Load testing decison

[Gulfcoastshooter]

Hi all,

I did some testing a couple weeks ago and I have been going back on forth of what load to go with.

I have been developing a load for 2 different ar's with the main goal of self defense secondary accuracy out to 400-600 yards.

With that said here is some of the data.

Nosler 60 gr bullets (max load with Benchmark per nosler 23.5)
Benchmark powder (I'm set on the powder since I have a few pounds and supplies are scarce)
FC 223 brass
Distance 50 yards

First load (10 shots)
22.8 gr
Ave velocity - 2905
Group size - .5"
Group location - bullseye

Second load (10 shots)
23.0 gr
Ave Vel - 2901
Group size - .67"
Group location - slightly right

Third load (10 shots)
23.3 gr
Ave vel - 2943
Group size - .54"
Group location - bullseye

So naturally the second load is out, not sure how the velocity is less but the accuracy is worse so I crossed that one off the list. But between load 1 & 3 is the extra 40 fps and 30 ft/lb energy make sense to run a slightly hotter load? I didnt feel any difference in my guns functionality with either load. I ran lighter loads and the 22.8 was the best from 22.5 up to 23. I decided to try 23 again and had similar results from the first round.

 

[troy fairweather]

I'd go the lighter load, how hot was it out side. Fc I've had seemed soft so may not last as long.

 

[Gulfcoastshooter]

It was a in the 90's and I was the shade the whole time. And yeah I know federal isnt the best brass but I have a good amount of cases.

 

[lordpaxman]

Those two goals are at opposite ends of the spectrum. If it was SD first, pick any of your loads, they’ll all work fine. Even the second one that you ruled out.
For PR, what works well in one AR may not work well in the other. You will also want to do your testing at a longer distance, at least 100, preferably 300, and pick a methodology for this, like a ladder or OCW. Good luck!

 

[Gulfcoastshooter]

Thanks for the input pacman. My ar's are polar opposites as well. One build for pr one built for sd. I know it would difficult if not impossible to hit both parameters from both ar's and I'm still new to reloading.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Thanks for the input pacman. My ar's are polar opposites as well. One build for pr one built for sd. I know it would difficult if not impossible to hit both parameters from both ar's and I'm still new to reloading.

If your looking for an accurate load. You need to at least shoot at 100 yards.
If you're looking for velocity and blasting. 50 is fine.

 

[sparkyv]

Howdy, from Texas.

...or 300yds or further for a fair comparison with your stated objective.

If your looking for an accurate load. You need to at least shoot at 100 yards.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I also would try them at 100yrds, you might get lucky and find 1 load that will work for both guns, I use 25yrds as a starting point then 50yrds, then 100, I like to site in at 200yrds, then I make notes at how high at 100 and how low at 300. I have found in 30-06 there is usually a lower load that is accurate at 100yrds but opens up at 200, the higher load stayed together better