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Posted: 1/1/2013 3:20:14 PM EDT
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I want to begin researching load ups and would like to start off with a narrowed field (i.e. removing stuff that just wont work for what i want to achieve)
My AR-15 is a Spikes Tactical 5.56, i beleive its a 1 in 7 twist rate. what type of grain bullet should i be looking for and as for powder it appears there are three types. whats the best? |
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Quoted:
First you need to determine what you want your load to do. Best accuracy? Cheapest? Clone a mil load? My advice is to go up to FAQ's and find the link to the Ammo Oracle. Answers there. yes, tried that....bad link it appears..... http://ammo.ar15.com/ammo/ well for the most part i'd like to clone military load with high accuracy. then i'd like a good cheap round that will still put down a decent shot group. |
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If I were in your place, I would start with Hornady 55gr FMJ-BT over Ramshot TAC with Win SR primers. Use the Lyman 49th and the Hornady load data, compared to the powder's load data. Take extra time to do case prep and make your loads as consistent as possible to make sure your load work-up is accurate. Use this for your accurate practice round and mil-clone round.
Then I would get some Sierra 69gr matchkings and work them up over the same powder and primer. Use this for your longer range and 3-gun type round. My two cents....good luck |
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From the other side of that 2 cent coin.... WSR primers seem to be stronger than some others, so that's good advice. Avoid Rem. 6 1/2 and maybe federal SR. Magnums from both makers are OK.
I base ALL of my .223 loads on Varget. If I were starting over right now, that could change to CFE 223. Why? They're both Hodgdon "Extreme" powders. They're temp. stable; meaning that they perform very close to the same, regardless of temp., without the pressure spikes that come with a lot of other popular powders. CFE 223 removes at least some copper fouling, which amounts to less wear from cleaning and better accuracy in extended shooting sessions. Case prep is essential, though I limit mine to cleaning, trimming and chamfering. It is also good to segregate your brass by headstamp. You could go a little further, and divide into weight. Weigh each case, and allow a variation of no more than 1 grain in cases of the same batch, or whatever range you choose. It helps a lot if you actually have some interest in all of this messing about. |
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Quoted:
I want to begin researching load ups and would like to start off with a narrowed field (i.e. removing stuff that just wont work for what i want to achieve) My AR-15 is a Spikes Tactical 5.56, i beleive its a 1 in 7 twist rate. what type of grain bullet should i be looking for and as for powder it appears there are three types. whats the best? Start by reading a couple of reloading manuals. Your second post implies that you want to be successful. I can tell you that you won't find a shortcut to success by looking for a "recipe". For starters, there are far more than three gunpowders that are appropriate for your rifle and the .223 Rem cartridge; I won't list them, but I expect I can come up with a dozen without thinking hard about the list. You 7 twist barrel will handle bullets from 45 grains to 80 grains weight, although for your needs, the Hornady 55 grain FMJ bullet is recommended and most likely will work great for you. After you have some experience, then buy a box of 69 grain Sierra MatchKings for better performance in the wind out at 300 yards. Reloder 15 is a great gunpowder for you start with. I ran across the current link to the Ammo Oracle a few days ago but I can't find it now. |
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Quoted: Quoted: First you need to determine what you want your load to do. Best accuracy? Cheapest? Clone a mil load? My advice is to go up to FAQ's and find the link to the Ammo Oracle. Answers there. yes, tried that....bad link it appears..... http://ammo.ar15.com/ammo/ well for the most part i'd like to clone military load with high accuracy. then i'd like a good cheap round that will still put down a decent shot group. http://www.razoreye.net/mirror/ammo-oracle/AR15_com_Ammo_Oracle_Mirror.htm here is the correct link. Please tell me where you found the bad link and I will fix it.
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Quoted:
Start by reading a couple of reloading manuals. Any recommendations? I have no doubt in my skills and when i finally get all my equipment to reload, I want to create a safe quality product regardless if i'm going for cheap throw them downrange quick fun or lets see if i can put three rounds in the same hole. (think i'd need a scope :-) i'm partial to using only iron sights to 300 meters but thats the military in me.Your second post implies that you want to be successful. Absolutely, good read. I can tell you that you won't find a shortcut to success by looking for a "recipe". For starters, there are far more than three gunpowders that are appropriate for your rifle and the .223 Rem cartridge;I was thinking type like the ball, flake type and then the pellet extruded type i'm sure each type has it's pros and cons besides just jamming up your powder dispenser I won't list them, but I expect I can come up with a dozen without thinking hard about the list. You 7 twist barrel will handle bullets from 45 grains to 80 grains weight, although for your needs, the Hornady 55 grain FMJ bullet is recommended and most likely will work great for you. After you have some experience, then buy a box of 69 grain Sierra MatchKings for better performance in the wind out at 300 yards. Reloder 15 is a great gunpowder for you start with. I ran across the current link to the Ammo Oracle a few days ago but I can't find it now. |
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For 3-gun type shooting, I'll tell ya what I use.
Win748. It's a ball powder and meters well out of my Dillon. 26.0 grains. 55gr FMJBT (M193 pulls) Federal SRP Mixed Brass COAL: 2.24" This pulls about 2700 FPS out of a 16" 1:9. I think a lot of your bullet selection will revolve around what kind of shooting you're doing, availability, etc. |
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