Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Alliant AR-Comp is a medium-fast-burning, double-base short-cut extruded powder developed by Alliant as an advanced reformulation of Alliant Reloder 15, which is itself a double-base Bofors-manufactured powder. AR-Comp is manufactured by Eurenco Bofors in Karlskoga, Sweden, and incorporates the proprietary TZ Technology temperature-stabilizing chemistry that distinguishes the modern Bofors-manufactured Alliant series (AR-Comp, Reloder 16, Reloder 23) from older double-base formulations.
AR-Comp is a double-base powder. It contains both nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin – confirmed by Alliant directly and consistent with their official 2022 Reloader’s Guide stating that all Alliant propellants contain nitroglycerin, ranging from near-negligible levels in some formulations to high concentrations in others. This was incorrectly described as “single-base” in the previous version of this article, and has been corrected.
What makes AR-Comp unusual – and what explains the temperature stability performance that appears single-base-like – is the TZ Technology additive package. Conventional double-base powders show 1.0-1.5 fps/°F temperature sensitivity because nitroglycerin’s energetics are meaningfully temperature-dependent. The Bofors TZ Technology suppresses this sensitivity, producing documented stability of approximately 0.3-0.5 fps/°F in AR-Comp – performance comparable to or better than Hodgdon Extreme series single-base powders, from a double-base formulation.
The practical result: short-cut extruded grain geometry for metering consistency approaching ball powders, double-base energy density for competitive velocity, and TZ Technology temperature stability that erases the conventional double-base stability limitation.
This article is based on published manufacturer specifications, established load data, and documented field reports. Specifications and performance figures can vary between lots, rifles, and conditions. If you have loaded Alliant AR-Comp in practice – leave a comment below: real-world experience from the reloading bench is what separates verified data from manufacturer claims.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
Alliant AR-Comp is a double-base, short-cut extruded powder. The double-base chemistry – nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin – provides the energy density that allows 223 Remington 77-grain match bullets to reach competitive velocities and 308 Winchester service rifle bullets to produce reliable gas-system cycling pressure.
The short-cut grain geometry is the metering innovation. Traditional long-stick extruded powders bridge across the metering drum edge and shear during the measure cycle, producing charge-to-charge variance of 0.2-0.4 grains. Short-cut grains eliminate most bridging. In practice, AR-Comp meters to ±0.1 grains on quality volumetric measures – closer to ball powder consistency than standard extruded performance.
Bulk density is 0.930 g/cc – high for an extruded powder, particularly one with short-cut geometry. In 223 Remington with 69-77 grain bullets at working pressures, this density provides 92-96% case fill in the optimal combustion zone.
The TZ Technology thermal stabilizer is the engineering feature that separates AR-Comp from conventional double-base powders. Standard double-base chemistry shows elevated temperature sensitivity because nitroglycerin’s burn rate is meaningfully affected by ambient temperature. TZ Technology suppresses this response, producing velocity stability of approximately 0.3-0.5 fps/°F – the figure that makes AR-Comp genuinely competitive with Hodgdon Extreme series powders in year-round competition use, despite being a double-base formulation.
The pressure curve was specifically engineered for gas-operated semi-automatic timing. AR-Comp’s pressure profile cycles AR-15 and AR-10 bolt carrier groups reliably without generating the excessive over-pressure that can cause violent cycling, accelerated bolt wear, or extraction problems.
