Effects of brass on accuracy

[JDGray]

Shooting my AR out at 300yrds yesterday, I really noticed a difference on groups. My accuracy load is 24gr H335, under a 60gr Sierra Varminter, LC brass, but I have the same load in some AD headstamp. My first group with the AD brass measured 8.25" It was 80 degrees, windy, and figured the wind played a part in the wide groups. Next batch was some factory LC ammo, they grouped at 6.5", still not what I was looking for, but better. My last group was my first load but in LC brass, I shot 5 rounds, went and toyed arround with my .22 at 50yrds for an hour, thinking it was too windy for any tight groups, and didn't even check my 300yrd target. To my pleasure, the last attempt at 300yrds was very good at 2.950" I'll have to get back out and shoot some more on a calmer day, but this load looks promissing. Don't know if the brass had anything to do with it or not, but I'm sticking with LC from now on.

This may be better suited for the reloading forum

 

[jpwilly]

Brass differences can effect:

Case Volume i.e. pressure and the crimp on the bullet due to varying thickness of neck. These two are probably in play here. Others will certainly come up with more factors.

 

[benzy2]

Lake City brass has changed volume over the years which could explain the difference from one group of LC brass to factory new. Same with the AD brass. You will need to work up the load for each type of brass you use.

 

[Walkalong]

It was 80 degrees, windy, and figured the wind played a part

A much greater part than the brass, trust me.

Yes, brass can make a difference, but if you are not experienced shooting in wind, you won't be able to tell. Even if you are, it will be tough to weed out small differences. Ever shot over wind flags?

I'll have to get back out and shoot some more on a calmer day

Yep. Tough to test loads in the wind, for anybody, and one group means very little. When you think you have a winner, shoot an Agg or two with it.

Sort your LC brass out by weight. Put them in batches.

Hey JD. That 9MM AR still shootin' well? Mine is. Tons of fun.....

 

[JDGray]

Hey JD. That 9MM AR still shootin' well? Mine is. Tons of fun.....

No issues at all That spacer you made me fixed the bolt lock breakage problem! Gonna start shooting the AR in some action shoots here in Michigan, they allow pistol caliber carbines and .22s, probably because rifle ammo is so expensive, and hard to get. But so is handgun ammo

Ever shot over wind flags?

Just got into long distance shooting, no flags for me. Unfortunately the range I shoot at is only 300yrds, but I have enough on my plate at that distance. I swear the wind hasn't stoped in two weeks, guess I gotta learn how to shoot in it