Other options for powders for .223 autoloader and progressive powder m

[Vincent C]

Since it has not been mentioned by anyone, I will mention it, You talk about using Rem 6 1/2 primers for loading .223. I know in these days of using anything that is avaiable, I see lots of folks out there buying Rem 6 1/2 small rifle primers. I know the package says SRP but if you read closely it states that the 6 1/2 primer is for small case volume cartridges (.22 Hornet/.221 FB) and should not be used for .223.

I am a big shooter of small capacity cartridges (17 Ackley Hornet, 22 Hornet, 218 Mashburn Bee) and I use the REM 6 1/2 for these. The idea for those who don't know is that the SRP is too powerful for these small cartridges and it pops the bullet out of the case/crimp when it first goes off but before it ignites the powder. So you get the bullet jumping out, stopping and then getting slammed by the powder gasses. This does no good for accuracy and many found that using the lower powered small pistol primers in these cases prevented that and lead to greatly improved accuracy. One issue with this is that the pressures are still high and you can get pierced primers in some guns with the lighter cup SP's.

So Remington made up the 6 1/2 SR primer which uses their small rifle cup but uses less priming compound than the regular SR primer so it causes less disruption on ignition. I think the issues with using these in cartridges with larger amounts of powder is that they may not ignite causing hangfires or cause erratic ignition? I have never heard of anyone using them for .223 ammo but they have to be being used as they are being sold locally and I can't imgaine there are that many relaoders who load for the small calibers.

Have you used any of them yet for .223? I am guessing someone will pop up and say they have used them. I am curious if there was any difference when using them?

Neal in AZ

I recently tried out some 6 1/2 Remington primers in .223 loads using 55gr projectiles and 25.3 gr of TAC. The ammo shot great, but I was getting between 15-20% pierced primers and trashed a bolt with about 100 rounds. The primer would have a pinhole burn out right on the outside edge of the cup. I do not recommend messing with them in 223 unless you are loading very light and it is your only option.

[Mikelindsey]

I use Alliant AR powder. They say its designed for ARs