ar comp powder
- Thread starter ppw2436
- Start date
- Status
FLIGHT762
Member
Alliant's website doesn't show a 55 FMJ loading in AR Comp and the 223 Remington. It does show a Sierra 55 grain HPBT and shows a MAXIMUM load of 25.6 grains of AR Comp.
You decided to load your first loads with 25.3 grains, which is .3 grains under their listed maximum.
Prudent Reloaders will start about 10% under the maximum load and slowly work up, looking for signs of high pressure.
While you likely won't damage your firearm or yourself with the 25.3 grain load, loading .3 grains under a listed maximum load for a first trial loading with a new powder is not using good judgement, especially for a new reloader.
I do use AR Comp for 223 Remington and 308 Winchester. It is one of my go to powders for those calibers.
You decided to load your first loads with 25.3 grains, which is .3 grains under their listed maximum.
Prudent Reloaders will start about 10% under the maximum load and slowly work up, looking for signs of high pressure.
While you likely won't damage your firearm or yourself with the 25.3 grain load, loading .3 grains under a listed maximum load for a first trial loading with a new powder is not using good judgement, especially for a new reloader.
I do use AR Comp for 223 Remington and 308 Winchester. It is one of my go to powders for those calibers.
Hardtarget
Member
I've not tried the AR Comp powder yet. i got my AR almost a year ago and I'm still playing with the variables. That is the fun.
I encourage you to rethink your loads and start a bit lower...as suggested.
The testing and the "work up" is the fun part. I've been working with VihtaVuori N-530, Tac, and H-335. Also mixed in four bullet weights. I soon realized I was trying too much and things were way too confusing. I've dialed things back and I'm having much more fun now.
All we're saying is take it a bit slower. Don't hurt your gun. Mostly, don't hurt yourself! We want to see you on The High Road for a long time!
Mark
I encourage you to rethink your loads and start a bit lower...as suggested.
The testing and the "work up" is the fun part. I've been working with VihtaVuori N-530, Tac, and H-335. Also mixed in four bullet weights. I soon realized I was trying too much and things were way too confusing. I've dialed things back and I'm having much more fun now.
All we're saying is take it a bit slower. Don't hurt your gun. Mostly, don't hurt yourself! We want to see you on The High Road for a long time!
Mark
Dr.Zubrato
Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2009
- Messages
- 400
Exactly whats been mentioned before, except get yourself a reloading manual, and check 2-3 sources that AREN'T online (unless its from the manufacturer)
When you see a manufacturer's data, they usually only give a MAX load, so people know where to stop. take 10% off and start there.
check and double check your powder measure for consistency, and accuracy.
my LEE 2nd ed doesnt havent AR comp info and I havent used it, sorry
have fun and be safe buddy
When you see a manufacturer's data, they usually only give a MAX load, so people know where to stop. take 10% off and start there.
check and double check your powder measure for consistency, and accuracy.
my LEE 2nd ed doesnt havent AR comp info and I havent used it, sorry
have fun and be safe buddy
Dudedog
Contributing Member
I think that was a good decision. Pulling bullets is a pain, but better to be safe than sorry. Some powder manafactures sites (Alliant for example) show MAX loads so you need to reduce by 10% to start as others have said. Some (Hodgdon/IMR/Winchester) show starting and MAX loads. Nothing wrong with doing it either way just something to be aware of.
If you have to drive someplace like I do to shoot I would suggest loading some up at MAX-10%, then some stepping up about .3gr (in .223 at least) at a time to almost MAX or MAX. So say 23, 23.3, 23.6, 23.9, 24.2...25.5
Say maybe 10 rnds for each one.
Shoot the ones with the start charge first and then the others checking for signs of excess pressure along the way.
Usually most loads in 223 will show a preference that you can notice with .3 gr steps. Once you know the ones that shoot best you can if you want dial in between the .3 steps, but usually .2 or .3 works for me.
One thing I have found helpful is to buy the pack of big sharpie markers with about 6 or 7 different colors.
I then mark the base of the case with a color say blue, mark piece of paper to go with the ammo with a blue mark and what the load is.
For example (9mm)
Blue mark =3.7 gr Universal MBC 125 gr cone bullet
Red mark = 4 Universal MBC 125 gr cone bullet
Green =3.7 HP38 MBC 125 cone bullet etc.
.....
This is also a handy way to ID your brass.
It helps me if I see the mark way for example I know that is my case and I have already removed the primer crimp. (great for .223/5.56 brass)
I also do this on sticky labels I apply to the outside of the box the ammo is in.
That way I have 2 ways to ID those loads.
I had a whole bunch of labels that peeled off plastic boxes cleanly........
Now if I had just made a label syaing what brand of labels they were.....:banghead:
If you have to drive someplace like I do to shoot I would suggest loading some up at MAX-10%, then some stepping up about .3gr (in .223 at least) at a time to almost MAX or MAX. So say 23, 23.3, 23.6, 23.9, 24.2...25.5
Say maybe 10 rnds for each one.
Shoot the ones with the start charge first and then the others checking for signs of excess pressure along the way.
Usually most loads in 223 will show a preference that you can notice with .3 gr steps. Once you know the ones that shoot best you can if you want dial in between the .3 steps, but usually .2 or .3 works for me.
One thing I have found helpful is to buy the pack of big sharpie markers with about 6 or 7 different colors.
I then mark the base of the case with a color say blue, mark piece of paper to go with the ammo with a blue mark and what the load is.
For example (9mm)
Blue mark =3.7 gr Universal MBC 125 gr cone bullet
Red mark = 4 Universal MBC 125 gr cone bullet
Green =3.7 HP38 MBC 125 cone bullet etc.
.....
This is also a handy way to ID your brass.
It helps me if I see the mark way for example I know that is my case and I have already removed the primer crimp. (great for .223/5.56 brass)
I also do this on sticky labels I apply to the outside of the box the ammo is in.
That way I have 2 ways to ID those loads.
I had a whole bunch of labels that peeled off plastic boxes cleanly........
Now if I had just made a label syaing what brand of labels they were.....:banghead:
Last edited:
nelson1each
Member
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2014
- Messages
- 8
I load 5.56 with 55gr hornady with 22 gr of ar comp...def could load higher but cycles good and I load light to keep it quieter when shooting suppressed. Not loading these for geat accuracy as I use them in tactical rifle matches.
- Status
