6 Best Powder For Reloading 223 Used By Experts (May 2024 Guide)

You might be very cautious about choosing the various high-end reloading tools such as primers, reloading kits, tumblers, etc for reloading in order to achieve the maximum velocity or accuracy but it’s all useless if you don’t have the correct type of gunpowder for your firearm. It’s very crucial to select the proper gunpowder to push your firearm to its maximum limits. Choosing the correct gunpowder can be tricky especially online as there are very few buying guides for them. Therefore we have created a complete buying guide that features the best powder for reloading 223 that are selected based upon various factors such as budget, type, compatibility, etc.

Things To Consider While Purchasing The Powder For Reloading 223

There are some factors that you should already keep in mind while choosing the best powder for reloading 223. Let’s discuss them:-

Rate of burning

The burn rate is defined as the rate at which gunpowder burns after the trigger is pulled.

Higher the burning rate more beneficial it is for the shooter as a higher burn rate will provide higher expulsion velocity.

The highest expulsion velocity can be expected from double-based powders but managing them can be really annoying.

 A smoothly burning powder with a high burning rate is what is recommended. Earlier, if you wanted to shoot the bullets at high velocity, the only option was to use double-based gunpowder.

With the advancements in manufacturing processes, you can now get hybrid gun powders that combine the smoothness of single-based powder with the burn rate and high velocity of a double-based powder.

Powder Composition

Before you get smokeless gunpowder for your rifle, it’s super important to look at the composition of the powder.

Based upon composition, there are two variants of smokeless powders, one is double-based gunpowders and the other is single-based gunpowder.

 Nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose are the base components of gunpowder.

A powder is single-based if it only contains nitrocellulose. If the main component of the gunpowder is nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose then it is double-based.

It is very difficult to point out which type of gunpowder has better performance, especially in today’s times with new emerging manufacturing processes.

 Generally, both powders are effective due to the additional mixing of certain chemicals.

Though, many shooters have an opinion that single-based powders burn more smoothly. Double-based gunpowders are great for high-velocity expulsion as well as for the faster terminal performance of the bullet.

The issue with double-based gunpowders is that handling them can be messy. You will find some manufacturers that have successfully created smooth-burning double-based gunpowders that don’t make much mess.

The lifespan of double-based gunpowders is less as compared to single-based powders which are around 20 years.

Bullet Dynamics

The gunpowder choice is highly influenced by the design and dynamics of the bullets.

 If your gunpowder burns slowly then it is highly likely that it will work great with heavier and bigger bullets.

Heavier is the bullet, and high will be its muzzle velocity when the trigger is being pulled. A slow-burning powder will help in maintaining this high muzzle velocity for a longer duration.

 Double-based gunpowder is a great option for small or medium-sized bullets.

Storage

Most of the gun powders that are currently available in the market are in gel format.

Due to this, it’s very easy to conveniently store the gunpowders and resulting in the least chances of spoilage in moist conditions which helps in storing them for a prolonged period.

Spoilage of powder not only hit hard on your pocket but can be harmful to the gun internals as well due to the production of nitric acid from spoiled gunpowder. Due to the chemicals added to the gel, the nitric acid that is released is absorbed.

 Gunpowders are generally stored in plastic containers as metal containers start to rust which changes the structure of powder.

Weight

Grain weight is another important thing on which you should keep your eyes while purchasing gunpowder.

The cartridge of .233 must have an appropriate amount of gunpowder in it. It should not be more or less.

The cartridge might have to compromise with its potential velocity and power in case you load the powder to its top which will disrupt the overall weight.

First, you have to keep a note of the weight of your cartridges and get the powder accordingly to balance to weight. This will help in achieving maximum accuracy and velocity.

Cost-efficiency

A common standard to measure the cost-efficiency of gunpowder is taking into account the grams you are getting per dollar.

The cost of slow-burning gunpowders can be high hence they are less cost-effective. Therefore, shooters that need a large number of gun powders generally opt for faster burning type powder as they are more cost-effective.

However, make sure you don’t get some cheap quality powder just to save money. Opt for gunpowder that is reputed and provides optimum performance with good cost-efficiency.

1. HODGDON CFE223 Powder For Reloading 223

• Contains copper fouling eraser used in military propellants
• Reduced copper fouling
• Best accuracy for longer periods
• Help yield consistent loads
• Compatible with 204 Ruger, 22-250, 223 Remington/5.56mm NATO, 6mm PPC, and 308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO

Due to the numerous benefits of HODGDON CFE233, many rifle owners prefer this highly reputed gunpowder. Many rifle users face the problem of copper fouling that happens inside the gun’s barrel if the rifle is kept unused for a long duration.

