Choosing a powder for 223 SBR and Pistol loads

Published on August 16, 2021
Duration: 16:51

This video provides expert guidance on selecting appropriate powders for .223 Remington Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs) and AR pistols. The instructor emphasizes the critical role of powder burn rate in relation to barrel length, explaining how faster-burning powders are necessary for efficient combustion in shorter barrels to avoid unburned powder and excessive muzzle flash. The discussion covers how bullet weight influences powder choice and provides a narrowed-down list of recommended powders for these specific applications.

Quick Summary

For .223 SBR and AR pistol loads, the critical factor in powder selection is burn rate. Faster-burning powders are necessary to ensure complete combustion within short barrels, preventing unburned powder and reducing muzzle flash. Recommended powders for heavier bullets (75-77 grains) include H322, IMR 3031, and Vitavouri N133, as they offer the appropriate burn speed for optimal performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .223 SBR & Pistol Powder Choice
  2. 00:52Learning from Other Cartridges (300 BLK)
  3. 01:27Burn Rate Analogy: Fast vs. Slow Powder
  4. 02:47Barrel Length and Powder Burn
  5. 03:15Understanding Burn Rate Charts
  6. 04:19.223/5.56 Powder Range on Chart
  7. 05:05Fast vs. Slow Powders with Bullet Weights
  8. 05:32Determining Bullet Weights (75-77 Grains)
  9. 06:16Powders for Very Short Barrels
  10. 06:32Powders Too Slow for Short Barrels
  11. 06:51H335 & Benchmark: Getting Closer
  12. 07:52Cutting Off the Powder List
  13. 08:12Gun Compatibility Considerations
  14. 08:29Shortlisted Powders for Heavy Bullets
  15. 08:51Recommended Powders: H322, IMR 3031, N133
  16. 09:29Case Fill with Max Charges
  17. 09:32Accurate LT30 & LT32
  18. 10:09Alliant Reloader 7 & 10X
  19. 10:34Other Potential Powders (5744, 4198)
  20. 10:57Ball vs. Extruded Powders
  21. 11:14Alliant Power Pro 1200R
  22. 11:32Velocity Expectations for SBR Loads
  23. 12:30Handloads vs. Factory Ammo (300 BLK)
  24. 13:03SBR Ammo Goals: Reliability & Recoil
  25. 13:24Flash Suppressant Performance
  26. 14:04Clean Burning vs. Dirty Powders
  27. 14:16Slightly Longer Barrels (11.5")
  28. 14:46Super Short Barrels & Powder List Expansion
  29. 15:03Impact of Bullet Weight on Powder Choice
  30. 15:31Factory Ammo Comparison (Hornady 75gr)
  31. 15:41Other Serious Ammo Bullet Options
  32. 16:01Varmint Bullets for Explosive Performance
  33. 16:09Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary factor to consider when choosing powder for a .223 SBR or pistol?

The primary factor is powder burn rate. For short barrels like those on SBRs and pistols, faster-burning powders are essential to ensure complete combustion within the barrel, minimizing unburned powder and reducing muzzle flash for optimal performance and reliability.

Which powders are recommended for .223 SBR and pistol loads with heavier bullets (75-77 grains)?

For .223 SBRs and pistols using heavier bullets, powders like Hodgdon H322, IMR 3031, and Vitavouri N133 are recommended. These offer a faster burn rate suitable for short barrels and have available load data, with Accurate LT32 also being a strong contender.

How does barrel length affect powder selection for .223 Remington?

Shorter barrels require faster-burning powders to achieve complete combustion before the bullet exits. Longer barrels can utilize slower-burning powders, which provide sustained pressure for higher velocities, but these can be inefficient or cause issues in very short barrels.

What are the potential downsides of using slower-burning powders in a .223 SBR?

Using slower-burning powders in a .223 SBR can lead to unburned powder exiting the muzzle, resulting in reduced efficiency, increased muzzle flash, and potentially causing the firearm to be under-gassed, leading to cycling problems.

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