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Posted: 12/23/2014 2:28:11 PM EDT
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I just recently bought a Ruger AR 556. Got 55 grain Hornady bullets and have been using IMR-4064, simply because I had some. Eventually I'm going to need to order gunpowder. I realize that that might be hard. But for this gun, this bullet and 50 yard plinking, is there a better powder? Edited thread title to reflect the theme of this thread. Also make thread easier to find when searching. dryflash3
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There is a tab at the top of the page for "Armory". Within that is a section on reloading. Please go there.
I'm sure you can find lots of info there about using IMR 4064 with 55 grain Hornady for .223 and 5.56 pressures. I don't recall it being an optimal choice for that bullet, but I'm sure there is load data for it. Hodgdon , which makes the powder, probably has load data on its website for use of 4064 with 55 grain bullet. I use that FMJ bullet for non-critical shooting and plinking, to replicate M193, but use a different powder. Maximum or near maximum loads with that powder are likely to be compressed, which I do not like to do, but that's just me. I am presently using H4895 with that bullet. It achieves maximum velocity with good accuracy in my 16" carbine. You will find at least a half dozen or more other suitable powders with advocates for each of them. for 55 grain FMJ bullets. I use Benchmark with Berger target bullets in that weight, and am working up loads with CFE223. TAC is very, very popular for that bullet weight. |
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IMR-4064 is very bulky (course extruded grain powder) so it works best in .308 or .30-06. The burn rate is appropriate for .223, but you'll have a hard time getting enough in that little case for good velocity.
My favorites for 50 to 60 grain bullets would be H322, N133, IMR-8208-XBR, AA-2015 or similar small grain extruded powders. A lot of people use ball powders, but I get better results overall with stick powders. Go to Hodgdon's online loading data site, they distribute IMR powders and have load data for many other types. Their data is hot compared to other sources, start well below their maximums. |
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Lots of topics on 55 grain powders. At 50 yards, you can just about throw the bullet to get a good group. You need the cheapest ball powder you can find. During the powder shortage, I found some Alliant 1200R powder to try. It is really cheap compared to the rest if bought in a 8lb jug. Works for 55 and smaller. I love the groups for my 55 gr SP's at 100yrds.
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Quoted: I just recently bought a Ruger AR 556. Got 55 grain Hornady bullets and have been using IMR-4064, simply because I had some. Eventually I'm going to need to order gunpowder. I realize that that might be hard. But for this gun, this bullet and 50 yard plinking, is there a better powder? Ball powders measure much better than extruded (IMR-4064). But you use what you can find.
I suggest you visit the powder makers sites to get the names of their ball powders. Read the powder description to find this info. Links (top of the page) will get you there. This is also found in the front of quality reloading manuals under powder. |
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