Bullet Choice for AR

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At three hundred yards and a nine twist I’d still be staying with a flat based bullet, a 60grain V-Max, or a Berger 53 grain hollow point match with its very short bevel would be nice.
I’ve had great accuracy with bevel based 50 V-Max. They are a little easier to start into the case.

Past that, I think a more aerodynamic boat tail bullet wins out. Of course, the most accurate bullet trumps all!:)
 
I was blown away with my one box of 68 grain Hornaday. My son shot a 4 shot group almost touching and a flier with tac. He is 13 and not an experienced long range shooter. I may get another box to test further. This was his first time at 300 we normally play at 100.
 
Many people claim that a 1/9 twist will stabilize a heavy bullet but I've never seen one that can. I recommend a boat tail hollow point starting with a minimum weight of 60 grains and work your way up. Shooting groups at 300 is a tall order with such light bullets. Articles I have read indicate that boat tails are very accurate.
 
69gr is border line to stabilize out of a 1:9 twist barrel. I have several 1:9 twist barrels and they shoot lighter bullets better. My next favorite bullet is the 52gr SMK using TAC. These shoot dime size groups at 100 yrds if I do my part. I never had any luck with the H335. It was the first powder I tried for the 223R. My preference is TAC for the light pills and Varget for 65+ gr pills.
 
As some suggested, I would start with a 62grn bullet, not a 69grn (SMK or other.) H335 would work well enough, but minus the Magnum primer some load data suggests... as long as you are shooting in reasonable temperatures. I don't have experience with the other powders. Blue beat me to it... if you can get your hands on it, I would try TAC as well... I've gotten VERY good results with it in 5.56mm, .308, and .30-06 (Garand) test loads.
 
I would not use Benckmark on anything over 55 grain bullets, but are great for just that, but the more heavy bullets work better out to 300 yards. That powder, for me, works great for the lighter bullets, and is my go to powder, when loading Hornady 55gr SP. It helps that I have 12 lbs of it left, also. LOL I, also, have not had the best of success, with H335, but have not spent alot of time on it either.
 
How hard does the wind blow where you live?
If normal is 0-5mph. If run a 52 grain Berger.
If normal is 10+ with random gusts. If run a 69SMK.
Benchmark and 8208 are great powders. 8208 has a slight edge in my book.
Good point. Very windy most days where I like to shoot. I try to wait for a calm day, but that's not always convenient.
 
H335 is one of those powders... either it works really well, or it really doesn't.
I feel that it's harder to find a load that doesn't shoot well with H335 than one that does. My experience, however is limited to 50 and 52 grain Speer bullets. Right now my most accurate load out to 150 yards is H335 and a 50 grain Speer TNT. On a day with no wind I once shot a 1.1" 8 shot group at 150 yards. I wouldn't bet that I could repeat that!! :)
 
As some suggested, I would start with a 62grn bullet, not a 69grn (SMK or other.) H335 would work well enough, but minus the Magnum primer some load data suggests... as long as you are shooting in reasonable temperatures. I don't have experience with the other powders. Blue beat me to it... if you can get your hands on it, I would try TAC as well... I've gotten VERY good results with it in 5.56mm, .308, and .30-06 (Garand) test loads.
Did you have poor results with H335 and Magnum primers?
The reason I ask is that I've always used Winchester WSR, but that stock is running low and all I've been able to find to replace them is CCI 450's.
I've not tried the 450's at all yet.
 
Hornady 68 hpbt. Best one Im aware of.
That depends on the gun. None of my 5.56s like that bullet.
I tried multiple powders and seating depths. Gave up and went to a 77 SMK and haven't looked back. Mine are 1-8 and 1-9 twist. I know others that can't stabilize a 77. So I try to keep an open mind.
 
Did you have poor results with H335 and Magnum primers?
The reason I ask is that I've always used Winchester WSR, but that stock is running low and all I've been able to find to replace them is CCI 450's.
I've not tried the 450's at all yet.

I did an informal test with H335 in my 20" H-bar once... the recommended Magnum primers (I use CCI...) and, all else equal, standard primers. The standard primers turned in not only higher velocity, but better SD numbers. I know Magnum primers are usually recommended with ball powders, but I think that is more for positive ignition in temperature extremes, and/or compressed charges. I did not test for accuracy... just velocity differences. It's obviously not concrete... but something to think about.

FWIW, I use H335 for my 5.56mm blasting ammos, it works well enough there, even paired with CCI #41 arsenal primers. When I load for accuracy, I pick a different powder, but that is just based on how finicky H335 can be, sometimes... I have never run H335 next to IMR4895 or TAC.

I also recommended a 62grn bullet. Hornady makes (or made...) a 62grn BTHP bullet for generic (bulk) sale... I got mine at Natchez, I believe. Excellent bullet that doesn't break the bank. It does well in all of my AR barrels.
 
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