AR-15 bullet selection (accuracy and hunting)

[primalmu]

Looking for a good bullet to build an accurate round for my 20" AR-15 with 1 in 7" twist barrel. I liked the looks of the 75gr Hornady A-Max bullet, but after some reading they are too long to fit into AR-15 mags.

What bullets (the heavier the better) are you all using for precision .223 loads?

 

[fishshocker]

For accuracy, 69 or 77 Sierra smk. Not good for hunting though. I would try Barnes all copper or 65 Sierra game kings for hunting. I noticed MSU in your sig. Is Daves Dark Horse Tavern still in business? I was there from 2000-2002.

 

[primalmu]

Yes, and they make the best pizza I've ever had! The Apollo (dunno if they had it back then), ground lamb and feta cheese, delicious...

 

[TwoEyedJack]

I have had good luck with a similar barrel with 52 gr. sierra BTHP match pills over a max load of H335.

 

[fishshocker]

I always had cajun/seafood calzones and lots of beer.
The 75 Hornady a max has its place at long distances but like you said it can't be loaded to mag length. It works but is a pain to single load, but for small groups on paper at long distances stance they work. I'm just starting to play with them.

 

[primalmu]

If I ever get a .223 bolt action I'll definitely be looking at the A-Max.

 

[MtnCreek]

I recently switched from 77smk to Horn 75bthp. They are giving good accuracy in my rifle.

For hunting, I typically use a 55gr Nosler BT for smaller stuff and a 70gr Speer sp for larger stuff. Both shoot great for non-match bullets.

 

[guntech59]

My suggestion is the 65gr SGK or the 60gr Nosler partition for game and one of the SMKs for target work. I use the 69grSMK, but my barrel is a 1-9" twist. You can use heavier (longer) bullets than I can.

 

[helotaxi]

I'd look at the Barnes bullets or Nosler Partitions. Barring that the Berger 70gn BTHP will load to mag length but I don't know if it would be my choice for a game bullet.

For an accurate load, I shoot 52-53gn match bullets from Barnes, Sierra or Nosler, 69gn bullets from the same 3 and 75gn BTHP from Hornady. All will load to mag length. I wouldn't hunt anything more substantial than coyotes with any of them and for the low angle shot across open country that coyote hunting often involves, I prefer a more frangible bullet.

 

[kelbro]

Hornady 75gr BTHP flies very well and kills well even at distance.