Best powder for use in a short-barreled AR15?

[Jeff Olsen]

I know there are other forums that might be better to ask this... but what the heck, I like you guys better!

Anyone know the powder of choice for an AR15, particularly a short-barreled one? I know that semi's like this have a pressure curve that they require/prefer in order to work properly, so it's not as simple as just trying different powders...

Thanks!!

-jeff

 

[rick smith]

I think you will find that the powder that works best in a long barrel will also give your best performance in a shorter barrel.Rick.

 

[Jeff Olsen]

Hmmm. W748 gets mentioned a bunch in the books for 223, and I have (2) pounds of the dang stuff that needs to be burned...

For my immediate purposes, velocity is not even that important, within reason. I didn't realize when i bought the carbine that .223 surplus had gone through the roof in price like is has! I just want to load some ammo as cheaply as possible. I'll also work up a 60-gn PT load, and I will care more about velocity with that one...

Thanks!


-jeff

 

[Placitas Slim]

I use both X-Terminator and Varget and I am happy with the results except I can't figure which is better :roll:

 

[Powerstroke]

That was my issue. I have half a can of an 8 pounder left of W748 so I started using it. What I've found, is it appears to me to be a dirty powder compared to some of the Viht I've shot through it. The W748 also appears to give me issues in extreme cold temps......mostly back to the dirty burning concern. If you don't mind cleaning it constantly use up the 748... it shoots good.