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AR15.COM
1/3/2009 3:39:28 AM EDT
I have a M4 in 5.56mm that I want to reload for. It has the Acog ta1nsn on it which is calibrated for use with 62grn  ammo. I have some 62grn bullets but am at a loss as to what powder to use. I'd like to use my RL550B press so the powder will need to be reliable through the auto powder system.

Any suggestions?

Ta & happy new year.

Ian C.
1/3/2009 4:16:25 AM EDT
[#1]
Best bet, if you want to get ammo that equates to the BDC Reticule, is to use Mil surp ammo either RG or what ever else you can get that is NATO spec. If you are not bothered about using the BDC reticule just learn which POA to take for the various targets at 100, 200 and 300 yards.  Over 300 yards your M4 will probably struggle to group consistently as so much velocity is lost with the short barrel when compared to a 18 or 20 inch tube.

Not much help on the reloading front I'm afraid.
1/3/2009 4:50:08 AM EDT
[#2]
Well, to match the military stuff you need to be getting around 3000fps. Sierra quotes 27.1grs of Varget or 25.8grs of TAC to get their 62gr bullet to 3000 - but they are both max loads...
1/3/2009 5:07:37 AM EDT
[#3]
Get a 20" barrel ......


..Happy New Year Ian...........
1/3/2009 5:14:51 AM EDT
[#4]
I'm not sure about 3000fps from a 14.5" bbl??
Here are my suggestions:
  • stick with RG

  • chrono your existing ammo

  • stick with RG

  • RL-15 meters well through my Dillon (though I think Varget is better)

  • try to replicate the MV and use the ACOG stadia, or

  • work up a good load and find out where it shoots on the stadia, or

  • stick with RG


I'll let you guess what my thoughts are
1/3/2009 5:51:06 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
I'm not sure about 3000fps from a 14.5" bbl??


Quite right! - I should clarify that the 3000fps and load data are from a 20" barrel. But it wouldn't make any difference in a 14.5" barrel, as the drop in velocity would be the same for the factory military load or reloaded ammo...

The main point that I was trying to make is that the reloads would have to be maximum or near maximum loads to match the military stuff...
1/3/2009 9:59:24 AM EDT
[#6]
I chrono'd RG (1992 vintage) last year through my M4 and achieved 2900fps....YMMV

I'd personally stick with RG through your M4. I have a similar setup with a TA01NSN.

Cheers
Steven
1/3/2009 10:22:26 AM EDT
[#7]
Stick with the RG as reloading other 62gn bullets won't give you any conceivable improvements, but if you really do wish to have a play, try something like H335
1/3/2009 11:08:51 AM EDT
[#8]
Stick with RG if it won`t cycle get SF to sort it, I think the M4 in the set up you have it will be the ACOG that limits the rifles ability, great scope for the job it was designed for, young eyes quick target aqusition but not the best when you like the rest of us are just punching holes in paper
1/3/2009 11:17:57 AM EDT
[#9]
Slightly off-topic but today I crono'd the other RG at 3000fps from an 18" Bbl
1/3/2009 12:32:04 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Slightly off-topic but today I crono'd the other RG at 3000fps from an 18" Bbl





1/3/2009 1:45:03 PM EDT
[#11]
Thanks for the replies and advice. I have about 1200 rnds of RG so am ok for a while. I was told that RG is/was going to be scarce in '09 which prompted the reloading idea. Still not 100% convinced about the rifle reloading route , but will be borrowing a friends reloading setup to try some of the 62grn bullets I have, shame to just leave 'em in the loft!!

My M4/Acog setup  does struggle over 300 yards (which I think is the distance it was originally intended for) and I can't see me buying another rifle any time soon as much as I'd like one, other stuff to spend my hard earned on.

Ta.
Ian C.
1/4/2009 4:17:55 AM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
Slightly off-topic but today I crono'd the other RG at 3000fps from an 18" Bbl


Is that the other RG with some more letters? If so I'm not surprised, it really is rather good and I hate to say it, much better than the British made stuff