About to buy some powder

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The Raven
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About to buy some powder

Post by The Raven »

My final shipment of reloading bits and bobs arrived from Santa's North Pole factory today. So, other than mounting the press and taking things slowly I'm just about ready to purchase some powder and primers.

So I'm after some advice as to powders.

Firstly, I'm thinking ADI powders as they are locally produced and readily available at most LGS.
Secondly, I'm not going to leap into the deep end and start loading for long range precision shooting. The initial focus is on mastering the basics of reloading.
Just to add a third factor, I was wondering if it's wise to select a powder that would be usable for either 223Rem or 308W. I plan to start reloading 223 and then later 308.

Digging through the ADI reloading data I see that AR2206H covers both calibres and a wide range of projectile weights. Would it be wise to go with that or do our experts have their own recommendations?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.

I'm hoping to put a few rounds together over Christmas/New Year.
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Camel
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Re: About to buy some powder

Post by Camel »

Either 2206H or 2208 will cover them both :D
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trevort
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Re: About to buy some powder

Post by trevort »

2206h will do both!
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Seddo
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Re: About to buy some powder

Post by Seddo »

Camel wrote:Either 2206H or 2208 will cover them both :D

Plus 2!
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The Raven
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Re: About to buy some powder

Post by The Raven »

Thanks guys. I thought that would be a safe choice but thought it worth seeking other opinions.
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stinkitup
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Re: About to buy some powder

Post by stinkitup »

If you can get one powder for both its a good option where you can. I only ever ran 2208 in my 308 and no exp with a 223 but run 2207 in my 222 so no help there sorry.

If it was 223 first then see what everyone uses for the 223 and see if it can cover the 308. No harm in trying :)
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trevort
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Re: About to buy some powder

Post by trevort »

if you get the accuracy bug and want to test other powders I have 2207 2208 2209 and 8208 (as well as 2206h) that you can load some test shots with to see what works before buying.

I used 2206 in a 223 and when it was discontinued I went 2206h. I load my son in law's 308 also with 2206h.

I like your choice of powder to start with
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The Raven
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Re: About to buy some powder

Post by The Raven »

trevort wrote:if you get the accuracy bug and want to test other powders I have 2207 2208 2209 and 8208 (as well as 2206h) that you can load some test shots with to see what works before buying.

I used 2206 in a 223 and when it was discontinued I went 2206h. I load my son in law's 308 also with 2206h.

I like your choice of powder to start with
Thanks Trevor. I'm taking the start simple approach and then build up some experience before experimenting.

There's one thing I've learnt going through a few hobbies. You can start small, or start big. Knowing which to do is half the battle.

Reloading, starting on the conservative side. Plenty of time to waste more money later :wink:
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Seddo
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Re: About to buy some powder

Post by Seddo »

I run 2206H in my 223 and it's super accurate with heavy projies, I found I got more velocity with 2208 but 2206H had the edge in accuracy. I used 2208 in my 308's when I had them, it wasn't great in short barrels though.
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Re: About to buy some powder

Post by Turkeyshooter »

Well, I personally like to use the adi 8208 because I have found that it is the best temp stable powder I have.
Some of the other powders listed have a marked tendency to shift POI between summer and winter.
I now use an electronic powder measure but back when the powder thrower was the go, 8208 worked a treat in that device.

Hope this helps
John
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Ned Kelly
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Re: About to buy some powder

Post by Ned Kelly »

G'day all,
certainly look at 2206H, and 2208, there are a number of shooters using 155gn bullets in competition using the Benchmark 8208 which should be ok for the 223.
The only thing I look for is with the best load having the powder level as close to the shoulder neck as possible = no air gap.
I've found that the best accuracy seems to come from a full or near full case of a suitable powder.
Food for thought.
Cheerio Ned
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