When I built a new precision rifle in .223 Wylde I wanted to try some different powders to get those bug hole groups as I wanted to start match shooting (thanks for ruining that COVID19). I had never used H322 but I figured I would try something new. It is supposed to be a great match powder for 223 so I figured I would give it a shot. I didn't post pictures of the targets because we got hit by a sudden thunderstorm, and they either got ruined or stayed attached to the backstop as we loaded up, and headed home in a hurry.
I used the following projectiles for these test loads:
Hornady 68gr Match BTHP
Hornady 75gr Match BTHP
Nosler 55gr Ballistic Tip
I ran them out of:
Precision MSR .223 Wylde 24" Fluted Match Barrel 1/8"
MSR 5.56NATO 16" Heavy Barrel 1/7"
MSR 5.56NATO 16" (14" HBAR with 2" pinned muzzle break) 1/9"
Now here is where things get very interesting. Being a match powder I couldn't wait to see the groups I got. So I tested them in the precision rifle first. Starting loads wouldn't cycle properly so I kept going with my ladder loads. Even at max charge H322 would not cycle the rifle no matter what the charge weights. Which was a real disappointment to say the least.
Next I went over to the 16" 1/7" . I started with the 68gr BTHP which grouped nicely. Not match winning, but would stack a 3 shot grouping that was smaller then a dime. Satisfied with that grouping I switched over to the 75gr BTHP. The groupings for the 75gr BTHP were not as tight, and grouped 3 shots about the size of a dime. I switched over to the 55gr Ballistic Tips, and they ended up grouping nicely. The grouping size was in between the 68gr, and 75gr BTHP..
Now with the 16" 1/9" I only tested the 68gr BTHP and 55gr Ballistic Tips as I have never had real good luck stabilizing a 75gr projectile out of that barrel. They both ended up grouping 3 shots about the size of a quarter. Which depending on who you are some will find that unacceptable. My opinion if it isn't a precision rifle or you are really working at bug holes that is a grouping most people at a range would be satisfied with.
This is a short cut stick powder so some dispensers will throw erratic charges, but not as bad as other stick powders since it is a short cut. That may be a turn off for some, but I have multiple dispensers so that isn't a concern for me personally.
Now none of those groups are going to win you a match, but when it comes to dropping varmints, predators, or bursting the ego of your buddies at the range then this powder will do you well.
All in all this is a great powder, but didn't achieve what I was hoping. My precision MSR will stack range fodder in 1/8" groups all day, but a match powder wouldn't cycle the action even on max charge. It is a great powder, but not one I will use other then range rounds, and backups for varmint, and predator hunting Again it is a great powder, but not as accurate as I was hoping, and it is a real bummer it wouldn't cycle the action on a precision rifle.