.223 Rem - 75gr Hornady BTHP with 19 powders

I'm trying every powder and load that was mentioned in the comments section of last week's video.
We're shooting the 75gr Hornady BTHP with Cannelure and this is the powder list:
Shooters World Match Rifle
Accurate 2520
Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR
Alliant Power Pro 4000-MR
Hodgdon H4895
IMR 4895
IMR 4064
Hodgdon Varget
Alliant Reloder 15
VihtaVuori N140
Hodgdon H322
VihtaVuori N135
Hodgdon Benchmark
IMR 8208 XBR
Alliant AR-Comp
Ramshot TAC
Winchester 748
Hodgdon CFE 223
Hodgdon BL-C(2)
➤ / reloading
➤www.subscribes...

[@aklaunch]

Altitude has no appreciable effect on muzzle velocity. It has a ton to do with down range performance as there is less air density/drag enroute.

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

Yeah, I'm not sure where my brain went in that moment.

[@joelclark2130]

And also in the 6 mm PPC boys load at the match so they are always adjusting to the conditions. So I really don't think they care about altitude They just moved the powder charge around for groups.

[@aklaunch]

@@JohnnysReloadingBench I have watched almost every video you have ever made. Your velocities from 18's are higher than my velocities from 20-24's. I believe it is because you shoot WOA barrels with Wylde chambers and mine are hogged out Nato chambers.

[@NSghostoif5]

My crazy charges were in ddm4 mk12 barrel double checked it was 26.4 to get 2800 in 18" elevetation 2k again not in Antarctica but I could walk to Canada

[@ericks757]

You sure about that? Wouldn’t the higher altitudes have less oxygen available and change the burn rate? I know the 1000ft above where Johnny is at might be less noticeable but here at over a mile up I have measured differences, wasn’t sure if it was the changes in humidity or the altitude or both.

[@jsg_nado2219]

When he said "I'm the frikin three shot champion of the world" I felt that

[@jimbo3615]

Yeah well, my one shot groups always measure .000. Top that! :-)

[@malinirdeep73]

Thank you for all your hard work Johnny. Long time fan. Your methodology to the science of ballistics helps my work process as an electrical engineer (designing and working to near max capacity but keeping it safe and repeatable). In the UK all I have to defend myself and my property is a cable stripping knife and harsh words. Brother, never give up your God given natural right to bear arms that your constitution recognises.

[@briansmith2125]

SuperJlarge below brought up the most important variable here that is not addressed. MOST powders require settling in with 8 to 10 shots after being shot through a barrel with a different powder previously. David Tubb talks a lot about it, and it would be pretty rare in competition to change powders without being able to "foul" the barrel with the powder you intend to perform with. I've gone from W748 to Reloader 15 and had shots so wildly out of the target zone they were laughable. After about 5 shots...the barrel settles right back into the Reloader 15. That goes the same for trying it the opposite way. All that said, there is no sane way to do all that in a test like this that is awesome to watch!

[@jarrettkennedy3148]

What I do when I change powder is shoot a couple wipers. That way all the powder from the previous loads is burned out. It stops that first round flyer

[@petersouthernboy6327]

I’ve always had really good luck with AR Comp in both .308 AR’s and 5.56 AR’s. Works in cold Ozark Mountain deer stands and hot Mississippi Summer 3-gun meets.

[@47SRT]

I have had the same luck with that powder.

[@79nastynatesfish]

Same. I've shot a ton of arcomp. I push it harder. I suggested 23-23.3gr in the prior video. I'm shooting at 34-3800' elevation here in southern az and I run 2810fps. I load it in my 308 as well with 175s

[@thalo215]

I'm curious how these powders would work in the 69 gr projectile.

[@DanDustEmOff]

N140 and a 69 SMK is my go to 223 load.

[@Armadilla_1]

@@DanDustEmOff I have better results / consistency with the 69 vs the 77... out to 300 yds (furthest I have access to). This is out of 20" Douglas 1:8" heavy profile. Also, I find that 69 is easier on the brass.