Strengths:
- TZ Technology stability (0.3-0.5 fps/°F) – double-base powder with Extreme-series-competitive temperature behavior; year-round competition loading without seasonal recalibration
- Short-cut grain geometry meters to ±0.1 grains – better than long-stick extruded alternatives; practical for progressive press high-volume production
- Double-base energy density – competitive velocity with Reloder 15 heritage; comparable to or exceeding Hodgdon Varget in 223 Remington 77-grain loads
- Pressure curve optimized for gas-operated timing – cycles reliably without over-gassing in 223 Remington and 308 Winchester AR applications
- Clean burning – Bofors formulation leaves soft grey carbon residue; less fouling in the gas system and star chamber compared to older double-base formulations
Limitations:
- Availability gaps – AR platform powders draw concentrated demand; inventory can thin quickly
- Slightly lower velocity ceiling than Reloder 15 – the TZ stabilizer package moderates some of the nitroglycerin energy output; RL-15 retains a velocity edge at equivalent pressures
- Burn rate limits application to 223 Remington and 308 Winchester primary applications; does not extend efficiently to very large magnum cases or small varmint cartridges
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Alliant Powder / Eurenco Bofors (Sweden) |
| Type | Double-Base Short-Cut Extruded |
| Base Chemistry | Nitrocellulose + Nitroglycerin (Double-Base) |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | 0.930 |
| Coating | Technical Graphite + TZ Technology Stabilizers |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Fast Rifle |
| Temperature Stability | ~0.3-0.5 fps / °F (TZ Technology) |
Correcting the Single-Base / Double-Base Error – What Changes Practically
The previous version of this article described AR-Comp as single-base, stating it contained “nitrocellulose without nitroglycerin.” This was incorrect, and several practical claims based on that error needed correction:
What the original article claimed (incorrect):
- “Cooler flame temperature than double-base alternatives” – implied AR-Comp was inherently lower-erosion than other double-base powders at the same burn rate
- “Less throat erosion over high round counts” compared specifically to double-base powders
- Temperature stability attributed to single-base chemistry
The correct technical picture:
AR-Comp is double-base (nitroglycerin present). Its temperature stability comes from TZ Technology, not from single-base chemistry. The distinction matters because the mechanism is different – TZ stabilizers suppress nitroglycerin’s temperature-dependent energy release rather than eliminating nitroglycerin from the formulation.
Does AR-Comp erode barrels faster than single-base alternatives? Double-base powders in general produce higher flame temperatures than single-base alternatives at equivalent pressures, which can increase throat erosion rate. AR-Comp’s Bofors formulation is described as relatively barrel-friendly among modern double-base powders. For high-round-count AR-15 competition barrels (30,000+ rounds per year), this is a practical consideration – but the primary comparison within double-base alternatives is favorable. The direct comparison to pure single-base Extreme series powders like Hodgdon H4895 would show the single-base powder as less erosive at equivalent pressures.
The Alliant 2022 Reloader’s Guide states explicitly: “Alliant propellants range from the ‘near’ single-base American Select (2% nitroglycerin) to the high nitroglycerin (40%) double-base Bullseye.” All Alliant powders contain nitroglycerin at varying levels. AR-Comp, as a modern Bofors formulation, contains approximately 6-10% nitroglycerin (consistent with the Bofors RL-16 which is documented at 6.8%).
The RL-15 / AR-Comp Relationship – Clarified
Alliant Reloder 15 is also double-base – it is a Bofors-manufactured double-base extruded powder without TZ Technology. This was previously stated correctly in the article. The M118LR military sniper ammunition connection is real and documented.
AR-Comp’s key improvements over RL-15:
- TZ Technology thermal stabilizer reduces temperature sensitivity from ~1.0 fps/°F (RL-15) to ~0.3-0.5 fps/°F (AR-Comp)
- Short-cut grain geometry improves progressive press metering
- Pressure curve specifically tuned for gas port timing in AR platforms
Both are double-base. AR-Comp cannot match RL-15’s peak velocity because the stabilizer package moderates some of the available nitroglycerin energy.
Temperature Stability – The TZ Technology Advantage
0.3-0.5 fps per degree Fahrenheit from a double-base powder is the engineering achievement of TZ Technology. Standard double-base powders without TZ show 1.0-1.5 fps/°F. The stabilizer works by moderating nitroglycerin’s temperature-dependent burn rate response.
