Sierra's "Accuracy" loads for AR15: 69 grain MK

[RussellC]

I have tried this recipe a few times, with less than spectacular results. It calls for 25.3 grains Varget, C.O.A.L of 2.60.

Listed performance is 2750 fps and 1158 Ft. Lbs. Firearm used for their testing is Colt AR 15-15A2 HBAR, 20" barrel with 1/7 twist. Trim length of 1.75, and Rem 7 1/2 primer.

My rifle uses a 18" Ballistic Advantage SPR barrel, allegedly "guaranteed" for 1/2 MOA, 1/7 twist.

I used LC brass, trimmed to 1.75. I used the stated load of Varget, seated the 69 grain SMK to the stated 2.260". Primer was CCI nato #41.

They were hard pressed to do1.5 MOA (100yards) which included 3 separate range trips with excellent weather conditions.

At the same time, I loaded Sierra 52 and 53 grain MK, with 26.7 and 27 grains Varget at 2.250 (as recommended by Sierra in the same article) with MUCH better results.

For what its worth, Sierra's reccomended "accuracy" load for these 2 bullets was Viht. N133, 23.5 grains, yielding 2900 fps and 989 ft lbs.

They listed my Varget loads at 2900-3000 fps, 989-1059 ft lbs.

Any ideas as to why my 69 grain loads are not working well in my gun? I thought I might load a few a little hotter, they list a 25.7 grain load, and a max load @26.1 grains. Going the other way, there are cooler loads, 23.3 minimum, 24.1, and 24.9 as well.

Thoughts?

Russellc

 

[pert near]

Is there a reason you seem set on the Sierra 69? You're obviously a knowledgeable handloader & already know how "finicky" a gun can get to certain loads. I'm sure with enough experimentation you might get the 69 to shoot. Just wondering...

 

[fotheringill]

I would suggest the Berger seating depth test. Instructions are available at the Berger site.

I have a Savage .223 F/TR w. 1:7 twist and 30" barrel. I can't even shoot 55 grain bullets. I would suggest you do the seating test and then try 100 Berger non-VLD 73 grain rounds. Each rifle is different but 22.7 Varget works best for me. 80 grain rounds are a whole other story.

 

[Nature Boy]

My bolt action savage loves Sierra's recommend accuracy load for 69g SMKs in ARs

25.3g Varget, mixed brass, loaded to recommend book length, and run in progressive mode on my Dillion 650 nets consistent 1/2 MOA or better 5 shot groups. The 30" barrel gets me a bit more velocity at 3,150fps but the 1:9 twist has hindered me from finding a good load for bullets heavier than 69g



The best group I ever shot with any rifle was this same load. Almost got 5 through the same hole

 

[Laphroaig]

Many service rifle shooters in these parts use 24.5 grains Varget with 69 SMK's. The load was passed on to me from a couple of High Master shooters who I knew and trusted so I just started loading that way when I saw the light and switched over to Varget. I'd drop down to that load and give it a try.

 

[wanderinwalker]

Many service rifle shooters in these parts use 24.5 grains Varget with 69 SMK's. The load was passed on to me from a couple of High Master shooters who I knew and trusted so I just started loading that way when I saw the light and switched over to Varget. I'd drop down to that load and give it a try.

This. Except I'd suggest 25.0gr of Varget with a 69gr Sierra MK (or Nosler Competition, they have the same profile and fly the same in my experience).

OP, the one other item I might recommend is changing your primer. I never had luck using CCI-450s with Varget, and I'm under the impression that the #41 has the same strength. I'd switch to either the Remington 7 1/2 or the CCI-BR4.

(Actually, I never had any luck with 450s and extruded powder, but the 450 and the #41 are my go to primers for ball powders in .223.)

 

[RussellC]

My bolt action savage loves Sierra's recommend accuracy load for 69g SMKs in ARs

25.3g Varget, mixed brass, loaded to recommend book length, and run in progressive mode on my Dillion 650 nets consistent 1/2 MOA or better 5 shot groups. The 30" barrel gets me a bit more velocity at 3,150fps but the 1:9 twist has hindered me from finding a good load for bullets heavier than 69g

View attachment 758723

The best group I ever shot with any rifle was this same load. Almost got 5 through the same hole
View attachment 758724

Just wondering, I have heard lots of folks getting excellent results. Mine have not performed for some reason. I guess I should load a couple batches both lower and higher and give them a whirl.

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

This. Except I'd suggest 25.0gr of Varget with a 69gr Sierra MK (or Nosler Competition, they have the same profile and fly the same in my experience).

OP, the one other item I might recommend is changing your primer. I never had luck using CCI-450s with Varget, and I'm under the impression that the #41 has the same strength. I'd switch to either the Remington 7 1/2 or the CCI-BR4.

(Actually, I never had any luck with 450s and extruded powder, but the 450 and the #41 are my go to primers for ball powders in .223.)

Yes, I wondered about the primer. I will press out a few with less powder and different primers.

Thanks,

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

Many service rifle shooters in these parts use 24.5 grains Varget with 69 SMK's. The load was passed on to me from a couple of High Master shooters who I knew and trusted so I just started loading that way when I saw the light and switched over to Varget. I'd drop down to that load and give it a try.

Will do!

Russellc

 

[Blue68f100]

There is no short cuts in finding out what works in your gun, as your finding out. Ever gun is unique in itself. Do a full workup and see if you can find the nodes. My gun likes it near max using book OAL. Case prep plays into this too, so do not used mixed brass. The #41 have worked for me with LC brass but Lapula brass shot better with the Rem 7 1/2.

