Shrinkmd
Member
I've been working up a load for my Bushmaster 20" standard target rifle, with Hornady 55 gr FMJBT bullets, AA2230 powder 24.5 gr, COAL 2.215", trimmed to 1.750, and CCI #41 primers. I've tried different brass, including once fired Win NT 556, LC '12, PPU, and some old WCC. I have a 4X ACOG and a Wilson combat trigger on it, and was shooting off the big Bullsbag rest and a small bag for the rear.
Yesterday, I shot a three 20 round groups (I was trying different bushings from 246 to 248 in the Redding FL bushing die, made no difference!), and measured 2.8 inches with my calipers. The winds were blowing about 10 mph or so. They averaged around 3050-3090, SD 18-22. I've read many different threads about factory M193 vs handloads, and expectations of what a standard barrel can achieve, and I wanted opinions of my results and suggestions on what else I can do with these bullets.
Unlike the "MOA all day" claims, I was pretty pleased with less than 3 inch, 20 shot groups. I know I need to keep practicing to improve "the nut behind the bolt." From my results so far, does this seem about right for Hornady bulk bullets through my setup, or should I continue playing with variables such as seating depth, charges, or other brass prep? I plan on graduating to a nice bolt gun with big glass on it someday, but for now I want to optimize shooting my AR.
Thanks!
Yesterday, I shot a three 20 round groups (I was trying different bushings from 246 to 248 in the Redding FL bushing die, made no difference!), and measured 2.8 inches with my calipers. The winds were blowing about 10 mph or so. They averaged around 3050-3090, SD 18-22. I've read many different threads about factory M193 vs handloads, and expectations of what a standard barrel can achieve, and I wanted opinions of my results and suggestions on what else I can do with these bullets.
Unlike the "MOA all day" claims, I was pretty pleased with less than 3 inch, 20 shot groups. I know I need to keep practicing to improve "the nut behind the bolt." From my results so far, does this seem about right for Hornady bulk bullets through my setup, or should I continue playing with variables such as seating depth, charges, or other brass prep? I plan on graduating to a nice bolt gun with big glass on it someday, but for now I want to optimize shooting my AR.
Thanks!