Benchmark Users

[eddiesindian]

Looking for Benchmark user,s.......................Got a deal on a 8lb can of Benchmark that I cant resist. Retailer sent Benchmark instead of what I wanted. There willing to sell at a much cheaper rate as opposed of sending it back.
Research shows lighter calibers... possibly .light 308...

Benchmarks users....what say you....hows it working for you?....what caliber?.....what bullet?

[pdog2062]

using benchmark in 3 different 223's and in a 6x45,great powder for 55 grain in 223 and 70 grain in 6x45

[Michadian]

Benchmark is my go-to powder for the 308 with 168 gr SMKs (target) and 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips (hunting). Loads are toward the higher end of the Hodgdon recommended values, with accurate nodes below. I bet you like it
Dick

[rbp75503]

Different caliber/bullet/barrel/ jump to lands will give good and bad results, need to find the sweet spot for your particular rifle combination. Following are some good results that I have had. Have also had bad results as well.



.223 Rem Savage Hog Hunter









Speer .223 55 gr.Spitzer Soft Point BT










Powder
C.O.L.
Start
Max
Most Accurate
Best Group







RL10X
2.200"
20.0
23.0









H322
2.200"
21.0
23.0









H335
2.200"
23.0
25.3
24.5
.140"







Benchmark
2.200"
24.0
25.6
24.5
.072"







IMR4064
2.200"
23.0
25.7C








Lot #
Caliber
Case
Trim Length:
Neck Bushing
Headspace DL
O.A.L.
Ogive
Primer
Powder Type
Charge


H335
.223 Rem
Rem Match
<1.760"
.245"
1.459"
2.300"
1.970"
BR4
H335
24.5


Benchmark
.223 Rem
Rem Match
<1.760"
.245"
1.459"
2.300"
1.970"
BR4
Benchmark
24.5















Black Rain BHW 20 Practical 24" 1-10" Black Hole Weaponary




40GR Hornady V-Max











Powder
C.O.L.
Start
Max
Most Accuraer
Group







H335

24.5
25.2
24.7
.406"







H322

24.0
24.3








GoodToGo
Benchmark

24.0
25.0
25.0
.330"






Lot #
Caliber
Case
Trim Length:
Neck Bushing
Headspace DL
O.A.L.
Ogive
Primer
Powder Type
Charge


H-40-H335-2
20 Practical
Norma
1.755"
.228"
1.459"

1.925"
CCI BR-4
H335
24.7


H-40-Bmrk-4
20 Practical
Norma
1.755"
.228"
1.459"

1.925"
CCI BR-4
Benchmark
25.0















Black Rain Shilen 204 Ruger









Berger 35GR













Powder
C.O.L.
Start
Max
Most Accurate
Group







H335
2.240"
25.5
27.5
26.5
.457"







IMR-3031
2.240"
25.0
26.1C
25.8
.480"







Benchmark
2.240"
25.0
26.6
25.5
.257"






Untested
CFE223
2.240"
28.8
30.6








Untested
IMR-4064
2.240"
26.0
27.5C


Ogive
Primer
Powder Type
Charge


B-35-Benchmark-13
0.204
Norma
1.835"
.225"
1.556"
2.305"
1.965"
CCI BR4
Benchmark
25.5

[Dewey7271]

24.6 in both my 223s is really good. I was loading 8208XBR and LT32 but Benchmark gave more consistency.

[eddiesindian]

Benchmark is my go-to powder for the 308 with 168 gr SMKs (target) and 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips (hunting). Loads are toward the higher end of the Hodgdon recommended values, with accurate nodes below. I bet you like it
Dick

what speeds are you getting with the 168s? whats your altitude? length of barrel?

[Tokimini]

I had very good results using Benchmark with 90 gr Bergers in my 6BR.

[243LPR]

Wasn't impressed with it. Tried 223 and 308.

[Michadian]

Eddiesindian,
I am below book max running 2500 at 610 ft altitude, factory barrel @22". This is a hunting rig, I feel no need to stretch it out.

[eddiesindian]

My altitude is from 3800-4400ft. I really don't need propellant for small calibers though. All my 223 rigs are set and I have all my loads worked up with plenty of powder.
Hoping that the Benchmark my work well with my light 150s thru my HS 24" 1-11.25twist. Im about to run out of my 8lb can of Varget . the HS does extremely well with varget.
The wind was pushing my 130gr VLD,s in my LRP in 260 pretty hard today. I switched rigs and grabbed my HS which shoots simple 150gr smks going 2900fps and took care of the wind issues and was able to hit my objectives. Its gonna pain me to see the Varget completely run out. That combo was worked on that rig for years.
Ive had to redevelop my loads due to barrel wear but Ive been able to do without to much effort.
I might have to buy a pound of Benchmark and give it a try before I get that 8lber.