[@kzimmerman311]

Put your best groups into Gordons reloading tool and they seem to all be right at a optimal barrel time node. Based on this, if you want a couple other powders to try for high velocity, try 23.8 grains 8208 xbr and 23.6 grains of H4895. H4895 is predicting some crazy numbers, so be careful and don't blow your face off. it is possible you might have to fine tune the charge a bit as I do not have all of your exact numbers for bullet length and case capacity, but it should be close.

[@SuperJlarge]

With the first round fliers, I’d venture a guess that the powder fouling from the previous load may be the culprit.

[@josephhomen]

I 2nd

[@ewetho]

Try shooting the groups with a single flier over again 0.1gr less powder- something from the BR world and the double groups (2&3) maybe .2 gr less

[@jamespugh]

Big e you may be on to something brother

[@6fiddy309]

I miss you putting real holes in real paper.. Technology is great however this kind of sucks..👎

[@zedlips]

75 Grain Hornady ELD Match (.224') with 25.6 grains of Varget. Dimes all day long at 100 meters ( 109.361 Yards) Tikka T3X Varmint (Stainless bull barrel) 1 in 8 twist. Most AR's (.223/5.56) are 1 in 7 twist I do believe. Oh I forgot to mention I run CCI Small Rifle Magnum NO. 450 primers with this load.

[@galamonkey]

Anyone else prefer seeing the actual paper target vs this new system?

[@bmstylee]

I do miss the paper.

[@jwright8838]

Great video, man. Thanks for the effort that went into this. Do we know what powder or powders Hornady uses in their factory loads of their 75gr bullets?

[@armedfarm3429]

No LVR, oh man you're missing out there JRB. 25 gr's.

[@unclefreedom213]

is that the M4e1 enhanced handguard? I'm building a new spr 18in with ops Inc collar and AE suppressor. I went with the aero M4e1 lower, m4e1 enhanced 15in handguard. How do you feel about it?

[@brucepreston3927]

I've had some flyer issues that were caused by the gas block touching during the barrel flex...I bought a larger diameter handguard and all issues went away...

[@LaGuns-yo9be]

Johnny, thanks for all of these videos. My packages are starting to arrive. Still waiting on my press and the kit. Picked up two powders this weekend that I could find. One was Tac and the other one was “grandpa’s favorite “. Only powders I could get. Still no primers but I’m working on it. Keep up the good work. You’re inspiring us all pal.

[@scottlawrence1826]

Awesome man! You’re well on your way! I have a good assortment of gear to get started here soon as well… primers really are the difficult part of the equation, I wish you the best of luck! Johnny really is inspiring isn’t he?!

[@LaGuns-yo9be]

@@scottlawrence1826 yes he is buddy. Watched twelve plus hours of videos last two days

[@8626John]

I learned how to reload from watching Johnny's beginner's series about 20 times. I haven't blown my face off yet. He's the best.

[@upnorthreloading2214]

Wow. What's really great about all of this is how it shows how every rifle - every barrel - is different. Still, though, none of the groups could be considered terrible, although some are certainly better than others. This must have been a lot of work; thank you for doing this!

[@stephencarran7650]

Hi JRB, I tried several of those powders with those projectiles and couldn’t get them to group except for 8208 XBR and in your video it was not a bad group and the SD and ES was better than most. Can I suggest you give it another go as well as the others you selected? Regards, Superdude70.

[@FryedGamingNet]

I've had great experience with 25.0gr cfe 223 and the 75gr bthp little hot but no preasure signs in federal mil surplus brass.

[@xnorcal831x]

Can you do a video on boat tail verse flat bases bullets. Velocity differences between them of same weight? I seen slow motion videos of how flat base hold more gas behind them.

[@otetechie]

Talk about listening to your viewers.

[@thatguyoverthere2288]

Good sir, as always appreciate the videos. With conponent shortages we get to shoot vicariously through you

[@rustynut1967]

That was awesome!! The H322 looks the most promising.

[@chavezhead]

Makes me happy because I have tried cfe233 and get great velocity with poor accuracy, ~1.5MOA. I also have Win748 and an 8# jug of H322 I have hardly touched. I also have the 75gr "match" bthp w/o the cannelure for my dmr.

