whats youre favorite 5.56 load

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HOLY DIVER

HOLY DIVER

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i put a new scope on my Colt H-bar AR-15 yesterday went out this morning
(it was freezing cold lol) and put it on paper at 75 yards i had a group of 3 that were touching each outher,i was using reloads that i loaded back in 1991 lol 55gr standard 223. i know they were not loaded hot because at the time i loaded them i would never ever get close to the max on any load lol i want to get this AR shooting alittle further down range so i'll need to go with a 69 grain bullet, i'm guessing (my barrel is a 1/9)i'm thinking a seirra 69gr bt


what load do you guys recomend?
 
How far down range? A 55gr would be good on paper to 300 yards. The heavy bt bullets dont really give you much before then. The Berger 55gr match bullets are good for 300 yards or less. If you want to go out to 600 I would go for the 70 grain range which is about max for your barrel. I have seen some 1-9's shoot 75's ok but not all of them. The only problem with the heavies in an AR is having to load them one at a time.
 
Another 55 to try in a standard 1/9 barrel is Nosler Ballistic Tip. We use them for competitions up to 300 yards, but go to SMK 69g to 600 yards. When you say 'down range' how far will you shoot?
 
My favorite load is 24.5 gr of Varget pushing a 55 gr Vmax. Most of the shooting I do is at Utah coyotes. I have a 1 in 9 twist barrel on my Varninter.
 
max on my range is 350yds
i just shoot this rifle for fun
dad and i get out once in awhile
and kill paper
350yds
what do you guys think about a 62 grain bullet

also what powder are you guys having the best luck with out of an AR?
 
In my humble experience, there is a big difference in long range performance between 55 grain and 69 grain, but only a small difference between 55 and 62. Since 55 grain premium bullets cost less than premium 62, I'm generally not pleased with the slightly heavier bullets. My 1/9 rifles don't really get any extra performance for the extra money.

If you try 52, 53 or 55 grain bullets at 350 yards, it might be worthwhile to buy a pound of IMR3031 or Benchmark or N133. Like H335, these are on the faster side, and your rifle may be happy with them. Mine like 'em a lot.

If you go up to 69 grain, try Varget. Certainly try other powders, but most likely you will find H-Varget to be quite pleasing with heavier bullets. Do a search on "Varget and 223" (or 5.56) on this forum. I'll bet you find lots of information.
 
My favorite load is 24.5 grains of H335 under a Montana Gold 55 grain FMJBT. In an 18 inch barrel its doing 2900ish FPS with 2inch group at 200 yards.
 
Load #3
Bullet: 69gn. HPBTM Sierra
Powder: IMR 4895 23 gn.
Primer: W.S.R.
Case: Winchester
Crimp: no

Load # 5
Bullit 52 gn BTHPM #2249
Powder: IMR3031 24.8 gn.
Case W.W.S.R.
O.C.L. 2.237
Crimp: no

These are working well in my B.M. Varmiter, Load 3 is the better so far but I just started work with number 5 and it is showing good potental.
 
rollis r karvellis,i've hand loaded for years but i'm new to the AR/5.56 load because in the past i bought mil-spec cheaper than i could load it but now days thats not the case.load #3 i like,with that load will i have to shoot the rifle as a single shot or will they fit in my 5rd mags?
 
Load: 23.5 gr of IMR 4895 with a 69 gr Nosler match bullet
Rifle: Varmit A4 & 20" 1:8 barrel.
Load: 24.5 gr of IMR 4895 with a 62 gr Sierra BT
Rifle: Bushmaster 20" 1:9 Heavy Barrel.
 
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