SmallCaliberCentral

After testing most of the recommended powders for the .204 (8 different powders) I've found in both of my DPMS AR15's that IMR4895 and H4895 is the powder of choose. Sierra 32 gr. BK over 27.5 grs. of H4895 averages .50" for five shots with an occasional dip into the .25" range. Sierra 39 gr. BK over 27.0 grs. of IMR4895 averages between .63"-.75" for five shots. Reminigton 7 1/2 primers are used with both loads. One AR will shoot 32 gr. Hornady V-max into a .75 group using 27.5 grs. of Hodgdon Varget while the other AR refuses to shoot the V-max under .875". The AR's prefer extruded powders over the spherical powders with some loads of the spherical grouping over 2". I'd like to know if other members who shoot AR's, especially DPMS owners, have the same results.

I've had my best results with either Ramshot X-Terminator or Winchester 748 powders and the Sierra 39gr SBK bullets.

I generally use the W-748 since it's the same powder I use in my .223s. The Ramshot requires a slightly small charge for the same velocity, so I'm getting a few extra loads per pound.

I prefer the two powders as they are ball instead of extruded and meter extremely well through my dispenser without 'bridging' as the extruded powders seem to.

When I start loading, I usually load quite a few at any sitting, so getting hung up having to recheck every other load for proper charge weight gets tiresome.

I've tried 748 but didn't get the accuracy I was looking for. I do use it in my .223 loads for my RRA AR and it is one of the more accurate powders for that gun. I have a Dillion 550 for reloading the 223 and 748 does meter so smoothly. Thats why I wish I could use ball powder for the .204 AR but to get the 1/2 to 5/8 groups, I have to use extruded powders (IMR4895, H4895, Varget, Reloder 10X). I haven't tried the Ramshot X-terminator powder so I might give it a shot.