[@topguntin]

Thanks for sharing! I tried 24.0gr CFE223 + 75gr Hornady BTHP and got a sub moa (0.75") 9 shot group out of a WOA 20in barrel

[@twms8728]

Tinkering Quickloads the powder seemed more practical than COAL. Up or down .5 grains with AR-Comp at your current length is suppose to put you in a node. Going up, as you found with AR-Comp is something you've had issue with in the past. Be careful man!

[@RotorheadCFI]

Not surprised about the H322 load. Been using 21.6 of H322 behind 77/75gr pills for years. Always a consistent performer.

[@kevmoful]

Is that cleaner than H335? I shoot suppressed and H335 is the dirtiest powder I’ve used besides 748. Like performance of varget but it meters like Biden thinks, all over the place.

[@30Huckleberry]

I tried the same bullet and A2520 around 25gr and I’m going to back it off to see if I can get better groups that 1.2”.

[@Thorsaxe777]

Johnny, great series, It's a treat because I'm enjoying reminiscing. I hate to talk about or waste time in doing it, however, back in the day (The early 2000s) the AR was the rifle to use to keep people in the shooting game without breaking the bank, LC 5.56 once fired brass could be had for a song, .22 Projectiles were cheap, an 8 lb jug of pull-down IMR-4895 was all you needed to compete as everyone was at the same level, Shooting .30 got to be a financial unfeasible thing to keep up with and less and less M-1's and M-1As were on the firing line and as with all things, the page turns, many powders you shot today were all being used to get the competitive edge back then, I see that AR comp has been a product that has risen from those times (Accuracy and higher velocity). I believe that the Good people at Hornady remember those days also and offer a line of bullets that keep people on the Firing line, competing, practicing, and winning and that's what it is all about. Btw(I like the fact that you shoot with the chickens) Peace out dude. Dave

[@jeffie8696]

IMR 4895 is one of my favorites because its versatile and meters well , long stick powders like 3031 like to bridge in the measure and that is just really annoying. Win 748 was capable of making one hole groups at 200yds with my cheap Savage 110FV using 50 grain Hornady SX bullets . the 110FV was capable of very high velocity because of its slower twist rifling and very long barrel , it would even stabilize Win 64grain PP bullets despite all logic to the contrary

[@jamespollard1670]

I'm really surprised there's no H335 loads .

[@tallyman15]

Also need to try N133.

[@Jeff-hn7gi]

Love it dude! Great work long time watcher. I shot a .25 inch group today 62gr tipped sierra With 24.1 imr 4895. Works great 2800 fps ish. Good luck man keep up the good work!

[@littledaddynesbit4193]

....I'm reloading 69grn Sierra BTHP over 23.1grn of H322 and it's very accurate out to 500 yards...

[@TheKentuckyWoodsman]

I'm a hunter and new to reloading so this might be a stupid question- He said "his scope was sighted in", so why is everything hitting to the left of the bullseye? Is he shooting to the left on purpose for some reason?

[@littledaddynesbit4193]

...just tried the H322 with the same bullet (75grn BTHP) with 21.5gn and 21.7grn in a 30" 1:7 and the 21.5grn shot 2 x 5 shot groups @100yards and both were under 1/2 MoA...very impressed and better than the N540 I've been testing!

[@apfelsnutz]

ARComp will be your best powder... made for the 223... why fart around with anything else...

[@sgtw4902]

Same bullet I use for coyote and deer but Im just shooing factory loads. I found that the black hills, Hornady black, frontier, and and match all in 75gr shoot the same in my rifle out to 500yds. These and the 77gr tmk's are my go-to for hunting with no complaints

[@DrewWhitehead]

One of the last times you brought crappy SDs was before you had started annealing some of that LC brass I think. These annealed recently?

