Reloading 223

[ckr]

So I have been reloading for a few years now but never 223.  Today I started to load up some rounds for a Contender.  A stupid question, is it normal for 223 to be a compressed load?  The Contender Reloading book shows 26-28.6 grains of powder depending on the bullet weight.  I loaded 20 each at 27gr and 28gr and they filled the case almost full.  I am using Win 748.  Thanks for any input

On a side note, is anyone using 748 to reload for their AR?  I have been wanting to come up with a accurate load using this powder because I have 5lbs.  If anyone has a recipe that works well for them I would love to hear it.  I have a 223 Wylde 16” with 1-8 twist

[h20hunter]

I've always used varget and 55gr pills.

[birdshooter1189]

I've used both varget and IMR4064 with 50gr bullets. Both are stick powders. 26 grains of varget and 4064 were compressed loads.

Have also loaded with H335 and Xterminator. Those are ball powders and left some free space in the case.

[hunter399]

+1 h335
Always treats me good.a little compressed is ok but I like to find powders that fill the case but not compressed and give you velocity+accuracy your look in for.

[ckr]

Thanks guys.  I just wasn’t sure about the full case thing.  If I jiggle the case a little, the powder settles down to the base of the neck.  I know there are better powders but I was given a new 5lb jug of 748 for free and would like to use it up.  Also because it’s so fine, it meters very well for me. 

[h20hunter]

Sounds like very min compression if really any....I'd go for it. Personlly, I'd start in the middle of your load data and work up.

[cooltimber]

CKR
          Using 748 for many other rifle's,along with .223. not near my notes so cant give u load data. But have loaded over 1000 rd's and no problem's,,just check overall length and trim as necessary. i use a scale and triggler.

[b23]

Win 748 at one time was one of "The" go to powders in the 223 for just about all bullet weights and it meters very well too.  There's been soooo many new powders introduced to the shooting community since 748 came out, that are more temp stable, you don't really hear much about the use of Win 748, but that certainly doesn't mean it's not a good powder that can produce very accurate ammunition.  Depending on the powder you're comparing it to, it will just be more temp sensitive.  Back in the mid 80's when I got my very first AR, Win 748 was the powder I used.  Most reloading books still show loads for Win 748 in a variety of bullet weights.

You didn't mention what bullet and weight you were loading for but if you are using 27-28gr of 748 in a 223, I'll assume this is for bullets less than 55 grains, yes?

[ckr]

So this project started because my father in law got a 223 barrel for his Thompson Contender and he asked me to load up some rounds.  I have 40gr v-max and some older 50gr Sierra lead nose so I made him a few of each at different speeds to see what works well for him.  All of the recipes came from the Thompson Contender reloading book which has been very good so far for the 45/70.  I am wondering how these lighter bullets would work in my ar?  It’s an Aero 1-8 twist and 16in barrel.  I have been reading a ton on the google machine and everyone seems to go with heavier bullets.  I do have a bunch of 55gr FMJ that I will try.  For you reloading AR guys, what is the most accurate bullet weight you have found?

[Yondering]

ckr - yes, lots of 223 loads can be compressed loads. It's not a problem at all. The only real issue with compressed loads is if they are compressed so much that they push the bullet back out from your seating depth (the powder acts like a spring), but it takes a lot of compression to do that.

As said already, 748 is a great powder for 223. There are more modern powders that are as good or better, but 748 is still a good choice. I've used it for 40gr through 62gr bullets in my 223 rifles with good success. Nosler and Hodgdon both have good free online data for it, and for a few dollars each you can install the Hornady and Sierra load manuals on a smartphone, which also have good 748 data.

[Wanttohuntmore]

I've ran 28 gr of 748 with 40gr max since they came out and I believe they were always compressed.   I think at most,  with win brass, I could get 29 gr in the case.  In general,  all compressed loads I've had were accurate.   

On a related tangent,  what powders are more temp stable,  meters a well as 748, with similar burn rate?

[b23]

I've used a lot of Hodgdon Benchmark for the lighter bullets in a few different 223's and it flows like water and is more temp stable than Win 748.  Benchmark is a little faster than 748 is and you won't use quite as much, but it works well and if you're looking for a replacement that meters well and is less temp sensitive, I'd suggest trying Benchmark.

[C-Money]

My Dad uses Varget for the .223. Seems to be very accurate.

[Fl0und3rz]

Ramshot TAC and Accurate AA2230 get mentioned a lot for .223.  I have some of both, but I haven't been able to check metering results for either, yet.

[b23]

Varget is a great powder and works well in a variety of different things and it meters ok, but nothing like Benchmark or any of the ball powders.