Hi guy's, I reload .303 British with Swiss RS50 powder. According to their website it's "Highly recommended" for that purpose. I've also been using the same powder in my .223 reloads, but in this calibre the RS50 is just "Recommended". I'm considering getting some powder specifically for .223.
My question is this - "What is/are the most popular UK available powders suitable for reloading 55grain .223 bullets". I'm using CCI small rifle primers, the rifle is a CZ527 Ebony Edition with a twist rate of 1:9.
I know there's likely to be a number of different opinions on this, and that's fine. I've only been reloading for a few months so everyone's opinion is valuable to me.
Thanks in anticipation....
Popular 223 powders
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All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.
Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.
Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
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kennyc
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Re: Popular 223 powders
N140, Ramshot Xterminator are the 2 I have used both work with 55gn N140 will handle the heavier stuff and Xterminator the lighter
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North Star
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Re: Popular 223 powders
I've always had good results with Varget in my .223
Never take good advice, if you think you know better.
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Laurie
Re: Popular 223 powders
Hodgdon H335 is probably the most widely used 223 propellant for 55gn loads worldwide - unsurprising in that it is the canister version of the bulk General Dynamics St. Marks Powder Co powder used in the original M193 5.56 round and in many current 223 55gn FMJ factory versions.
In the UK where Vihtavuori is the primary handloading marque, Viht N133 and N135 are both very well suited to this combination. Of the pair, I'd recommend the marginally faster burning N133 for 50-55gn bullets. N140 and the very similarly performing Reload Swiss RS50 both work well as you've found, but are just a tad too slow burning in this application and are better suited to 68-75gn bullets.
Reload Swiss RS40 is the canister version of the Swiss bulk powder used in that country's version of the 5.56 cartridge, the RUAG manufactured 5.6mm GW Pat 90 military cartridge with its 63gn bullet. It will give very high MVs to 55s in your rifle, but is a 'hot' double-based number.
In the UK where Vihtavuori is the primary handloading marque, Viht N133 and N135 are both very well suited to this combination. Of the pair, I'd recommend the marginally faster burning N133 for 50-55gn bullets. N140 and the very similarly performing Reload Swiss RS50 both work well as you've found, but are just a tad too slow burning in this application and are better suited to 68-75gn bullets.
Reload Swiss RS40 is the canister version of the Swiss bulk powder used in that country's version of the 5.56 cartridge, the RUAG manufactured 5.6mm GW Pat 90 military cartridge with its 63gn bullet. It will give very high MVs to 55s in your rifle, but is a 'hot' double-based number.
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safetyfirst
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Re: Popular 223 powders
21gn odd of Ram tac sent 78gn sierra into tiny group for me.
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bhodge
Re: Popular 223 powders
Thanks for the replies guy's, I've now got a bit of first hand information to go on..
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WelshShooter
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Re: Popular 223 powders
Hi matey. I have a CZ 527 Varmint with the 1:9 twist heavy barrel. Ramshot Tac plays nicely with both 52gr and 69gr SMKs. Reload Swiss RS50 works extremely well with 69gr SMKs. Reload Swiss RS40 doesn't work so well with 69gr SMKs, too fast burning for the bullet. I haven't got around to trying the 52gr bullets with Reload Swiss.
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treetop
Re: Popular 223 powders
I use IMR 8208 XBR , great powder ...
I use it in .223, .308 and I will be using it in 6.5 Creedmoor
I use it in .223, .308 and I will be using it in 6.5 Creedmoor
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bnz41
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Re: Popular 223 powders
+3 for Varget for 52/55/69gr bullets in both bolt action and straight pull rifles with no issues.
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