New .223 powder required

timbeech

Well-Known Member
I'm currently running my .223 on Benchmark (Nosler or VMax 55grn over 25grns of Benchmark).

Struggling to get Benchmark so thinking of either Ramshot TAC (can get locally) or a Vhit powder or 1kg tubs to keep me going longer. The Vhit route is confusing as I know N133 is a favourite for .223 but the Nosler manual only lists N135 or N120. Dubious of N120 as I think it's a bit fast for my 1-9 twist.

what do others use on a fast twist .223, and don't bother suggesting varget as I don't want to be tied down to the powder that has the biggest supply problems.
 
I use Vit N130 in my .222,N133or 135 will be fine,but if I could get hold of it,Hodgdons H322 would be my choice.
Best to choose a powder that you have a reliable supply of though.
 
The cheapest option is probably Reload Swiss RS40 - specifically made for 223!
Available from Nigel Cole Hawkins at Bisley (Commonside Firearms) - UK distributor - Possibly also at HPS & maybe Brock & Norris.

Ian
 
I am currently using ramshot x-terminator in my 223, I actually worked up a load yesterday with excellent results! 50gr nosler ballistic tips over 25.4gr of the powder gave me hole on hole at 100 yds and less than 1 inch at 300yds. Have yet to chronograph it but I think its quite hot! I swear by ramshot powders, has given me excellent results in my 223, 243 and 270.
 
Good morning timbeech, we have all the vit powders on the shelf and large stocks of hodgdon and IMR, We are only over at whitchurch on the A41 and we can provide you with load data for any combination you wish to use. yours respectfully Mike Norris Brock and Norris Custom Rifles
 
The cheapest option is probably Reload Swiss RS40 - specifically made for 223!
Available from Nigel Cole Hawkins at Bisley (Commonside Firearms) - UK distributor - Possibly also at HPS & maybe Brock & Norris.

Ian

We're getting very good results with Reload Swiss RS50.
 
I'm currently running my .223 on Benchmark (Nosler or VMax 55grn over 25grns of Benchmark).

Struggling to get Benchmark so thinking of either Ramshot TAC (can get locally) or a Vhit powder or 1kg tubs to keep me going longer. The Vhit route is confusing as I know N133 is a favourite for .223 but the Nosler manual only lists N135 or N120. Dubious of N120 as I think it's a bit fast for my 1-9 twist.

what do others use on a fast twist .223, and don't bother suggesting varget as I don't want to be tied down to the powder that has the biggest supply problems.

My Sako 75 has a 1:8 inch twist. I've been using

22.5 to 23.5 grains of N130 with 55 grain Remington PowerLokt bullets. Exceptional accuracy was at 23.0 grains.

25.0 grains of N135 with:
- 60 grain Sierra HP #1375 for 3066fps (measured at 2'C)
- 55 grain Nosler B.Tip #39560 for 3086fps (measured at 2'C)
- 55 grain Hornady V-Max #22261 31136fps (measured at 2'C)

All of which were seated to 0.020" from the lands and all of which delivered very good 5-round groups (1/2-3/4 inch at 100 yards).

-JMS
 
The cheapest option is probably Reload Swiss RS40 - specifically made for 223!
Available from Nigel Cole Hawkins at Bisley (Commonside Firearms) - UK distributor - Possibly also at HPS & maybe Brock & Norris.

Ian

This is what I'm currently using, but I am rather worried that the bargain-price supplies of this stuff (and TR140 and Elcho 17) will soon a distant memory.
 
This is what I'm currently using, but I am rather worried that the bargain-price supplies of this stuff (and TR140 and Elcho 17) will soon a distant memory.

with tons literrally) of it being brought into the UK, and with it being cheaper than N140, I think it will be around for a while.
 
with tons literrally) of it being brought into the UK, and with it being cheaper than N140, I think it will be around for a while.

The TR140/Elcho17 and repackaged RS40 I've got cost me £50/kg. The latest price I was quoted is £58/kg, and apparently proper RS-liveried stuff will be priced to match Viht.
I suspect 3.5kg tubs of Viht will be the better value for money by the end of this year - but I guess it depends whom you're buying from.
 
Viht N133 or N135 (N133 preferable)

Reload Swiss RS40 (TR140 which is Reload Swiss RS50 will work, but is a bit too slow burning for 50-55gn bullets, but well suited to 60-75gn)

Hodgdon H322, BenchMark, CFE223, H335. (H335 and CFE223 are commercial canister versions of propellants used in military 5.56mm ball ammo, H335 being close to that used in US M193 55gn FMJ cartridges)

Alliant Re10x

Lovex SO60 (AA-2015 as used to be); DO73.4 and DO73.5 (Accurate 2230 and 2460 as used to be). Like H335, DO73.4 is a canister version of a commercial 5.56mm / 55gn FMJ bullet propellant.

Ramshot X-Terminator and TAC. (X-T is better for this bullet weight as Tac is a trifle slow burning and therefore better suited to 60-70gn bullets.)
 
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