Gun powders like this have the ability to avoid the fouling of copper and metal inside the barrel due to their special propellant ingredient which is known as CFE 223.

This powder is also frequently used in military settings and is a smokeless powder. Due to the ability of this powder to get burnt just after the firing of the shot, the maintenance and cleaning of this rifle become very easy.

One of the major functions of gunpowders is metering. The metering with the gunpowder is well balanced and a regular supply of gunpowder ensures the perfect load for the rifle.

2. IMR 4198 POWDER For Reloading 223

• Great for small and large-bore rifle shooters
• Exceptional performance in cartridges like the .222 Remington, .221 Fireball, .45-70, .450 Marlin, and the 7.62 x 39
• Smooth-flowing powder
• Not affected by temperature extremes.

IMR has been providing premium quality powders for over 10 years now and has never disappointed its users. One of the all-time favorite powders among firearm owners and especially hunters is IMR 4198 due to its super smooth burning.

If you have small or large firearms then I would highly recommend trying this powder. This powder is specially designed for a .223 caliber and gives amazing outcomes with it.

The IMR 4198 POWDER is highly stable due to the presence of high-quality chemical stabilizers used in its preparation.

The best thing about this powder is that high temperature has no effects on the powder and the shelf life of this powder is also amazing which allows you to store it for years.

When you will pair this powder with .223 Remington you will automatically feel that the performance is increased up to multiple folds and it provides amazing initial kick and stopping power.

Apart from that, this powder also works great with classic rifles like the .450 Marlin or .221 Fireball which makes it a very versatile powder.

This versatility is great if you have different types of rifles with which you want to test the powder.

The powder provides consistent amazing performance just make sure that you store this powder in a cool, dry place. No doubt,  this is one of the best powder for reloading 223.

3. HODGDON H335 Powder for reloading 223

•  Very popular with high-power and long-range shooters, varmint hunters, and benchrest shooters
• Great all-round propellant
• Gives high performance and consistent charge weights
• Originated as a military powder
• Works great with the 222 Remington and the 223 Remington

One of the more value-for-money gun powders in our list of best powder for reloading 223 is HODGDON powder H335. This powder is especially suited for long-range shooting as its ability to maintain velocity and force for long distances is amazing.

This premium-grade powder is perfect for those deer hunters or bench-rest shooters. The HODGDON Spherical Powder H335 is the powder that combines the fast-burning and a smooth firing experience at low ejection velocities and that is what makes it a good rounder powder.

This powder has a perfect balance of charge weights and loading density just make sure that the powder is measured accurately. This powder has also given great results with  .222 Remington.

Even the military trusts the HODGDON powder due to its consistent top performance it was initially released for 5.56 NATO rounds and that is what makes it one of the best powders for 223 cartridges.

4. ACCURATE 2230 POWDERS

• Great high-impact powder
• Fast-burning, double-base, spherical rifle propellant
• Developed exclusively for rifle loads
• Provides consistent loads
• Originally made for the .223 Remington
• Works well with small and medium caliber cartridges, such as the .308 Winchester, .204 Ruger, .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .30-30 Win, and .308 Win.

Another well-reputed gunpowder for .223 guns is accurate 2230. As the name suggests, this powder is very popular due to its consistent accuracy.

The 2230 series is one of the finest gun powders by the company accurate among all the smokeless powders by the brand.

This powder provides great results with a great variety of firearms such as rifles, handguns, and even shotguns. The powder works great with compression loading just make sure you know the process of doing it.

It is highly recommended to pair this powder with a .223 Remington to achieve the maximum performance capacity of the rifle.

If you are a 223 user, you can completely rely on this gunpowder. If you want accurate and effective rifle loads for your .233 then this powder is one of the best powder for reloading 223.

5. IMR 4895 POWDERS

• Highly favorite of shooters
• Originally used by the military in the .30-06 round
• Versatile powder
• Delivers excellent accuracy and performance
• Works great with cartridges ranging from the .17 Remington to .243 Winchester to .375H&H Magnum

One of the most widely and commonly used gun powders is IMR 4895 which is used by sports players. This reloading powder works great with  .30-06 rounds and provides military-grade ultimate performance.

