The best powder for the ar-15

[majcl5]

I have a friend with a ar-15 .223 what is the best powder for this gun and cartridge

[acloco]

How heavy of bullet?

For the AR's, I determine the best powder by the easiest to clean. Benchmark meters good through a Dillon.

Lots of people use Win 748 or 760, but both are rather dirty powders.

Personally, I would use Benchmark or H4895 from Hodgdon's Extreme line.

[majcl5]

40 grain v-max

[acloco]

Ah...that changes things a bit. I would also consider H4198.

I am not in love with Hodgdon powder....just seems that is what I end up with in most of the loads that I develop. I have Accurate, Reliant, IMR, & Hodgdon.....just seems I end up back at Hodgdon for 90% of what I shoot.

[Rick in Oregon]

For the M16/AR15 platform, WW748 most closely chemically duplicates the military equivalent, and being a ball powder, meters very well. You may consider it the civilian clone to powder specifcally designed for the M16/AR15 gas system.

The calcium carbonate content of this powder has been altered over the years to give the least internal coating to the gas system, and therefore give a higher round count prior to weapon fouling/jamming. It is the powder of choice for the AMU (Army Marksmanship Unit), and they handload every round with it that's intended for practice or match shooting when allowed vs. arsenal ammunition.

Bear in mind that this powder is ideally paired with the 55gr bullet, but still performs well with the 40's.

[serpent71]

i just got my first ar 15 ijn .233 and i am thinking of use a 62gr bullet to hunt with what do you guys think the best powder would be