| Powder | Type | Stability | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon Varget | SB Short-Cut | ~0.2-0.4 fps/°F | Extreme series stabilizer |
| Hodgdon H4895 | SB Short-Cut | ~0.3 fps/°F | Extreme series stabilizer |
| Alliant AR-Comp | DB Short-Cut | ~0.3-0.5 fps/°F | TZ Technology (Bofors) |
| IMR 8208 XBR | SB Short-Cut | ~<0.5 fps/°F | Decoppering + stabilizer |
| Alliant Reloder 15 | DB Extruded | ~1.0 fps/°F | None |
| Hodgdon CFE 223 | DB Ball | ~0.8 fps/°F | CFE additive only |
| Accurate 2520 | DB Ball | ~1.2 fps/°F | None |
In practical terms for a 223 Remington competition shooter loading for both spring (50°F) and summer (95°F) outdoor matches: AR-Comp produces approximately 15-25 fps of velocity variation across that 45°F swing. At 600 yards with a 77-grain MatchKing at 2,780 fps, 25 fps produces less than 1 inch of vertical dispersion – negligible for competition.
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H322 | SB Fine-Cut | 0.893 | Faster – 6mm PPC benchrest |
| Alliant AR-Comp | DB Short-Cut | 0.930 | Reference – TZ Technology |
| IMR 8208 XBR | SB Short-Cut | 0.915 | Similar – decoppering |
| Hodgdon Varget | SB Short-Cut | 0.910 | Slightly Slower – Extreme |
| Hodgdon CFE 223 | DB Ball | 0.975 | Slightly Slower – CFE fouling |
| Alliant Reloder 15 | DB Extruded | 0.920 | Similar – more velocity, less stable |
| Accurate 2520 | DB Ball | 0.975 | Similar – Camp Perry ball |
| Winchester StaBALL Match | DB Ball | ~1.000 | Similar – ball metering |
vs. Hodgdon Varget: The defining comparison. Varget is single-base Extreme series at ~0.2-0.4 fps/°F – and has the deepest published data library. AR-Comp matches this stability from double-base chemistry via TZ Technology, meters better from short-cut geometry, and produces competitive or slightly higher velocities from double-base energy. The trade-off is a smaller data library and less predictable availability. For high-volume progressive press 223 Remington loading where metering efficiency matters, AR-Comp is technically superior. For 308 Winchester where data depth is the priority, Varget retains the advantage.
vs. Alliant Reloder 15: Both are double-base Bofors powders. RL-15 produces more velocity (~30-50 fps more at equivalent pressures) but shows ~1.0 fps/°F temperature sensitivity without TZ Technology. AR-Comp sacrifices a small velocity margin for substantially better year-round consistency. For maximum velocity with accepted seasonal variation, RL-15 is the choice. For year-round consistency in AR competition loading, AR-Comp is the evolution of that formula.
vs. IMR 8208 XBR: Both are short-cut extruded powders with thermal stabilizer packages. IMR 8208 XBR is single-base (less nitroglycerin) and adds a decoppering agent that AR-Comp lacks. 8208 XBR has particular strength in 6mm BR benchrest applications. In 223 Remington with 69-77 grain bullets, both are legitimate choices; load development in the specific barrel guides the final selection.
vs. Hodgdon CFE 223: CFE 223 is double-base ball powder with the CFE copper fouling additive. Ball geometry meters more consistently than AR-Comp’s short-cut. CFE 223 shows ~0.8 fps/°F sensitivity – about twice that of AR-Comp’s TZ Technology. For high-volume progressive press loading where maximum metering speed and copper fouling reduction are the priorities, CFE 223 is the alternative. For year-round thermal consistency, AR-Comp’s TZ Technology is meaningfully better.
AR Platform-Specific Considerations
Gas port pressure timing is what makes AR-Comp specifically appropriate for semi-automatic platforms. In an AR-15, the gas port samples chamber pressure when the bullet passes, approximately 3-4 inches behind the muzzle on a 16-inch barrel. AR-Comp’s pressure curve produces adequate gas port pressure for reliable AR-15 cycling in both 16-inch and 20-inch configurations without over-gassing.
For AR-10 308 Winchester applications, the same pressure timing principle applies with different gas port geometry. AR-Comp is documented for both platforms.
