Need 223 tubular powder

glockaviator · 09-08-2010, 20:28

Like Varget, but not Varget. Varget and my little Hornady Vmax 55's wouldn't outshoot factory loads (Hornady HPBT's), so I am in search of another powder. I have feeding problems with small ball powder, looking to go TUBULAR! Suggestions?

Bultx1215 · 09-08-2010, 20:41

I use more Benchmark than Varget. Its totally tubular.

DoctaGlockta · 09-09-2010, 13:22

I use TAC for 223. Works well. Meters well. Priced well. Not sure how tubular it is however.

EL_NinO619 · 09-09-2010, 14:08

Imr 3031

KinderGlocken · 09-09-2010, 14:13

Reloader 15

glockaviator · 09-09-2010, 18:08

Thanks guys. I was after some Benchmark, but they didn't have it. I'll look somewhere else.

glockaviator · 09-09-2010, 18:09

Any suggesiton on bullets for accuracy, 55 grain from a bolt gun 1 in 12 twist.

KinderGlocken · 09-09-2010, 19:46

Sierra MatchKing Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 52 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...ber=1482428100

these with Varget or Reloader15

KinderGlocken · 09-09-2010, 19:49

I forgot about these Dog Town bullets
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...mber=939655304
They are pretty good and cheaper.

**n2extrm** · 09-09-2010, 19:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by KinderGlocken

Sierra MatchKing Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 52 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...ber=1482428100

these with Varget or Reloader15

for a 1 in 12 I would try this. I like re15 use it alot.

I have friends that have had good luck with the dog town bullets, I never tried them though.

rjrivero · 09-09-2010, 20:15

Inaccurate loads:

Before you write off Varget as an "inaccurate powder" I would like to know what your reloading sequence is. If you are after one jagged hole, then the work is done BEFORE you put bullet in case.

Separate the cases by headstamp. Each case should be sized, trimmed and then further separate the cases by volume. (Which means weighing each case dry, then filling with water and weighing again.)

The bullets should each be weighed and put in groups +/- 1 or 2 grains.

Each charge should be hand measured as well. Extruded (not called tubular) powders do not meter well in most "volume based" powder throws. Hand measured is the best way to go. Work your loads up from the minimum to the maximum in .2 or .3 grain increments. When you will find a "sweet spot" where your rifle likes the velocity the best for any given bullet and then you can fine tune the round by playing with OAL until it gets the best result.

Consistence is KEY in making reloads capable of one jagged hole. Varget is a powder used by A LOT of High Power competitors and is quite stable at a WIDE variation of temperatures. I find it odd that you're not happy with such a POPULAR COMPETITION powder.

GOA Guy · 09-09-2010, 20:32

Try IMR4895 or H4895 if you want a stick propellant. Both are very good in the 223.

glockaviator · 09-09-2010, 20:32

Varget works well for me in my 308.

With my 223 bolt action rifle, I can get better groups with Hornady factory ammo (55 grain fmjbt). Anyway, I am looking for something else since Varget isn't doing real well. It works, just wont outshoot factory stuff. (I am getting 1/2" groups with the factory stuff and about 1" groups with the Varget).

I just read on another forum that Benchmark tends to perform better in the smaller calibers like 223. I may give it a try.

BTW, I do all that case weighing and hand weighing you mentioned. Well maybe not all of it, but I will once I get a load I'm happy with. Still in load development.
That and seeing just how far out I can shoot that 223 of mine and still get on the paper. I got it out to 500 yards today. Ran out of ammo and time. That was with the factory ammo stuff which also seems to hold a higher trajectory than my stuff. Right now it does. I am hoping to outperform it.

KinderGlocken · 09-10-2010, 06:56

If you had a faster twist barrel you could shoot some fo the bigger bullets and really let the .223 stretch it's legs. My highpower service rifle AR has a 1-7 twist barrel. I shoot the Sierra 69gr Match Kings With 24.5 gr. of Varget at 200 and 300 yards. I shoot the 80gr Sierra MK at 600 yards with the same 24.5 gr of Varget. I seat the 80gr bullets ogive .0100" off the lands. This bullet has allowed the .223 to dominate the highpower service rifle class.

KinderGlocken · 09-10-2010, 06:58

You might be able to get the 69gr Sierras to work in your rifle. You should buy one box and try them out.

PBKing · 09-10-2010, 07:04

No chance of addressing the

Quote:

I have feeding problems with small ball powder

problem??

Lots of good ball powders for a 55gr .223
Nothin wrong with stick though.

I have a Bushy Target that groups great with H335 or 4895 in 55gr but will not group well with Varget. All my other AR's run Varget just fine includding a few more Bushys.

wdphillips · 09-10-2010, 07:13

I use 3031 (tubular) 23.5g with 55g bullet and I get 2650 fps at altitude here in Colorado (I suspect the combustion is less at altitude, lower altitude you should get better combustion). You can push it to 25g but at that weight the powder is under compression. I am not expert at loads under compression so I do not g0 there.

I found that IMR 3031 and H335 (25g) perform almost identical for me in my Colt AR-15.