ar15 powder and wolf burn rate?

[FullEffect1911]

Hello,

I went yesterday to my range to try out some reloads in my bushmaster ar15. They were .223 Rem 55gr spire points with medium charge of IMR 4198 (i don't have my data handy right now).

Long story short I ran into all sorts of short stokes on just about every round. From research on THR and other places I've determined that the IMR 4198 is to fast of a powder and the pressure is already dropping by the time the gas system is being pressurized.

Now with that said I was also have a problem with Wolf Military Classic ammo (again 55 grain). The wolf ammo wasn't nearly as problematic, but it did short stroke occasionally.

My question is does anybody happen to know the burn rate of wolf military classic ammo compared to available powders? I need a slower burning powder to cycle my ar15 and I want to make sure I choose a powder with a slower burn rate then the IMR 4198 and the wolf.

 

[FullEffect1911]

well in the interest of not letting this thread become useless, i reloaded 50 rounds with H335 in my bushmaster and they worked flawlessly.

AR-15's sure seem to like a slower burning powder to function properly (at least mine anyway).

 

[sargenv]

AFAIK, 4198 has always been a powder for either smaller cases or has been used for reduced loads in usually bolt guns. It's similar to SR 4759 and XM5144. Standard 223 rem ammo and the semi-autos that fire it tend to like Win 748, Hodgdon 335, WCC 844 (surplus), etc. I've had some limited luck with IMR 4895, but usually I can't get enough of it into the case without it spilling out unless I trickle it in. Ball powders seem to be the best bet for AR's and Mini's.

 

[strat81]

Is your rifle stock? Mods can affect reliability.

How does it do with GOOD ammo? Try to find some US-made ammo from a major manufacturer like Winchester, Remington, or Federal. I've heard reports of Wolf being a bit on the weak side in .223.

H335/WC844 are standard bearers for AR-15 ammo. Ramshot TAC has become popular too.

 

[FullEffect1911]

Ball powders seem to be the best bet for AR's and Mini's.

Ironically didn't stoner originally call for stick powders to be used? And unless i'm mistaken ball powders led to the problems in Vietnam (among other variables). Though i do completely agree with you that the ball powder seems better it just struck me a curious aside.

Is your rifle stock? Mods can affect reliability.

Bone stock my friend.

How does it do with GOOD ammo? Try to find some US-made ammo from a major manufacturer like Winchester, Remington, or Federal. I've heard reports of Wolf being a bit on the weak side in .223.

Wolf was the first ammo i tried, it had a short cycle every 40 rounds give or take. The IMR 4198 reloads were just down right terrible. The H335 reloads were perfection on reliability.

I haven't had the nerve to spend money on factory .223 rem, it's just to darn expensive. Though i do believe they would work just fine.

If i had to take a guess from my experience, wolf military classic 55 grain .223 rem cartridges use just slightly too fast a powder to be reliable in a (my) ar15.

 

[strat81]

While I use wolf and other russian stuff in some of my guns, I'd never base reliability on it. Would you complain that your Corvette is knocking and pinging after buying gas from Joe's Gas Joint? Probably bad gas from a questionable source. Same goes for Wolf... could be fine, could be crap.

As I mentioned, H335 is VERY popular for .223. Since it's working for you, stick with it. Maybe you have a buddy with a bolt gun that can use the Wolf.

 

[FullEffect1911]

While I use wolf and other russian stuff in some of my guns, I'd never base reliability on it. Would you complain that your Corvette is knocking and pinging after buying gas from Joe's Gas Joint? Probably bad gas from a questionable source. Same goes for Wolf... could be fine, could be crap.

I agree completely.

Maybe you have a buddy with a bolt gun that can use the Wolf.

The wolf has been gone for a while. These were the first rounds I bought for the AR15 (it only has about 600 rounds thru it). And my first reloads were 4198. Naturally at first I was concerned it was the rifle, until I did some more research on THR, which led me to the H335.

I wanted to get some opinions and post some information really.

Thanks for the posts guys, I do believe it added something more to the thread.