AA 2200

guntech59

Any thoughts on using this powder for 55gr bullets in my 20" barreled AR?

It functions fine with the loads I got from the AA website, but I have been told that it is a little fast burning for that application.

I can't find it on any burn rate charts. Could it be listed under another name?

I can get 8lbs for a real good price, but don't want to buy it if it may cause function problems or damage to my rifle.

Thank you for your assistance.

dcs shooters

Going by Accurate numbers, AA2200 burn rate should be between 2015 and 2230.
Those two aren't that far apart. I'd just go by the info you got from the website.

guntech59

Thank you.

I was just concerned about the pressure at the port. I have loads with other powders, but thought I could take advantage of the price of this.

Still looking for anyone that has hands-on knowledge.

Rocky Raab

No hands-on knowledge of anything AR reloading. But A2200 was originally an "off" lot of 2230 that came in a wee bit too fast to sell as that number. They sold that first lot as 2200 just to be rid of it. It turned out to be so well-received that they recently decided to offer it permanently.

It is ideal for most small-case cartridges from 221 Fireball through the various PPC and 7.62x39 rounds. It fits with lighter bullets best, but can be used with 55-gr in the .223. As it is a fairly fast powder, it should be a good match with the AR gas port. Pressures should be low and stable when the port is uncovered - exactly what you want. The newest Accurate downloadable data sheet has extensive loads info for A2200. http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/accurate_load_data_3.5.pdf

guntech59

Thank you for your input, Rocky.

I think I will get this powder for my 55gr FMJ loads.

Rocky Raab

You are most welcome. They sent me a jug of the newest stuff to help with an article I did recently. Amazingly, it delivers 4,000 fps from a .223 with the 36-gr Barnes from a 24-in barrel. My barrel is only 20" (and ported besides) and still gave 3850. Smokin'!

guntech59

I C&Ped this from Stevespages. It certainly shows it right in there about the right burn rate.

Again, thanks for your help!


109 N-200
110 W-680
111 H-4198
112 IMR-4198
113 RL-7
114 AR-2207
115 N-125
116 S-321
117 TU-2000
118 N-201
119 H-322
120 AA-2200
121 N-130
122 Xterminator
123 AA-2015
124 N-132
125 N-133
126 Brigadier 4197
127 IMR-3031
128 Benchmark 1
129 S-335
130 SP-9
131 RL-10
132 IMR-4895
133 Benchmark 2
134 SP-7
135 AA-2230
136 H-335
137 N-134
138 R-902

bentley47

I burned several jugs of 2200 in ARs and bolt guns harrassing prairie dogs. Excellent accuracy and you get more mileage out of a jug than with 2230C or 2230. I had one 20" AR barrel that shot slower powder a little better, but I'm sure it was just an issue with that barrel.
I finally ran out and use X-Terminator now. I would go back to 2200 now that they are making it, but I have a good stock of X-Terminator.

sandwarrior

Guntech59,

AA2200 is plenty fast enough for any bullet weight in .223/5.56 up to 69 gr. It won't cause pressure issues at the port. That issue is more for slower powders, not faster powders.

Expect a low dose of this powder with the heavier end.

guntech59

Thank you, Todd.

I had read that some folks were having problems with cycling. I got the impression that the pressure was high enough, it just didn't last long enough. I have had no such problems.

I have worked up a load for 55gr FMJs because I got 500 of them for 20 dollars and I picked up an 8lb jug of 2200 for $50.

That was too good to pass up![8D]

sandwarrior

I haven't tried it above 69 gr. bullets, but I'm suspecting that is where you would have the problems. The 75/77 gr. bullets just require too little of that fast of a powder so that you don't overpressure the case. By the time you are under 'initial' pressure maximums, you don't have enough steam to cycle the action. Same with AA2015, 4198, and 1680. Great light round and even short bolt gun powder, but not heavy bullets in an AR.

So, for the 75/77 gr. bullets I now use RE-15. It is dirtier, but at optimal charges, it's not as bad as other loads I've used it in.

I imagine though, that even while 8208 XBR is a tad faster than H4895, the way it is made is what will allow it to remain effective all the way down to the gas port.