Ok, maybe it's my BBL length (16") but the loads I made using Winchester 748 were just dirty, dirty, dirty! Couldn't get through a mag without having to stop and allow the smoke to clear. On the bright side, the 64gr soft points were insanely accurate under 25 grains, as were the 62gr Hornady FMJBT's.

Any suggestions for a cleaner .223 powder that meters well? I think H335 is my next suggestion in the line... I've got maybe 100 more loads out of this jug before I move on to another powder.

Hmm, Been awhile since I loaded WW748 in .223, but I don't recall having the problems you had shooting 55 gr FMJ's from an IMI Galil ARM w/18" barrel. Charge was 27.5 grains, and measured velocity was 3012 fps.

The 25 grain load may be a bit light for this relatively slow propellant in .223, and I always used CCI 450 mag primers when using WW748. Single base propellants will tend to burn more cleanly for a given speed, but there are no single base ball propellants (great metering) that I am aware of. H322 is a fine grained stick that meters well, but may be a bit fast for your application for top velocity. IMR 4320 is a fine cut stick too, and has a burn rate/pressure curve that would fit, but again maybe not at top velocities. I love H335, but like any propellant, if there is not enough pressure to completely and efficiently burn the charge, a lot of residue will result. Wish I could help you better, but without being there to see all the variables, it is hard to precisely say what may work best to cover all the bases you want.

Did you try a mag primer? Ball powders often work better w/ a hotter spark. I don't reload for the 223 anymore. You could try BLC-2, a bit faster fo rthe shorter bbl.

I did not try a magnum primer, all I've got or can get are CCI 400's.

I've found a reloading shop here that has just about everything... markup is a little high, but it's worth it to buy components a pound at a time until I've got a load I can settle on.

quote:

Originally posted by Mister Joshua:
I did not try a magnum primer, all I've got or can get are CCI 400's.

I've found a reloading shop here that has just about everything... markup is a little high, but it's worth it to buy components a pound at a time until I've got a load I can settle on.

Yeah, Speer #14 recommends mag primers for all the ball powders.

I would recommend you give Varget a try for your next powder. It is the cleanest burning I have personally loaded for .223.

It meters OK, and is scary accurate when loaded at about 3000 fps.

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:
I don't reload for the 223 anymore.

Why not?

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:
I don't reload for the 223 anymore.

Why not?

I no longer have a 223. Since the AWB heere, I can't buy one, so I no longer load for it. When I eventually leave this crap state, I'll get another AR type platform, just because I can, then I'll dig out the brass & bullets I still have. Cheap shooting. I think I paid $50/K for the bullets back then & the O.F. Win brass was free from when my dad was a working LEO (like 3gal bucket).

H335 is my FAVORITE powder for .223.
I have not found anything that performs better in my Savage BT112 yet. I run 55g Berger HP Match heads pulled WAY out since the throat on Savages is like a cave.

I haven't noticed this problem using Wolf SR magnum primers. I also use 748 under 150gr. bullets in my 308 gas gun (also with magnum primers) and don't find it particularly dirty.

I'll see if I can get some small rifle magnums and cut the powder charge down 5%.

Varget is my go to powder for .223!

Josh I Would talk to Wally on this one He has loaded more 223 then anyone I know.

I used to have best results with H322 with my Thompson Contender with a 14" barrel. H355 would leave unburnt powder in the barrel.
At the time the H322 was Mil Surplus and could be had for $6 a pound.
748 was a bit too slow for that barrel.

I suck at remembering the numbers and it has been 6 mo's since I had to load for it (I load .308 too and use the same powders so I get confused) BUT, the Accurate Arms powders have been GOOD for me. They read like this in the manuals AA####. I know I have AA2460, and AA2520 in abundance but I can't remember if I load one or both in the AR and at which barrel length.... Sorry for the vague info but the LEE and Sierra manuals have laods for them....