Loading for .223 - my OCD is kicking in

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TonyAngel

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Ok, I built this SPR type AR15. My intention was to build something super accurate. After a time of not getting the results that I wanted and not being willing to spend a buck a round for the really good ammo, I started to load my own.

I have a 16" 1:8 twist barrel. Since I started reloading, I've seen my groups shrink to sub MOA (when I do my part) with 77gr SMK over 24gr RE15 using Federal primers and LC brass. I load this ammo on my Dillon 550b doing two stages. I have a spare tool head with the sizing/decapping die and a second tool head that I use to do everything else. I'm using Lee dies and they've surprised me.

Now that I got a little taste of accuracy, my OCD has taken over. Before I wanted MOA, then sub MOA, now I want 1/2 MOA.

Any tips on making better ammo would be appreciated. What I'm mostly considering is a powder measure setup that might be more accurate. My Dillon does a pretty good job with the RE15, but sometimes it goes as much as 2/10 of a grain in either direction. It hasn't been a problem in terms of pressure, but I can't help but wonder if a couple tenths of a grain can make that much of a difference.

I've also been considering, or reconsidering the use of the Lee FCD. I've been using it to apply a very mild crimp. In fact, the mildest possible, according to the directions. I'm doing this because I made a dummy round and cycled it though my rifle. Every time I cycle it, the bullet moves out by a half a thousandth or so. Not much, I know, but movement none the less. I removed my expander and measured it and it came in at .222" which is what I believe it's supposed to be. Do I keep crimping or look for a way to get more neck tension?

Anyway, I'd appreciate any tips. I've already got some bolt gun guys looking at me in surprise with some of the groups I've shot at 100 yards with my little AR carbine. I want to see one hole and then start taking it out farther to see how well I can hold it together.

Thanks.
 
That's really good shooting. Congrats.

The things you can do at this point are measure every powder charge and drop them all by hand.

The other thing to do is to improve your cocentricity. There are a couple of ways to do this with your Dillon 550b.

I would recommend a quick look at John Whidden's setup for his Palma Rounds. That man knows a thing or two about building consistent rounds. He's a nice guy to talk to as well.

Link Here.
 
You will reach a point where a progressive press hinders you, and I have a Dillon 650. Like you, I began chasing 1/2" MOA with my .223 AR. I bought Redding dies, use a PACT scale, tinkered with various powders in <.5 grain increments, sorted brass by head stamp and then weight, pushed OAL out near the lands causing me to fire single shot off the top of the magazine.

Single stage press and attention to detail. Buying better equipment only got me so far.
 
Yeah, I'm thinking that a starting point is going to be to get a good single stage and relegate the progressive to general purpose ammo.
 
No progressive will be as good as meticulous loading techniques. Starting with weighing every powder charge. Still doesn't gurantee 1/2 MOA accuracy out of a semi-auto.
"...Buying better equipment only got me so far..." Faster. Not necessarily better.
 
Well, stuff like this below is the reason for starting this thread. I shot this today with 77gr SMKs loaded with 24gr Reloader 15 (loaded on a Dillon 550 using Lee dies) at 100 yards. The target dot is 1" in diameter on a 1/4" grid. The 20 round group measured 1.212". 15 of the 20 rounds went into .694". I shot this with an AR15 equipped with a BCM 16" SS410 1:8 barrel. I don't know if those five rounds that flew wide were me, the rifle or the ammo. I'd like to find out. My biggest problem right now is the powder measure. It's pretty consistent, but every so often throws a charge that is .2gr off.

DSC_0103.jpg
 
When you get to weighing each charge and trickling up to exact, weighing each component and grouping them including the projectile, and turning the necks of your brass you may see an improvement. Yes a good single stage press and micrometer adjustable dies are in your future if you think OCD.:D We all try to push the limits and gain accuracy but you have to eventually say "is this extra time going to gain any more accuracy"? How far will you want to go? I am still trying some 25 years later.:banghead:
 
And I'll likely still be trying 25 years from now. My wife teases the heck out of me when I get like this about something. The funny thing about when I get like this is that as soon as I attain my goal, I'll lose interest.

I just ordered a butt load of 77gr SMKs and Reloader 15, so I won't be spending any more money on equipment for now. I do believe that I'll get a trickler though. That and weighing my components MAY stop the fliers, if that is what they are. I could just be me jerking the trigger.

I was just thinking about it and my rifle could use one last component. I'm considering a Geiselle match trigger of some sort. They have a model that will allow me a 2lb first stage and a 1.5lb second stage. This may help. I'm running around a 4lb trigger right now.

Perhaps for now, I can do a lot by working on the consistency of the loads without any exotic equipment. I'm gonna spend some time weighing brass and projectiles tomorrow.

In all honesty, all I was working for when I built the rifle was a good MOA rig.

Anyway, this is it...
IMG_1077.jpg
 
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If it were me, the first thing I would do is remove the bipod from the free floating handguard! From there, when bench resting, I would place the barrel/handguard on the rest where it meets the receiver...that way you get the full benefit of free floating!
Try that before you do anything else...don't forget to let the barrel cool down after every 5 shots!!!!
Compensators/flash hiders are not conducive to accuracy either!!!!
 
You don't always get better accuracy with a single stage press.

John Whidden is a Palma Shooter. That's 1000 yards with iron sights. He loads on a progressive for his match ammo.

Talk to him. LINK HERE. He's not shy about sharing his knowledge.
 
My $.02: 24gr of RL-15 under a 77 SMK is one of 2 or 3 classic loads that are regularly used in HP. Personally doubt if .1 gr +/- of powder will make a difference. Besides all the tips above, any easy one to try is a different primer. Most HP shooters use Rem 7 1/2 or CCI BR with RL-15.
/Bryan
 
I only put the rifle on the bipod for the picture. I usually shoot from bags.

Yes, it is a half inch grid. I don't know what I was thinking.

I've been trying to settle on a primer. I started with CCI 400. I just picked up a batch of Federal and that's what I shot the above group with. I'm going to try to find some Remingtons now.
 
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