All-around powders/bulk loading

**Appleseed** · 10-04-2016, 03:26 PM

VARGET and 322? Bulk loading

I cussed the hoarders and shortages the last "cycle." Now I'm doing it.

I load for .221fb, .223 simi-auto, and .243 bolt. Have two .221fb, a CZ rifle and striker pistol. Have primers, cases and bullets. How about two powders to hoard, Varget and 322?

.223 bullets from 55 gr to 75 gr. Fireball from 30 gr to 45 gr.

.243 from 70's gr to 100 gr.

Shelves are getting dry here!

**XL105** · 10-04-2016, 04:30 PM

..,

**Appleseed** · 10-05-2016, 03:44 PM

Looked for 8 lb jugs in Varget, no luck. A reloader at the shop suggested a new powder, CFE .223. Not trying for bug holes, trying to load for 55 gr-69-75 gr. Formulated for military style rounds? Need something in the next 30 days. Anybody tried this one?

**bearcatrp** · 10-05-2016, 09:00 PM

I always reload 2 different powders per caliber. The best powder seems to be hard to find so my secondary is usually on the shelf.

JW · 10-06-2016, 06:11 AM

Powder valley had varget in 8# last night
CFE has been good for me
It meters very well -to the point that I can load 223 on the hornady progressive
I also tried it in a few other calibers and it did OK
Not my most accurate powder for each caliber but moa or less was possible
Jack

**jpx2rk** · 10-06-2016, 08:46 PM

I was at a LGS yesterday, and they stated they could get the 1# Varget but not the 8#'rs. Did pick up 3k primers tho and some Benchmark for future load work up when time allows.

**psharon97** · 10-06-2016, 11:18 PM

I've had decent luck with gun shows and the prices are decent considering there isn't a hazmat fee with buying local.

**Appleseed** · 10-08-2016, 05:40 PM

CFE 223 it is from Powder Valley. Saved me $70 including shipping and HM fee over the local shop. So...now to choose an all around bullet for 7 twist for the semi auto rifle. Thinking 69-77 grain BTHP? The upper hasn't arrived and don't wish to chance the possible shortages that may be coming. Taking a chance that the powder and bullet choice will be acceptable. Don't have the opportunity to test several powders/bullets before November.

JW · 10-09-2016, 05:54 AM

69 SMK has done well for me
If your just wanting ammo to shoot/plink - 55 gr dogtown bullets from midway are cheap and pretty accurate
They do fine in my 8 twist
Jack

**JASmith** · 10-09-2016, 10:32 AM

H322 should work fine.

I made a similar choice with Varget but haven't used it much because the ball and super short cut powders meter a lot better.

**Appleseed** · 10-10-2016, 11:44 AM

Have once fired Lake City brass, 8lb powder. Figured buying bulk I can load about 2500 rounds for $.35-.40@, probably go with the 69's.

**XL105** · 10-10-2016, 12:59 PM

...,

**JASmith** · 10-10-2016, 08:54 PM

I have used both, but throw and weigh single charges. That's how I know that Varget does not meter as precisely.

**Appleseed** · 10-12-2016, 02:57 PM

Of the BTHP's, the Hornady 75 gr at $.15@ in bulk look good. Painting the loading room today, hung lots of lighting and shelves. Makes a great warm "stand" to view the fields too.

**squirrel_slayer** · 10-24-2016, 09:36 PM

my new standby is IMR 8208xbr. you may leave a bit on the table with 100gr .243 H4350 would fill that gap well but your not likely going to find that for a good while. I hear the cfe223 is pretty good as well but have no first hand experience.