"best" bullet for 20" LaRue 5.56 Stealth barrel

Precision Rifles » Semi-Auto Rifles

Site Notices

azmp5

Joined Aug 2005
Posts 4529
EE 100% (16)

AZ, USA

Posted: 10/8/2017 5:49:20 PM EDT

So this post could be in probably a few different categories, but i figured this would be the best one.

I am building a "retro" a2 *cough a3* 20 inch AR15. I do want it to be more on the precision side, so i got the RRA free float tube / hand guards. I also picked up a 20 inch larue stealth barrel. Its a 1:8 twist in 223 wylde. I know for most it means it will really only stabilize up to / around 69 gr bullets but i was wondering, since 223 wylde is new to me, whats a good bullet to use. I reload, and I have alot of 77 smk's so obviously id like to use/reload using those bullets. i am sure doing a workup will be in my future anyway, but am i wasting time/bullets/components/ect with 77 grain bullets? As of now, im sure i will pick up 100x 69 smks and try them, but again, since i have about 500 77s, would those work?

HighpowerRifleBrony

The Clayton Bigsby of retards

Joined Dec 2013
Posts 13465
EE 0% (0)

TX, USA

Posted: 10/8/2017 7:53:06 PM EDT

[#1]

1:8 is ideal for 0.9-1.0" bullets like the 77gr SMK and 75gr BTHP. Some single load 75gr AMAX and 80.5/82gr Berger or mag load the 77gr TMK, though sacrificing a tiny bit of B.C.

23.0gr XBR8208, 23.5gr H4895, 24gr Varget are typical high nodes.

For 100-200yds, I like the 50gr VMAX. My "retro A2" still holds #1 Service Division in the MOAAD challenge using that bullet.

Distinguished Rifleman #2223
FBHO
TK4L
"Technique isn't something that can be taught. It's something you find on your own." - Bunta Fujiwara

azmp5 Joined Aug 2005 Posts 4530 EE 100% (16) AZ, USA	Posted: 10/8/2017 8:59:48 PM EDT [#2] Thanks. I have about 500 of those 50gr Z-max bullets i can try. XBR is my go to powder for 223.

doty_soty

Joined Oct 2008
Posts 2409
EE 100% (168)

OK, USA

Posted: 10/9/2017 12:15:39 AM EDT

[#3]

Every barrel will be different, and you handload while I only shoot factory. Having said that my 16" stealth consistently favors 77 SMK loadings. I have tested Black Hills 68, 69, 75, and 77gr's, and it's always favored heavier grains and Sierras over lighter grains and Hornady. It also shoots 50gr ballistic tipped American Eagles, so whatever those bullets are, for lighter stuff.

Just some things to start with. Also consider that LT tests their barrels (or at least used to) with the 77gr SMK which corroborates the above.

Ronnoc

Joined Apr 2005
Posts 6440
EE 100% (15)

MO, USA

Posted: 10/9/2017 2:08:41 AM EDT

[Last Edit: Ronnoc] [#4]

Hopefully tomorrow will have some info. I just loaded some Hornady 75 gr BTHP over about 25.5 gr of CFE223, using CCI #41. I have a 16" Stealth complete upper from Larue. I can post later in the day what I got with it.

Shoot this several weeks ago:

556 loads: 25.5 =/- .01-02 grains of CFE223 shooting Hornady 75gr HPBT out of a 16" barrel, shot five sets:
- Set 1: Avg of 2619 fps with a range of 2553 to 2716 fps (5 shots total, one did not register)
- Set 2: Avg of 2652 fps with a range of 2613 to 2696 fps (5 shot group)
- Set 3: Avg of 2711 fps with a range of 2631 to 2774 fps (4 shot group)
- Set 4: Avg of 2676 fps with a range of 2614 to 2730 fps (5 shot group)
- Set 5: Avg of 2695 fps with a range of 2669 to 2712 fps (5 shot group)

Ronnoc

Valhalla Calls

Joined Apr 2005
Posts 6445
EE 100% (15)

MO, USA

Posted: 10/9/2017 9:34:00 PM EDT

[#5]

Well, my results were less than great. Best I got was about 1.5 MOA, not happy with that at all. It was mostly mixed brass types, but I also specifically loaded a set Remington brass and a set of Lake City brass. I might have to try some 77gr SMKs and some 69 HPBT. I don't know if a powder change in terms of grains used would help much.

I did have the primer blown out of a piece of Hornady brass I reloaded. As in it was no longer in the primer pocket at all but sitting on the table next to me.

