velocette
Member
I've an interesting problem. I reloaded 100 rounds of .223 for my AR rifle.
It has a 20" Shilen barrel with rifle length gas system.
I used Sierra's recommended accuracy load for the 52 gr match bullets, 23.5 gr of VV N133 powder. (0.5 gr below max) What I get is short stroking. It will cock the hammer & eject the empty but not pick up a new round or lock back. OK, switch to my match load, 69 gr with Rel 15, it cycles perfectly. Also with 55 gr and H 322. Apparently the faster burning N133's pressure curve does not fit well with the rifle length gas system. (The N133 ammo also just barely cycles my RR .223 AR with rifle length gas system)
So I will reload the 52 gr bullet with slower powder to get proper functioning. I am somewhat displeased in that the N133 & 52 gr Sierra is really accurate but not quite worthy if it doesn't cycle.
Just interested to learn if other folks have had similar situations.
Roger
It has a 20" Shilen barrel with rifle length gas system.
I used Sierra's recommended accuracy load for the 52 gr match bullets, 23.5 gr of VV N133 powder. (0.5 gr below max) What I get is short stroking. It will cock the hammer & eject the empty but not pick up a new round or lock back. OK, switch to my match load, 69 gr with Rel 15, it cycles perfectly. Also with 55 gr and H 322. Apparently the faster burning N133's pressure curve does not fit well with the rifle length gas system. (The N133 ammo also just barely cycles my RR .223 AR with rifle length gas system)
So I will reload the 52 gr bullet with slower powder to get proper functioning. I am somewhat displeased in that the N133 & 52 gr Sierra is really accurate but not quite worthy if it doesn't cycle.
Just interested to learn if other folks have had similar situations.
Roger