 

[Nature Boy]

Just wondering, I have heard lots of folks getting excellent results. Mine have not performed for some reason. I guess I should load a couple batches both lower and higher and give them a whirl.

Russellc

I would say don't give up on the combo of 69g SMKs and Varget until you've convinced yourself that it just won't deliver the results you're after. As is often stated, every rifle is different. I know a guy who has the exact same savage that I'm shooting and he gave me his accuracy load using the same bullet with Benchmark. I couldn't get that to shoot worth a squat

 

[RussellC]

I would say don't give up on the combo of 69g SMKs and Varget until you've convinced yourself that it just won't deliver the results you're after. As is often stated, every rifle is different. I know a guy who has the exact same savage that I'm shooting and he gave me his accuracy load using the same bullet with Benchmark. I couldn't get that to shoot worth a squat

Yes, these episodes are trying to be sure. Varget has been in the most accurate .223 rounds I have loaded. I have loaded a lot with H335, which I was told was the stuff for 55 grain FMJ, after 10 lbs I found it was a good powder, but never found highest accuracy. That said, it was loaded with Hornady 55 grain FMJ bullets, which are not exactly match grade. Similar but better results with H322. Better yet with 748 and BL C2. But 1 MOA and better didnt come along for me until Varget.

Granted, most of that powder was used with various 55 grain bullets, Nightmare, Hornady, Dogtown, unlabeled gun show bullets, etc. I did use Some H335 with the 53 grain Sierra MK bullets, but no results like Varget.

Russellc

 

[rskent]

Many service rifle shooters in these parts use 24.5 grains Varget with 69 SMK's.

I used that load for a long time until I switched to Tac.

 

[Reloadron]

My Sierra 50 Anniversary Edition used a Colt AR-15A2 with a 1:7 twist. The suggested accuracy load for a 69 grain Match King was Wincheater 748 Powder, 25.5 grains with a C.O.L. of 2.260". That load never worked real well for me using a Colt Target Sporter 1:7 twist my best results came using VihtaVuori N135 and IMR 4895 @ about 2600 FPS (69 grain Match King). I think we need to consider an accuracy load suggestion is just what worked for them in their test rifle on a given day. I will say in my AR rifles as well as my bolt gun my .223 Remington loads always seem to work better using stick rather than ball, spherical or flake powders, your mileage may vary.

Ron

 

[rg1]

24.5-24.8 grains of Varget is standard with 69 gr. Sierra's. I would try shortening your overall length to 2.250" maximum. Actually feeds better in some rifles with some magazines. and may keep bullets from getting scratched up from magazines and feed ramps?? I would recommend RP 7 1/2 primers or CCI BR4.

 

[Blue68f100]

My 18", 1:8 Wydle chamber barrel AR-15 like them run hard. 25.8gr Varget, LC-15 or Lapua Brass, Rem 7 1/2 primer, with the 69gr SMK at 2.250" OAL. Groups size is < 1 MOA, 30 shots when it was new. 5 shot groups in the 0.5-0.75". Now this gun hates anything lighter than 60gr. I have since shot this cheap Anderson barrel out. The best it's doing right now is 2.5". Working on a new barrel I hope to test later this week, weather permitting.

As your seeing loads all depend on the barrel, very few like the same loads. One of the reasons we hand load.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a Colt Match Target and the velocity in the Sierra data that I have used pretty much matches what I get with my rifle.

I loaded the 69 grain SMK with Varget for Service Rifle competition.

When I got a real service rifle match rifle (20" barrel Compass Lake), my Colt loads ran almost 200 fps faster in the Compass Lake and accuracy was stinko.

I reduced the load a little and the accuracy came in. Similar experience as Laphroaig noted.

The Colt has a 5.56 NATO chamber which is a bit looser than the Frank White chamber in my Compass Lake. I attribute this as the main reason for the difference in velocity.

 

[Kaldor]

I suggest trying a couple things.

SMKs are decent bullets, I have similar experience with them as alot of guys do.

The first thing I would try is a different powder because unless your case prep is really flawed it sounds like you have everything else on lockdown. Ever rifle is different and what works great in mine, may not in yours. I suggest buying a pound of IMR 8208 XBR and doing a work up. Its great versatile stuff to have on hand. Ive found better accuracy with 8208 than Ive seen with any other powder for 223 with bullets from 68-77gr.

Your gun may simply not like the SMKs. A 7 twist should should heavier bullets well. For me, my gun actually shoots the Hornady 68gr BTHPs better, and you may find similar results.

Anyway you slice it, make changes one at a time so you can isolate what the problem is.

 

[RussellC]

Im thinking the CCI nato primers, which are said to be like magnum are throwing it off. I have made 25 with reduced load as suggested, 24.5 grs. Varget.

Now trying a Federal 210 SRP in these loads.

Russellc

 

[rskent]

Russellc

I noticed that you mentioned crimping 223’s in another thread. (I thought it was you)

You aren’t crimping these rounds, are you?

 

[RussellC]

Nope. Good thought, and I have on basic 55 grain FMJ plinkers, but not these Match type bullets, and have had no problems with setback, even the 2.260 length ones.

Now if these torrential rains will let up I can try my new loads out, 24.5 varget with Fed'l 210 SRP instead of the NATO CCI primers.

Thanks,
Russellc