Powder For 14" 223 Contender

[Hafast]

I just acquired a 14" 223 Contender barrel and would appreciate recommendatons on a good powder for 50 and 55 grain bullets. I have a 22K Hornet for lower velocity loads, so I am looking for velocity in the 3100 fps to 3500 fps range. I don't want to buy 3 or 4 different powders to experiment with unless I just have to.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hafast

[jumpsteady]

3100 to 3500 fps sound awfully fast out of a 14" tube. The fastest load I can come up with to meet your requirements is a max load of 27.0 grains, compressed, of H4895 under a 53 grain Sierra HP. It books out at 2965 fps. As a matter of fact, there is only one load on Hodgdons pistol load site that is over 3100 fps. And that is a 40 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip over a max load of 27.3 grains of benchmark for 3174 fps. I think you need to come up with a slightly new set of standards before you jump into this project. Just remember to be careful and safe.

[Hopalong7]

Latest Hodgden data shows only one load for 50gr breaking 3000fps(it just barely does).  It was with a max and compressed load of H4895.  You get anything coming out of that barrel @ 3500fps we'll change your moniker from Hafast to Realfast.    GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[wmurrell]

IMR 4198 works real good for me in a 222 super 14. And I have to agree with the rest, 3300+ is out there

[Reed1911]

AA2015BR is about the best I have found for my 10" .223. All the speed I need with none of the excess muzzle blast.

[critter44]

I use IMR 4198 in my super 14" and get very accurate loads and very effective results on target vermin. I have no chrono and am not trying to turn it into a 22-250 so that may not fit your needs.

[Hafast]

Upon reading the posts to my question it is readily apparent my expectations were too high. Let me rephrase my question to read - What is a good powder to use with 50 t0 55 grain bullets in a 14" Contender barrel? I do not wish to run on the ragged edge of pressure.

RThanks folks, this proves to me the value of this forum.

Not quite Realfast as yet.

[700 223]

H322 has given me great accuracy results in two separate Super 14s in .223 with less blast than powders like H335 and Win 748. Not cheap by any means , VV N-133 proved to be exceptionally clean burning , lower muzzle blast and very good accuracy. If the weather holds up I may try to renew at my outdoor range and shoot the TC .223 today.

[Alaska Dave]

I use H322, AA2230 C and BLC 2 in my 14" 223 barrel with a 52 gr. bullet. Dave