[@NSghostoif5]

I ran a test not annealing for 5 firings and saw how sd climbed drastically made me a believer

[@kevinoffer5618]

New to reloading and ur videos are fantastic thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[@brutesrange]

AR comp along with the 75gr bthps shoot amazing out of my 18 inch PSA upper up near 2750fps

[@andycaldwell4828]

I wish Hodgden H335 would have been tested here with the Hornady 75 grain BTHP. Oh well....

[@Kycirion]

Man, velocities of loads are such weird creatures. I loaded that same 23.5 grains of TAC with the 75 BTHP w/cannelure and I only 2530 out of my 18" BA SPR barrel. 100 fps slower than Johnny got.

[@surfer999c]

Anyone have good results using H335? I've got 12lbs of it and 4500 75 grain projectiles and was hoping to get similar results.

[@MrSpook-ri8kv]

Well I am using Accurate 2495 at 22.7grs, and they are shooting lights out. Picked it up during powder shortage, and started to develop a load, first 10 shot very well, so I loaded 500. No pressure signs, and haven’t checked velocity, just going off of load data.

[@tylerepperson4381]

Looks like h322 needs more investigation. Smallest groups produced. Maybe some tweaking and es and sd would tighten up.

[@Nam8Macs]

Question: why does the top half of the screen show one velocity, while the bottom right shows another? For example, the baseline 77 gr SMK group says average velocity of 2441 fps on top, but 2738 fps on the lower right. The 2738 fps figure sounds more correct to me.

[@kitzmillershooting7205]

Hello, this is an amazing video! What are the specs on that barrel you're testing with?

[@robertjordan4755]

I work with Snipers for all the different services. when we qual them they all have to adjust their POA to sit the 1" circle at 100 yards. We call it cold boar DOPE Data on Previous Engagement.

[@zeebinks17]

Is the FPS on the right chart from labradar and the FPS shown in the digital bullet grouping an estimated FPS at the target? Trying to understand why it’s different and if that’s what it is I’m shocked it’s losing 300fps in 100yards.

[@armedfarm3429]

I've said it once & I have to say it again _25gr's of LVR. Man, this powder is the 223 powder I'm telling ya.

[@america2revolt]

Why don't you see many people using Norma powder. I have had some great results with it.

[@scottlawrence1826]

Dang man, you REALLY know your stuff! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@OddBallPerformance]

I have been using AR Comp a lot with my 20in Ballistic Advantage 1:7 DMR barrel with these heavier bullets with great success. Nice to see you had similar results. I have seen right around 2800fps muzzle velocity with those same 75 gr bullets, which is nothing to sneeze at for such a heavy round.

[@79nastynatesfish]

Same. Only mines a 18" spr ba barrel

[@marcelrenbo5940]

Great video very informative thank you for taking the time to make these videos. I look forward to seeing more with the 75gr bthp.

[@tonsofgunsoffun8516]

AR comp seems to consistently be a great performer for you. I’ve never tried it. It’s pretty rare around here. Seems varget is champ in every store locally

[@dbelex]

AR comp is great for 69g also

[@kristopherkatsch8056]

hey watching you shoot dont know your style of shooting by watching your video looks like you have too much meat of your finger on the trigger shooting AR-15 and M-16 in the service trigger squeeze and breath control breathe in exhail and squeeze might help tighten it up your loads look pretty good to get real precise use a trickle charger with the beam scale what i do for match loads on ,308

[@dontbetreadin4777]

Temperature sensitive powders at the end .. especially BLC2

[@shooter-observer1]

It would be cool to see a ballistic gel test with the AR Comp or SW load, the Sierra projectiles are still pricey in 2024😅

[@mckimmym]

How do you monitor barrel temp? Might be an interesting video to get a temp probe on the barrel and see how groups are affected as temp increases. Could even look at cool down rates to calibrate your breaks

[@mikeg2868]

I think your choice of an AR with adjustable gas block and suppressor adds too many variables. A decent bolt action would be a better choice

[@josephfernandez7123]

Is this with 223 brass or 5.56? I ask as 24gr of varget seems well above make for Varget. I've been waiting to try it for a minute

[@chuckfinley3152]

I use 24.5 re15 with the 75's in a 1/9 savage, smallest groups ever for me. It seams in all my other guns sierras always shoot better than hornady's other than this combo. As a compromise of cost/performance most people can get a serviceable load out of hornady's though.

