Realistic 55 gr FMJ BT accuracy in plain AR

[otisrush]

I have a S&W M&P Sport I (i.e. cheap AR; 1:9 twist I believe). I load the Hornady 55gr FMJ bullets for plinking. I haven't checked accuracy recently, but as I recall I get 1-1.5 MOA performance from them. (Full disclosure: This is a scoped gun, with a Geissele trigger, bags front and rear, and 5 shot groups. I'm using H335 and CCI SR Mag primers. Mixed - primarily rage-scrounged brass, only trimming brass when it's over max case length.)

I'm finding the 10-20 shot group comments interesting. I'll have to give that a try to see whether that performance holds up as the number of shots go up.

I'm confident if I was using open sights that group would open up. But with that variable added in (it's taken out when using the scope) then you're not *really* checking the accuracy of the load, you're checking the accuracy of the load plus shooting ability using iron sights. So with additional load development and testing are any improvements coming from a better load? Or are they a result of you getting better as a shooter? It will be hard to say if certain test components aren't isolated.

When using Hornady match bullets (in the 50gr-ish weights - I think they might sell a 53gr match bullet? I don't recall offhand.) i've gotten 1/2 MOA 5-shot groups - using same powder, primers, and brass prep as described above.

 

[CoalTrain49]

I use H335 exclusively for 55gr bullets in .223 Remington. With the right bullet (not FMJ) I can get sub MOA with my cheap Ruger AR556.

-Jeff

You have a .223 Ruger AR556 or just shooting .223 loads in it and getting sub MOA?

 

[Bartojc]

I have a Ruger AR556 in .223 Rem/5.56 NATO. I have gotten MOA or better out of it shooting 55gr bullets I have handloaded to .223 .

-Jeff

 

[Bfh_auto]

I've been working up a load for my Bushmaster 20" standard target rifle, with Hornady 55 gr FMJBT bullets, AA2230 powder 24.5 gr, COAL 2.215", trimmed to 1.750, and CCI #41 primers. I've tried different brass, including once fired Win NT 556, LC '12, PPU, and some old WCC. I have a 4X ACOG and a Wilson combat trigger on it, and was shooting off the big Bullsbag rest and a small bag for the rear.

Yesterday, I shot a three 20 round groups (I was trying different bushings from 246 to 248 in the Redding FL bushing die, made no difference!), and measured 2.8 inches with my calipers. The winds were blowing about 10 mph or so. They averaged around 3050-3090, SD 18-22. I've read many different threads about factory M193 vs handloads, and expectations of what a standard barrel can achieve, and I wanted opinions of my results and suggestions on what else I can do with these bullets.

Unlike the "MOA all day" claims, I was pretty pleased with less than 3 inch, 20 shot groups. I know I need to keep practicing to improve "the nut behind the bolt." From my results so far, does this seem about right for Hornady bulk bullets through my setup, or should I continue playing with variables such as seating depth, charges, or other brass prep? I plan on graduating to a nice bolt gun with big glass on it someday, but for now I want to optimize shooting my AR.

Thanks!

I just got mine, but my group size is limited by my trigger control. With hand loads I get just under an inch to one and a half inches. With factory fmj I struggle to hold 3".

 

[Shrinkmd]

My rifle is 1/9 twist, and those groups are off Bullsbag as the front rest, a random bag for the rear. I'm really wondering if a much larger scope would knock another 1/2" off. I have many holes touching, but it wouldn't be realistic to cherry pick them out!

 

[Rule3]

Try again. How far are you shooting?

 

[CoalTrain49]

I have a Ruger AR556 in .223 Rem/5.56 NATO. I have gotten MOA or better out of it shooting 55gr bullets I have handloaded to .223 .

-Jeff

Every barrel is different. You just happened to get a very good one.