BigBoreBubba
Member
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2021
- Messages
- 184
So a few weeks ago I finally got around to working up some test loads for my AR-10. I bought a set of small base does to load with, and I also had a set of full length that I figured I’d work up a few loads with. I already had it set in my mind that the small base set was what I would settle on using, simply for feeding reliably. But I figured “what the heck” I might as well load a few with the FL sizer just to see if they would cycle.
I loaded Hornady 155gr HPBT’s over H335. With the SB dies, I loaded four sets of rounds (5 each) starting at 41.0 and ending at 43.0. With the FL sized brass, I loaded three sets of rounds (4 each because I ran out of cleaned and trimmed brass) starting at 41.7 and ending at 43.0. I also used the taper crimp die from the SB set on these, as I wanted all other variables the same.
Now before I get into my results, let me give you a little info on the rifle, and how it usually performs. I built the gun a year or so ago. It’s got a Ballistic Advantage 5R heavy barrel with a large muzzle brake, Atlas Bi-pod, an Elftman 3 pound trigger, Aero Precision upper and lower receivers, and it’s topped off with a Vortex Viper 6-24x50.
Up to this point in its life, it’s only had factory ammo ran through it. It normally shoots around MOA with good ammo such as Norma.
Now onto the results. I started out with the small base loadings. The results were, shall we say, less than stellar…. About a 2” group was the best I could muster. At first I thought that I might have been having one of my (all to common these days) bad days. But I was taking my time, getting good trigger breaks, timing my shots between breaths, and I felt certain that they were good shots. I had even fired 5 factory rounds to warm the barrel up before the test loads, and let the barrel cool enough to maintain a steady temperature between groups. Needless to say, I was not impressed.
Then I switched to the full length sized, taper crimped loads….. WOW! The worst group I had was about 1”, and the best…… just over 1/2”! That is the best this gun has ever shot! I simply couldn’t believe the difference. Not only that, but they all cycled perfectly.
Needless to say, I will not be using the small base sizer again.
I also have a set of small base dies for 223/5.56 that I haven’t used yet, and don’t know if I ever will.
What are your experiences with different styles of dies?
I loaded Hornady 155gr HPBT’s over H335. With the SB dies, I loaded four sets of rounds (5 each) starting at 41.0 and ending at 43.0. With the FL sized brass, I loaded three sets of rounds (4 each because I ran out of cleaned and trimmed brass) starting at 41.7 and ending at 43.0. I also used the taper crimp die from the SB set on these, as I wanted all other variables the same.
Now before I get into my results, let me give you a little info on the rifle, and how it usually performs. I built the gun a year or so ago. It’s got a Ballistic Advantage 5R heavy barrel with a large muzzle brake, Atlas Bi-pod, an Elftman 3 pound trigger, Aero Precision upper and lower receivers, and it’s topped off with a Vortex Viper 6-24x50.
Up to this point in its life, it’s only had factory ammo ran through it. It normally shoots around MOA with good ammo such as Norma.
Now onto the results. I started out with the small base loadings. The results were, shall we say, less than stellar…. About a 2” group was the best I could muster. At first I thought that I might have been having one of my (all to common these days) bad days. But I was taking my time, getting good trigger breaks, timing my shots between breaths, and I felt certain that they were good shots. I had even fired 5 factory rounds to warm the barrel up before the test loads, and let the barrel cool enough to maintain a steady temperature between groups. Needless to say, I was not impressed.
Then I switched to the full length sized, taper crimped loads….. WOW! The worst group I had was about 1”, and the best…… just over 1/2”! That is the best this gun has ever shot! I simply couldn’t believe the difference. Not only that, but they all cycled perfectly.
Needless to say, I will not be using the small base sizer again.
I also have a set of small base dies for 223/5.56 that I haven’t used yet, and don’t know if I ever will.
What are your experiences with different styles of dies?