[@mojo7004]

Johnny, your work is greatly appreciated. I love this stuff. If I could make a request though, I would love to see a test of the Berger 70 gr VLD loaded as a long range AR round. I know the 77 gr SMK can do well at the longer ranges out of an AR platform, but there is some data - I'll let you research and determine what to use - that suggests the 70 gr VLD can be pushed to over 3000 fps MV, - around 200 fps faster than the 77's which give it a very nice head start, and the BC of the 70 VLD is pretty good at .374 (G1) so it should outperform the 69 gr bullets for sure. It may have to be loaded to 5.56/Wylde pressures to achieve this, but I'd like to know. This bullet would also stabilize better from slower twist barrels allowing it to be used in barrels that can't stabilize the 77's.

[@boozeandbullets2084]

#400 upvote

[@SDMacMan]

The RCBS beam scale sucks. I never got good results when I used it.

[@mckimmym]

Here in TX the raccoons and bobcats tear up my chickens. How do you keep yours alive, especially with em loose?

[@ImageThisPhoto]

TAC & CFE223 are super light loads...

[@adamlong54]

Just a thought sir use an adjustable gun sled strap the rifle for zero movement then test you then get a true result no shooters errors. That's what I do with my 7mm mag. When I get a hole in hole group at 100 yards I know it's spot on. No shooters errors. Just how I do it.

[@andyshubert]

I did a lot of development with this bullet. In a MK12 barrel with an A2 birdcage, AR-Comp gave me the best accuracy and 22.3 grains was its sweet spot.

[@sykoslim8851]

I was going to comment "I don't trust that electronic shot tracker thingy" but apparently someone beat me to it in the last video. There's just something about good ol' fashion holes in paper that circles on a computer screen cant replace.

[@mack2233]

There was a pound of 4000mr once for 15 dollars ha has anyone used this powder at all there's no info on it I'm not really looking to use it but has anyone had luck with it or what have you used it for

[@rdchris6146]

Looks Loire ar comp wins the competition but you should probably stick with the smk

[@charlesmullins3238]

All this time just now realizing yer in my state..lol. I’m in Floyd co o east

[@k.r3960]

Hi Johnny. I was very happy to see the SBR powder video you made. I shoot a 8.9" 5.56 barrel. 77gr SMK and Barnes 85gr Match Burner. I constantly get blinded by fireballs at night. Your help with finding the " go to " SBR load is much appreciated.

[@JerrBearTactical]

Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts about all these powders with this bullet. You gave me some great ideas about were to start 👍Thanks Brother 👊 😊

[@xBiGxKiNGx]

Where in Kentucky are you? I have something cool for you

[@SailTheSaddle]

What factory loads have you had luck with in your woa? I just bought the same barrel

[@sallyann8971]

My chickens aren't gun shy neither

[@apfelsnutz]

Fast burning powder and a 16" barrel... makes sence to me,

[@rmbettac]

You have an embarrassment of riches with all those powder choices available to load. Thanks for taking the time to document this for your channel!

[@marklacombe2671]

That benchmark load looked real good, just that one that dripped low. I'd definitely investigate further. Cheers Johnny good video.

[@michaeledlin9995]

21.5 gr H322LC brass GMM primers OAL 2.2495

[@jeffhuntley2921]

Cool video. Predictable and ordinary aren’t a bad thing

[@Scuba11000]

If you send me a bullet and a seating stem for a die you want to use, I'll chuck up a bit of stainless and make you a fitting stem

[@MikeSessler]

I've tried all manner of 75, 77, 80 and even 85 grain bullets in my 20" AR. 1:8 twist. I've tried at least a half dozen powders, different seating depths, different cases, case prep...none are really any good. Once in a while I'll get a ~1" group, but nothing to get excited about. Meanwhile, it shoots Hornady's 68 gr. BTHP over 25 grains of Varget into .75 to 1" every time. I've hit 4" swingers at 500 yards with it 8 out of 10 times. And at 2835 fps, it's ballistically the same at distance (or better) than what I've been able to get out of the heavier bullets. I love experimenting with it, but that gun is really happy with that load. Load development can be weird and frustrating, but it sure is fun.

