Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
AR-Comp rifle powder from Alliant targets the AR-15 and AR-10 reloader working with heavy match projectiles. Where ball powders can spike pressure and extruded stick powders meter unevenly, AR-Comp bridges that gap: extruded granules sized for consistent throws through progressive presses, coupled with temp-stable burn rates that hold velocity within 15 fps across a 100°F temperature swing. If you’re loading 75-grain 223 or 168-grain 308 for three-gun or precision matches, this powder delivers the metering speed you need without sacrificing the ignition consistency match shooters demand.
Load Profile
Alliant formulated AR-Comp around two design constraints: chamber pressure curves that stay inside SAAMI limits in short-barreled ARs, and burn rates that reach full combustion before the bullet exits a 16-inch barrel. The result is a powder that meters like ball but burns with the progressive curve of an extruded stick. In 223 Remington, expect published max loads to sit near 25.5 grains under a 77-grain Sierra MatchKing, yielding approximately 2,650 fps from a 20-inch barrel. In 308 Winchester, a charge of 43.0 grains under a 168-grain Hornady A-MAX reaches 2,650 fps from a 22-inch barrel. Always start 10% below published max and work up in 0.3-grain increments, watching for pressure signs on the case head and primer.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Powder type | Smokeless extruded rifle |
| Burn rate | Medium (Hodgdon Varget range) |
| Primary use | AR-15/AR-10 heavy match bullets |
| Secondary use | Medium rifle varmint cartridges |
| Container sizes | 1lb bottle (150664), 8lb canister (150665) |
| Temperature stability | Very consistent across extremes |
| Platform compatibility | Semi-automatic, bolt-action |
| Manufacturer | Alliant Powder |
The 8lb canister covers approximately 350 rounds of 223 or 185 rounds of 308 at mid-range charges. For shooters running 500+ rounds per month, the 8lb format cuts per-round cost and eliminates lot-to-lot variance mid-season. Browse the full gun powder inventory for ball and single-base alternatives.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition components, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition components. Smokeless powder cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our compliance page before ordering. Store powder in original containers in a cool, dry location away from heat sources, open flame, and out of reach of unauthorized users. Never mix powders or substitute loads from one manual to another without verifying compatibility.
- Always treat powder as hazmat: Store below 120°F, away from primers and loaded ammunition.
- Verify state and local laws: Some jurisdictions restrict powder quantities or require permits for possession.
- Start low, work up: Published max loads reflect test-barrel conditions; reduce by 10% in your rifle and verify pressure signs before increasing charge weight.
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