Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Accurate 2520 powder sits in the medium-burn range of the Accurate Powders lineup, purpose-built for the 308 Winchester cartridge and equally capable in 223 Remington applications with heavy match bullets. This spherical, double-base propellant meters consistently through progressive and single-stage presses, delivering the shot-to-shot uniformity service rifle competitors and precision reloaders require. If you’re loading 168-grain Sierra MatchKings in 308 or 77-grain Nosler Custom Competitions in 223, 2520 belongs on your bench.
Performance at a Glance
Accurate Powders engineers 2520 around the 308 Winchester case volume, but its burn rate and pressure curve make it adaptable to 223 Remington with bullets from 62 to 80 grains. The spherical geometry flows freely through powder measures, reducing charge-weight variance — a critical factor when chasing sub-MOA groups at 600 yards. Service rifle shooters favor 2520 for its track record at Camp Perry, where wind calls and group size separate the top twenty from the rest of the field.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Powder type | Double-base spherical rifle propellant |
| Burn rate | Medium |
| Primary cartridge | 308 Winchester |
| Secondary cartridge | 223 Remington (62–80 gr bullets) |
| Container size | 8 lb |
| Shipping weight | 8.325 lb |
| DOT classification | HazMat — regulated |
| Manufacturer | Accurate Powders |
The 8 lb container suits volume reloaders who shoot through 500+ rounds per season. Accurate Powders lab-tests every lot for velocity, pressure, and temperature stability — you’ll find the lot number printed on the label, along with suggested starting loads for 308 and 223. Store the container in a cool, dry location away from ignition sources, and always cross-reference your load data with the current gun powder reloading manual before charging cases.
Best Use Cases
Service rifle competitors running M14 or AR-10 platforms in NRA High Power matches rely on 2520 for its pressure consistency — it stays well within the M14 system’s operating threshold, even in hot weather. For 223 Remington, pair 2520 with 75- or 77-grain bullets seated to 2.260″ OAL for magazine-compatible loads that stabilize through 1:7 or 1:8 twist barrels. Benchrest shooters loading single-shot actions can experiment with the upper end of the charge range, but always start 10% below published maximums and work up in 0.3-grain increments.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Smokeless powder is classified as a Division 1.3C explosive by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal law restricts shipping to ground transport only, and some carriers apply HazMat fees. Always verify your state and local regulations before ordering — certain municipalities prohibit smokeless powder storage above specified quantities.
- Never exceed maximum charge weights listed in the manufacturer’s reloading guide or other published load data.
- Do not mix powders of different types, brands, or lot numbers — even small contamination can produce dangerous pressure spikes.
- Store powder in its original container in a cool, dry location away from heat sources, open flames, and ammunition. Keep containers closed when not in use.
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