The hammer of the gods
Will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying:
Valhalla, I am coming!

HighpowerRifleBrony The Clayton Bigsby of retards Joined Dec 2013 Posts 13478 EE 0% (0) TX, USA	Posted: 10/9/2017 10:57:00 PM EDT [#6] Were the cases once fired? Hodgdon shows 25.0gr MAX with a JLK 75gr. I'd back off to 24gr, 24.5, 25.0.
	Distinguished Rifleman #2223 FBHO TK4L "Technique isn't something that can be taught. It's something you find on your own." - Bunta Fujiwara

Ronnoc Valhalla Calls Joined Apr 2005 Posts 6449 EE 100% (15) MO, USA	Posted: 10/10/2017 12:41:50 AM EDT [#7] The Hornaday manual has 25.5 of CFE223 as not even a max load. 26.5 grains is listed as the max load.
	The hammer of the gods Will drive our ships to new lands, To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!

bfoosh06 Member Joined Sep 2008 Posts 5951 EE 0% (0) NT, USA	Posted: 10/11/2017 12:54:05 PM EDT [Last Edit: bfoosh06] [#8] Ronnoc.... Your blown primer says you might be over max for your rifle. I'd try a lower charge weight... around 24.3 And try using one brand of cases rather than mixed headstamps. And frankly, Hornady 75gr bullets seem to have a love / hate relationship with barrels... they seem to be less forgiving then SMK 77gr bullets.
	Hold on to your AR-15s. Their magic must be very powerful, or they wouldn’t want them. JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.

bfoosh06

Member

Joined Sep 2008
Posts 5952
EE 0% (0)

NT, USA

Posted: 10/11/2017 1:04:13 PM EDT

[Last Edit: bfoosh06] [#9]

Originally Posted By azmp5:
So this post could be in probably a few different categories, but i figured this would be the best one.

I am building a "retro" a2 *cough a3* 20 inch AR15. I do want it to be more on the precision side, so i got the RRA free float tube / hand guards. I also picked up a 20 inch larue stealth barrel. Its a 1:8 twist in 223 wylde. I know for most it means it will really only stabilize up to / around 69 gr bullets but i was wondering, since 223 wylde is new to me, whats a good bullet to use. I reload, and I have alot of 77 smk's so obviously id like to use/reload using those bullets. i am sure doing a workup will be in my future anyway, but am i wasting time/bullets/components/ect with 77 grain bullets? As of now, im sure i will pick up 100x 69 smks and try them, but again, since i have about 500 77s, would those work?

View Quote

"but am i wasting time/bullets/components/ect with 77 grain bullets? "

not at all.. those are the ones you do want to "waste"

time on.

Your 1n8 twist should handle the 77gr SMK just fine.

Start low and work up, so you can see the subtle differences.

When you fire your reloads... be sure to allow a few shots for "settling in" between different powders. I can't explain it , but it does make a difference.

Be sure to read the tacked thread on top... OFFICIAL .223 / 556 PRECISION LOAD RECIPE THREAD.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/precision-rifles/OFFICIAL-223-556-PRECISION-LOAD-RECIPE-THREAD/10-30/

*Hold on to your AR-15s. Their magic must be very powerful, or they wouldn’t want them.*

JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.

Ronnoc Valhalla Calls Joined Apr 2005 Posts 6460 EE 100% (15) MO, USA	Posted: 10/11/2017 2:39:35 PM EDT [#10] Well, I was hoping they would work, a bit cheaper than the SMKs, but will try those, maybe some 69 HPBT also. I wanted the 75 ELDs, but they are kind of long. I just got some LC brass, so going to try it and also the Remington I have a lot of and try. Might dial the powder down to 25 and try too.
	The hammer of the gods Will drive our ships to new lands, To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!

alpha0815 InFiDeL Joined Aug 2012 Posts 2987 EE 100% (124) TX, USA	Posted: 10/11/2017 10:48:54 PM EDT [#11] I’ve yet to find anything better than BH MK262 in the Stealth. FGMM close second. I’m not a reloaded though.
	What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women!

azmp5

Joined Aug 2005
Posts 4536
EE 100% (16)

AZ, USA

Posted: 10/12/2017 3:25:13 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Originally Posted By alpha0815:
I’ve yet to find anything better than BH MK262 in the Stealth. FGMM close second. I’m not a reloaded though.

