Load needed for 62 gr. IMI bullet in AR

[Sam Adams]

If you look at the Widener's catalog (paper or online), they offer the following bullet in .224:

IMI 22 CAL 62 GR FMJSCBT/CTW/CBT

These are supposed to be "match quality" though they aren't advertised as actual "match" bullets as is the case with the SMK's.

I had acquired 250 of these many years ago when I had a Mini-14. I never did get to load them (I received them just before a move, and then marriage, a couple of more moves, a baby...), and I've since ditched the Mini for a Bushie AR with a 20 inch heavy barrel (1 in 9" twist).

Has anyone loaded this bullet for the AR? if so, what load is the most accurate for you?.

 

[Sam Adams]

OK, its been a week since I posted and still no bites. Let me rephrase the question in an effort to get some kind of response:

Has anyone loaded 62 grain bullets for an AR-15? If so, what bullets did you use, and what was the most accurate load you used?

Thanks much for any responses.

 

[Nero Steptoe]

I use IMI bullets, almost exclusively, for reloading for my Bushy Shorty. While I've been using 55gr. IMI's, I have loaded 62 and 69gr. bullets of other manufacturers. (Sierra makes good 'uns)

I generally load in bulk for my Bushy and have been using AA2200 powder for some time now. Got a good deal on it and bought 32#. H335 and AA2230 are also excellent powders for .223 reloading.

I'd suggest that you pick a powder, then use published load data for working up a load for your Bushy. (Not trying to dodge your question re loads, but there ARE variables such as preferred o.a.l., etc., to be considered.)

I believe you'll find the IMI's to be plenty accurate, if you get the right load, o.a.l., etc., working for you. (I generally set o.a.l. to 2.260", which is about as long as I can go and use mags for loading.)

 

[Sam Adams]

Nero

I also have a boatload of IMI 55 grain bullets. What is your most accurate load with them? I know, I know, every gun is different, and there are a host of variables that go into the "most accurate load," but I'd like to see what results you have gotten and to have a good place from which to start developing my own load. Same for the 62's and 69's, if you don't mind. Thanks much.

 

[SodaPop]

That's exactly the bullet I'm loading now!!

The military duplicate load is 26.1gr of WCC. I picked up 8lbs for all my 223 reloading.

I get 2 MOA with my Mini 14, but haven't shot the 62gr for accuracy out of my AR. I had 2000rds loaded up that didn't feed in my AR and had to shoot them up in my Mini 14 and then start over. Cases need to be sized more.

If my Mini 14 is any judge of accuracy, the 2 MOA holds up at 500yds with the 62gr SCBT.

I pretty much stopped reloading the 55gr stuff. Its probable good for SD, but it kinda dissipates past 400yds.


26.1gr of WCC with the IMI 62gr SCBT
24.5gr of AA2230 with a Sierra 69gr HPBT are all I shoot out of my Mini 14 and AR.

All of the M193 and M855 loads I produced were as good or better than Winchester loads. If you use WCC for your 62gr you'll have better penetration and accuracy than any of the military surplus SS109 that is out there.

 

[Grump]

Soda: Which WCC? 844 or 846?

I've tried only the Speer 62/63 gr FMJBTC, which were labeled as made by IMI in Israel. Colt HBAR w/ 1:7 twist and I couldn't get better than 3 MOA out of them with a few variations of WW 748.

Of course, that rifle and I rarely did better than 2 MOA with Sierra 69 gr MKs. The M1 consistently did 1.6 MOA at 200+ yards while the M1A did .9 MOA all the time, both with Sierras and Hornady 168s.

 

[dan newberry]

Use W748...

Work up to 26.0 grains of W748...

Start at about 24.5 grains, and shoot a pressure test shot every .3 grains until you get to 26.0 grains.

Then shoot a 5 to 7 shot group with the 26.0 grain charge of 748.

Seat the bullet a caliber's depth into the case.

Please post your results... I'm quite certain you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Dan

 

[SodaPop]

Grump,

I got 8lbs of WCC 844 from Wideners and thats all I really use these days.

26.1gr of WCC 844 with the IMI 62gr SCBT threw a 1-9 Mini 14.

 

[Sam Adams]

Thanks, everyone, for your input. Since I only have 250 of these 62 grainers and a bunch of 748, so I'll probably go with Dan Newberry's loading advice. When I get more I'll try the others.

 

[poker2112]

i tried 27gr of wc844 w/62gr scbt .....worked really good

 

[RustyFN]

I have used W748 and H335 with a different 62 grain bullet and been happy with both powders.
Rusty