Primer selection for semi-automatic platforms:
- CCI No. 41 for AR-15 223 Remington: harder mil-spec cup resists slam-fire from the free-floating firing pin
- CCI No. 34 for AR-10 308 Winchester: same principle for large rifle platform
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 223 Remington | 62-80 gr | Primary AR-15 application |
| 308 Winchester | 150-168 gr | AR-10 and bolt-gun precision |
| 6.5 Grendel | 100-123 gr | Gas gun precision |
| 6mm ARC | 75-108 gr | AR platform long-range |
| 224 Valkyrie | 75-90 gr | Long-range gas gun |
| 22-250 Remington | 52-69 gr | Varmint and predator |
| 243 Winchester | 75-100 gr | Hunting |
Bullets
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra | MatchKing | 69-77 gr | 223 Rem | Service Rifle / PRS |
| Sierra | Tipped MatchKing | 69-77 gr | 223 Rem | Long-Range Precision |
| Hornady | ELD-M | 73-80 gr | 223 Rem / 224 Valkyrie | Long-Range Match |
| Berger | Hybrid Target | 77-80 gr | 223 Rem | PRS / F-TR |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 155-168 gr | 308 Win | F-Class / High Power |
| Hornady | ELD-M | 168-178 gr | 308 Win | Precision Match |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 140-165 gr | 308 Win / 243 Win | Hunting |
| Lapua | Scenar | 69-90 gr | 223 Rem / 6mm ARC | Competition |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 53-55 gr | 223 Rem | Varmint |
| Barnes | TTSX | 55-62 gr | 223 Rem | Lead-Free Hunting |
Have you loaded Alliant AR-Comp? Your practical data on charge weights, accuracy in 223 Remington or 308 Winchester, AR cycling reliability, temperature stability observations, or comparison with Varget helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI No. 41 | Small Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | Required for AR-15 semi-auto |
| CCI 450 | Small Rifle Magnum | Cold weather below 20°F |
| Federal GM205MAR | Small Rifle Match (AR) | Match primer + harder cup |
| Federal GM205M | Small Rifle Match | Bolt-action competition |
| CCI BR-4 | Small Rifle Benchrest | Competition lowest SD |
| Winchester WSR | Small Rifle Standard | General 223 Rem development |
| Remington 7-1/2 | Small Rifle Bench Rest | Precision bolt-gun |
| CCI No. 34 | Large Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | Required for AR-10 / M1A |
| Federal GM210M | Large Rifle Match | 308 Win bolt-gun competition |
| CCI BR-2 | Large Rifle Benchrest | Competition 308 Win |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | 308 Win hunting |
| RWS 4033 | Small Rifle | Premium European precision |
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Alliant AR-Comp’s short-cut grain geometry produces metering performance meaningfully better than long-stick extruded powders. On a Dillon XL 750, Dillon RL 1100, or Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, the Dillon Precision Case Activated Powder Measure Assembly handles AR-Comp at production cycling speeds with ±0.1 grain consistency – enabling high-volume match preparation without per-charge verification overhead.
For precision single-stage loading, the Redding Match Grade 3BR and auto-dispensers including the RCBS MatchMaster and Hornady Auto-Charge Pro handle AR-Comp efficiently.
Target case fill: 92-96% in 223 Remington with 69-77 grain bullets. Below 90%, powder column position sensitivity elevates standard deviation independent of charge weight consistency.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Alliant load data for AR-Comp specifically. Do not substitute Hodgdon Varget, IMR 8208 XBR, or Alliant Reloder 15 charge weights without independent verification.
AR-15 mil-spec primer is not optional: CCI No. 41 for small rifle, CCI No. 34 for large rifle. Standard primers carry slam-fire risk in free-floating firing pin semi-automatic platforms.
Temperature protocol: AR-Comp’s TZ Technology substantially reduces seasonal variation, but the 0.3-0.5 fps/°F sensitivity still warrants developing maximum charges at the highest expected firing temperature.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.3-grain increments. Watch for flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, ejector marks.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is AR-Comp single-base or double-base?
Double-base. AR-Comp contains both nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin, as confirmed by Alliant directly and consistent with their official Reloader’s Guide noting that all Alliant propellants contain nitroglycerin. The previous version of this article incorrectly described AR-Comp as single-base. A reader contacted Alliant by email and shared the confirmation, which prompted this correction – that kind of direct primary-source verification is exactly what keeps reloading data accurate.
