I am working on putting together an order for powder and ball to build both xm193 .223 clones and match grade in both .223 and 30-.06.
Widener's has 6k 55gr FMJ-BT bulk made by Hornady for 449 with free shipping. This works out to about 75 bucks per thousand/7.5 cents a shot. Would anyone (or two) like to split this with me?
I am also putting in an order at powder valley for primers, Ramshot TAC for the xm's and H414. Since I am eating the hazmat fee for shipping, would anyone like to piggyback in with me and we can knock down the shipping costs? Their website is www.powdervalley.com. They also have excellent prices on bullets.
All told, with the hornady's, ramshot and 5.56 mil primer it's looking at about 17 cents a shot. (plus the labor of love in rolling 'em)
If anyone has any suggestions for alternatives, I am all ears. Just looking to improve my dollar/skill development ratio. :)
Perhaps interested in piggybacking for a powder buy, though I'm not sure if they have the powder in stock that I would like to try (Hogdon Varget or 4895)
I'm working up a load for M855 (SS109) using privi partizan 62gr fmj-bt's, Wolf SRM primers and Lake City cases.
So far, not much success using RL-15; at max load (26.5gr, per Lyman manual) I'm still well short of the SS109 velocities... Not sure if the manual is overly conservative, or if the powder is just ineffective with a 62gr bullet, or what..
I know powdervalley is out of just about everything Hogdon, but so is everyone else. Let me do some more looking.
Harbor Reloading Supply in Clearwater has Varget in stock @ 29 bucks a lb if you want to give it a shot. Not sure about 4895. I've heard good things about H335 for m855 loads.
Need to use a faster ball powders for XM193 or M855. WC844 is spec, but Pat's has been out for some time. H335 is very close and will do well, although it is said to be temp sensitive??
4895 is a short stick powder and is great for .308, but just barely OK for .223.
I could use some more WC844 or H335 and would be interested in group buy on same.
Thanks,
PH