View Quote

I have about 500 "mk262" style reloads that i made up that work really well *23.5gr xbr w. 77gr smk's* with my other guns. My main reason for the post is of all the 5.56 barrels i have on my guns, they are all 1:7 twist. This LaRue barrel is my first 1:8 twist. I have a box of 500x 77 smks bullets and wasnt sure because of the twist rate if they would be a "waist" and i should be using 69gr smks instead. I should have the barrel and installed on the gun in about a week so i will be able to try the made up rounds and see how it does. If im not happy with it then ill to a work up.

doty_soty

Joined Oct 2008
Posts 2416
EE 100% (168)

OK, USA

Posted: 10/12/2017 4:39:41 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Originally Posted By azmp5:

I have about 500 "mk262" style reloads that i made up that work really well *23.5gr xbr w. 77gr smk's* with my other guns. My main reason for the post is of all the 5.56 barrels i have on my guns, they are all 1:7 twist. This LaRue barrel is my first 1:8 twist. I have a box of 500x 77 smks bullets and wasnt sure because of the twist rate if they would be a "waist" and i should be using 69gr smks instead. I should have the barrel and installed on the gun in about a week so i will be able to try the made up rounds and see how it does. If im not happy with it then ill to a work up.

View Quote

A lot here would tell you 69's only exist for when 77's won't stabilize. I will say that in my experience if you can stabilize the 77's, you're going to want the 77's. Your Stealth will most assuredly stabilize the 77's, it's what they proof their accuracy with.

MS556

Joined Apr 2013
Posts 9179
EE 0% (0)

MS, USA

Posted: 11/5/2017 10:58:49 PM EDT

[Last Edit: MS556] [#14]

Originally Posted By azmp5:
So this post could be in probably a few different categories, but i figured this would be the best one.

I am building a "retro" a2 *cough a3* 20 inch AR15. I do want it to be more on the precision side, so i got the RRA free float tube / hand guards. I also picked up a 20 inch larue stealth barrel. Its a 1:8 twist in 223 wylde. I know for most it means it will really only stabilize up to / around 69 gr bullets but i was wondering, since 223 wylde is new to me, whats a good bullet to use. I reload, and I have alot of 77 smk's so obviously id like to use/reload using those bullets. i am sure doing a workup will be in my future anyway, but am i wasting time/bullets/components/ect with 77 grain bullets? As of now, im sure i will pick up 100x 69 smks and try them, but again, since i have about 500 77s, would those work?

View Quote

What distances are you shooting for groups? If you are trying to shoot the smallest groups at 100 yards try lighter flat based match bullets. While 77 grain SMKs work well for me at longer distances, my 1:8 Wylde chambered Lilja match barrel goes sub 1/2 MOA with 52 grain Berger flat base target bullets over a near max load of LT -32 or H4895. Cases are bench prepped Lapua Match. Federal Gold Match primers.

azmp5

Joined Aug 2005
Posts 4563
EE 100% (16)

AZ, USA

Posted: 11/5/2017 11:04:10 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Originally Posted By MS556:

What distances are you shooting for groups? If you are trying to shoot the smallest groups at 100 yards try lighter flat based match bullets. While 77 grain SMKs work well for me at longer distances, my 1:8 Wylde chambered Lilja match barrel goes sub 1/2 MOA with 52 grain Berger flat base target bullets over a near max load of LT -32 or H4895. Cases are bench prepped Lapua Match. Federal Gold Match primers.

View Quote

right now its at 100 yards, as im just wanting to break the rifle in and confirm zero. good news was the rifle fired fine when i took it out. bad news was my front sight was canted, as i had to have my rear sight all the way to left to be dead on. Went home and fixed that *hopefully*, and ill find out next weekend.

bfoosh06 Member Joined Sep 2008 Posts 6174 EE 0% (0) NT, USA	Posted: 11/7/2017 2:43:58 PM EDT [#16] Quote History Originally Posted By alpha0815: I’ve yet to find anything better than BH MK262 in the Stealth. FGMM close second. I’m not a reloaded though. View Quote When Creedmoor Sports finally makes more 77gr .223 SMK... try some of those. My profile photo is 20rds of it.
	Hold on to your AR-15s. Their magic must be very powerful, or they wouldn’t want them. JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.

Blazin_Bill Joined Nov 2002 Posts 695 EE 100% (129) MD, USA	Posted: 11/14/2017 8:05:59 PM EDT [#17] My 20" Stealth LOVES 77 Lapua's pushed by 23.4 of 8208.

"best" bullet for 20" LaRue 5.56 Stealth barrel

Precision Rifles » Semi-Auto Rifles

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us