I just purchased a Rock River Lar 15 and will soon start reloading ammo for it, I purchased a set of small base dies and one box each of Nosler 50 gr ballistic tips and Sierra 55 gr spritzers. I have a pound of Win 748 powder and purchased a pound of Benchmark but I think I will take it back and exchange it for H335. My goal is for one to one and a half inch groups or less and still get 3000 fps from 50 to 55 gr bullets from a 16 inch barrel. I chronographed some 55 gr factory PMC rounds and they averaged 2965. I would appreciate any information regarding other loads using 50 to 55 gr bullets.

26 to 27 grains of varget has worked for me

Wouldn't take back the benchmark, it will get ya what you want with more stability than 335

25 grains H 322, small rifle NON magnum primer...50, 52, 53 and 55 grain bullets...

If you choose to take the Benchmark back, try to find some CFE223. I have 5 lbs of H335 on hand, but it doesn't have the energy of CFE223.

H335 burns dirty. If you can find it CFE223 or TAC work very well with 50 - 55gr bullets.

me too...my buddy in Georgia just scored 2 lbs of varget for me.....yahoo!

I wouldn't take the Benchmark back, try it.

Also try TAC if you can find it.

Don't know of many places that will take powder back, wouldn't want to, either..

I would take back the small base dies and get regular, along with a lee collet die.

I get 3100 fps with 25.5gr of varmint under 55gr hornady sp. Benchmark will giv3 another 150 fps with the same bullet. Don't take back the benchmark.

+1 to all that.

Seriously. Play w/ the Benchmark & skip the 335. I didn't know any better and worked up stuff w/ 335 & now switched to Benchmark which is MUCH cleaner and more stable and easy enough thru measure.

My AR doesn't like anything hot at all; 55 gr Noz Shots & 24.5 gr H335 w/ PMC cases & Win SR primers @ a mere 2700 fps was best accuracy.

Playing w/ Benchmark & 52 gr HP Match Horns now. I think the throat is terribly short.

Need to break down and buy an 8 of TAC. That stuff is da SCHIZ fer speed, accuracy, and ease thru measure!

I've found TAC useful for alot stuff it isn't normally thought of for.
Works quite well in both my 7-08 or my .280 with 110-120 gr. bullets for instance. E

25.2g of Benchmark with the 55g

26.5g of 748 with the 55g
27.5g of 748 with the 50g

I have found Benchmark to be very accurate with 50 gr Vmax, easily cleaned from the barrel. 335 is almost like tripling the number of patches to get the carbon out. Keep the Benchmark and you will be happy with it.