[@TooTallMike]

Try a faster twist with your barrel Those bullets might be a bit long for your barrel to stabilize and that’s why you are getting better groups with the lighter/shorter one Hope it works for you!

[@fenomeno71]

I have 8 lbs Varget and thought I'd break from these H75's to the 68's, also bought some S69's. 20" and 1:7.7 so I hope to match your results. May I ask your COAL?

[@TooTallMike]

@@fenomeno71 try starting at 2.250” coal to give you some room for mag length but you also want them out as long as possible since they are heavies and this longer. Then load 10 shots each with .2gr difference and shoot over a chrono and record all the speeds. You should be able to identify a flat spot and load to the middle charge. Give time between shots to cool. Then load up 5 shots of the middle charge to verify velocity consistency and then do a seating depth ladder and you should be good to go Please update as you go through it Btw this is all based on prepping your brass all the same Good luck!

[@TooTallMike]

@@fenomeno71 Varget is an outstanding powder

[@fenomeno71]

@@TooTallMike I've found the sweet spot for powder, what increments should I start playing with for the coal ladder? As most of the published loads are either 2.25 to 2.26 (for mag), how short do I dare go?--I can't find much published shorter than 2.245

[@aaron9696]

I bet if you took your suppressor off your chickens would be a little more gun shy 🤣

[@claywynn4507]

Confusing--yes. The Mk262 Mod1 uses the 77 grain OTM, not 75 grain OTM. Why did you go off on this rabbit trail? Also what has happened to 8208 XBR powder. This is the best powder I have ever encountered. Invented by bench rest shooter for "zero" temp coefficient. Whoever decided to take this powder off the market should be prosecuted.

[@ScottKatcher]

This bullet is lots cheaper than the 77. He said that

[@RatelLaw]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. Always interesting and always informative.

[@hk93shooter]

i just got 2k of the 75g non cannelure. and i want to build a custom action bolt gun with manners stock. thanks for doing this test. im going to shoot it.

[@HighPriestVaticanAssasin]

Nice been wanting you to do a video exactly like this for a long time. Im currently working on tuning seating depth with RL15, same bullet, upper/handguard, barrel and trigger.

[@apfelsnutz]

Why no 4198 ? I'm surprised...

[@sofjanmustopoh7232]

Wait ! There are still powder available on the shelf ?????

[@Longshothawk]

What tablet or phone do you use to Bluetooth with your labradar? Do you run into connection issues?

[@craigmyers5569]

I love that you did this. It was interesting to see differences in powders like I4895 and H4895.

[@jacobdendinger4140]

I have a question about 308 diameter bullets and a 30-30.. finding 30-30 ammo is difficult, so I was just going to reload my own. My hunting partner uses a 308. Is there a bullet that I can purchase to primarily load my 30-30 cartridges, and possibly load my buddies 308 if they too become difficult to find?

[@armedfarm3429]

Yep, the 150 gr Hot Cor by Speer.

[@drteknical6571]

Several times in the video, you quote speeds that are much higher than the average shown on the screen. Please explain. I'm referring to your summary for each powder where you quote group size and give a speed, while the chrono "average" speed shown is several hundred fps lower than your quote. (EX: At 14:50 you say and show 2537fps while the avg in the upper right says 2255.). I'm sure I must be missing something! Thanks for this VERY extensive test!

[@drteknical6571]

@@PM-pd2lg I understand now! Thanks for that info. First time I've seen this system.

[@k.r3960]

The 85gr Barnes Match Burner is also a serious butt kicker.

[@jdmbraceyourself695]

I have a 1-9 twist that loves it

[@armedfarm3429]

I have 2 1 in 9's that like em.1 that don't. A bolt action Venture that shoots bug holes with the Hornady 75 & 68.

[@nickwashburn723]

Why don't you have an autotrickler yet, Johnny?