheyenne, then turn north on I-25. That will will join I-90 at Buffalo and Montana is only about 60 more miles.

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

The help really has no boundaries! Thanks....I think!

LOL!

[Hotshot]

W748 is a winchester powder and Hogdon now owns them.

[gwglave]

Here's anothter vote for Benchmark. I have two .223's (bolts) that dearly love a diet of Benchmark and 40 Vmaxs, 40 BT's or 40 Blitzkings.
They shoot any of these bullets equally well, but I do tweak the powder charge a bit for the different bullets.
But, as Rick pointed out, you need to use a powder that works well with the AR type gas system.

Rgds, Gerry