In case you are a person who owns a variety of firearms then this powder is perfect for you as it is compatible with a large variety of cartridges.

This powder is widely used in handguns as well as shotguns that are used in sports. IMR 4895 POWDER is highly compatible with classic rifles like .243 Winchester and .223 Remington.

This powder will for sure improve your experience with these rifles without having to worry about frequent reloading. What made this powder on our list of best powder for reloading 223 is its reliability and affordability.

The price of this powder per gram is pretty less compared to other powders. This powder will ensure that your target hits perfectly even at long distances due to its perfect chemical composition and burn time.

6. HODGDON VARGET Powder for reloading 223

• Very popular with high-power and long-range shooters, varmint hunters, and benchrest shooters
• Provides  consistent performance load after load
• Outstanding performance and velocity for 223 Rem, 22-250 Remington, 308 Winchester, 30-06, 375 H

One of the highly versatile gunpowders in our list is the HODGDON POWDER VARGET  which is compatible with almost all types of guns. The reloading process becomes hassle-free due to the ability of the powder to consistently load even in high powder settings.

Many shooters prefer it to pair with rifles even though it is compatible with other types of guns. This fast-burning gunpowder will make the regular loading of rifles very effective.

When it comes to cost-effectiveness, varget gunpowder is more effective as compared to other powders. You will get more grams per dollar with this gunpowder which is generally offered by big premium brands.

Due to this, the cost of fully filling the case becomes a lot more affordable and you can continue your long shooting sessions without worrying.

Due to the composition of the powder which is composed of stabilizers along with other active substances, this powder is super stable.

This stability will help you in storing the gunpowder for a minimum of 20 years without spoilage.

Even if the powder comes in contact with water, it will not get spoiled. Even at extreme temperatures, you can expect optimum performance from this gunpowder.

How to store the gun powders?

The storage of gunpowder is a very crucial part. It is very important to store gunpowder
responsibly. If storage is not done properly, it may lead to uninvited accidents that can turn pretty serious. Keep in mind the following steps while storing the gunpowder:-

1. Always store the gunpowder in a cool and dry place. There should not be any heating source near the storage area. Even sun rays can be dangerous for gunpowder so make sure it is not exposed to sunlight.

2. Always make sure that only store the gunpowder in its original approved container.

3. There should be absolutely no smoking in the area where gunpowder is being stored.

4. Store the smokeless powders away from the combustible material or flammable gases.

5. If the powder is spoiled. Do not store it. Do regular checkups of gunpowder for spoilage and immediately destroy spoiled powder.

6. It is not advisable to mix different types of gunpowder.

What does the number indicate on the gunpowder?

The number that is mentioned on the gunpowder indicates the burning rate.

This practice has been used by various old gunpowder manufacturers. Even today, this system is being followed.

The higher the number, the more will be the burning rate.

Therefore,  231 models burn faster as compared to  296 gunpowder. The slowest burning capacity can be seen with gunpowders with a number of around 700.

What are the legal issues with gunpowders?

You can store only a fixed amount of gunpowder for your firearms. A shooter can only keep gunpowder weighing less than  20 lbs or 9.1 kg.

However, you have to make sure that you follow the proper guidelines to store the gunpowder. Always be sure that you place gunpowders in original plastic containers.

You can extend the storage limit to up to 50 lbs but you need special permissions for it. However, it is not recommended to store such a large quantity of gunpowder in a residential area.

How to safely dispose your gunpowder?

Gunpowder can contain many toxic chemicals that can be harmful to both human life as well as the environment there it is very crucial to responsibly dispose of gunpowder.

In some countries, it’s a criminal offense to wrongly dispose of gun powders and if done you will end up behind bars. You should always follow a particular protocol in order to dispose of the type of powder despite being active or degraded.

Depending upon the type of gunpowder you have, the disposal methods will vary. For example, if you have smokeless powders, then you can safely burn them in your backyard as they are non-exploding.

If you have black powder, the safest and easiest way to dispose of it is to visit the nearest police station,  local shooting range, or gun dealer as they are generally interested in taking it.

Conclusion

Here we come at the end of our guide on the best powder for reloading 223. The choice of gunpowder greatly depends upon your preferences. Some prefer slow-burning powder while some prefer fast-burning powders depending upon the firearms they have and the type of ammo it shoots. Just keep in mind the factors that we have discussed while choosing the gunpowder for 233. If you have doubts feel free to reach out in the comment section.Thanks for visiting leanoutdoor.com.