I use 26.0 Benchmark with a 50 gVMax for a Prairie dog load. Or the same amount with the 52 SMK.
In a 1970's vintage Remington 700 Varmint Factory .223
I have been doing a bit of research on the BenchMark Powder. It seems like 26.5 is a max. load for BenchMark with a 52 grain pill. Does that sound about right?? I thought I would start around 25.0. Tom.
I had great luck with it between 26 and 26.5gr with either 50gr BT or 52gr Sierra Match. Very accurate and consistant with better velocity for me than others with similar burn rate.
The problem with the 223 is that it likes almost anything (powder/bullet) you put in. The good thing with the 223 is that it likes almost anything (powder/bullet) you put in it.
With that said, one of THEE very best powders for the 223 is indeed Benchmark. Especially with the 40 gr bullet at a screaming, chronographed 3774 fps from a 26" barrel in 70 degree temp. With even less recoil & muzzle jump. And dead nuts accuracy! This load is with 28.5grs & is our favorite coyote load in 2, 223's! (uh, what 204? lol)
My 223 did not care as much with the 50gr bullets, unlike one of my friend's rifle that does great with both bullet weights with Benchmark.
Another outstanding powder, at least in one 223 (but not mine) we tested is IMR 8208 XBR. We have not chrono'd this load yet, but believe it to be near, if not as good as Benchmark. One hole groups were common. 27 & 27.5 grs so far!
If all else fails, 23.5 grs of RL10X and the 50gr Nosler b.t. will give 3400 fps (in 26" barrel) & excellent accuracy. Alliant powders are heat sensitive however, & why I try & use Hodgdon's stuff.
BTW, IMR 8208 is absolutely awesome in the 22-250.
The problem with the 223 is that it likes almost anything (powder/bullet) you put in. The good thing with the 223 is that it likes almost anything (powder/bullet) you put in it.
<snip>
Frank
I agree with Frank. I load a lot of .223 & discovered the same thing. I finally settled on 25gr H335 with 55gr bullets. 1lb will yield 280 rounds and it meters beautifully and very consistant. It will run in most any AR15 while still producing good results in a stick shift rifle.
Great choice , my custom 223 likes 25.5 grs behind any 50 gr pill in the Dog Towns of Wy.. just find the sweet spot of seating depth & you will be of & Gunning .. My 2¢ Russ...
My son's Stevens .223 uses Benchmark 2 (thats your Benchmark but the Aussie stuff) with 25gns and a 55gn V-Max in 1:9 twist and it just gets nasty with foxes out to 200yds and groups around 3/4"
You have eliminated 2 of the variables..... now OAL, primer, and powder weight!!
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