If AR-Comp is double-base, why does it have single-base-like temperature stability?
Because of the TZ Technology additive package developed by Eurenco Bofors. Conventional double-base powders show elevated temperature sensitivity because nitroglycerin’s burn rate changes significantly with temperature. TZ Technology suppresses this response, moderating the nitroglycerin’s temperature-dependent behavior and producing 0.3-0.5 fps/°F stability from a double-base formulation. The mechanism is different from Hodgdon Extreme series single-base chemistry, but the practical result is comparable stability.
Is AR-Comp better than Varget for AR-15 loading?
For high-volume progressive press loading in 223 Remington with 69-77 grain match bullets, AR-Comp meters more consistently from short-cut geometry, provides better case fill from higher density (0.930 vs 0.910 g/cc), produces competitive or higher velocities from double-base energy, and is specifically tuned for gas system pressure timing. Temperature stability is comparable. Varget retains the deeper published data library advantage. For single-stage 308 Winchester where data depth is paramount, Varget is the stronger choice.
Why does CCI No. 41 exist and why is it required for AR-15?
AR-15 designs use a free-floating firing pin that is not spring-loaded. When a round chambers, the firing pin contacts the primer under its own momentum. A standard small rifle primer with a softer cup may detonate from this contact – a slam-fire before the trigger is pulled. The CCI No. 41 has a harder mil-spec cup specifically to resist firing pin momentum impact. This is a safety requirement, not a preference. It applies to any powder loaded for semi-automatic platforms.
What is the difference between AR-Comp and Reloder 15 in practice?
Both are double-base Bofors-manufactured extruded powders. Reloder 15 produces approximately 30-50 fps more velocity at equivalent pressures but shows ~1.0 fps/°F temperature sensitivity without TZ Technology. AR-Comp sacrifices a small velocity margin for substantially better year-round consistency (0.3-0.5 fps/°F) and improved progressive press metering from short-cut grain geometry. Reloder 15 is the better choice when maximum velocity is the priority. AR-Comp is the better choice for year-round competition loading where thermal consistency and production metering efficiency are the priorities.
Conclusion
Alliant AR-Comp is a double-base short-cut extruded powder that combines TZ Technology temperature stability with double-base energy density and short-cut metering efficiency – a combination no single-base or conventional double-base powder fully replicates. The corrected technical description (double-base, not single-base) does not diminish its practical capabilities; it explains them more accurately.
Choose Alliant AR-Comp if you load 223 Remington with 69-77 grain bullets for AR-15 competition at volume and want double-base energy, TZ Technology year-round stability, short-cut metering efficiency, and gas system timing optimization from a single powder. Choose Hodgdon Varget if the deepest published data library and single-base Extreme series benchmark are the priority. Choose IMR 8208 XBR if decoppering chemistry and world-class stability in a short-cut extruded powder are the primary objective. Choose Alliant Reloder 15 if maximum velocity is the goal and seasonal variation is manageable within your loading program.
Editor’s note: Published load data and manufacturer specifications are the starting point – not the final word. Field experience from reloaders who have actually worked with this powder is the most reliable guide to what it does in practice. If you have used Alliant AR-Comp, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised April 2026, substantively corrected May 2026. The May 2026 revision corrects the fundamental base chemistry error from the previous version: AR-Comp is a double-base powder (nitrocellulose + nitroglycerin), not single-base as previously stated. This was confirmed by a reader who contacted Alliant directly by email and received written confirmation, and is consistent with Alliant’s official 2022 Reloader’s Guide and multiple primary technical sources documenting AR-Comp as “an advanced reformulation of Reloder 15, a double-base Bofors powder.” The revision adds a dedicated section explaining the practical consequences of this correction, rewrites all chemistry-based claims accordingly, explains how TZ Technology produces Extreme-series-competitive stability from double-base chemistry, and adds a direct FAQ answer on the base-type question. Thanks to the reader who provided primary-source verification – this is exactly how accurate reloading data gets built.
