Anyone have any favorite loads for accuracy for the AR15. Mine has a 1 in 9 twist. Been using Hornady 60 grain V max and Nosler 77 grain HPBT. What kind of accuracy should I expect from this rifle?? What can be achieved with the right load?? Any other bullets I should try??
.223 loads for AR15
- Thread starter kthomk
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DaveInFloweryBranchGA
Member
kthonk,
Accuracy is relative to a lot of things, including trigger, barrel, loads, etc. No one here can give you any kind of an idea of what you can expect from your particular rifle.
That said, the typical AR15 with standard military rounds usually will do 3" or less easily at a hundred yards in the hands of a competent rifleman. Some will do better. Note the competent rifleman part.
For loads, I suggest you start at the bullet manufacturer's low recommended in and work yourself up a load. Suggested loads you get on the internet may very likely be above or below the ideal load for your rifle. The only sure and safe way to get a good load for your rifle is to work your way up from the low end of your reloading manual's low suggested end for the powder you have.
Doing this, along with doing solid case prep and having a good trigger job on your rifle will get a good bit of the accuracy out of your rifle. BTW, there's a good treatise on reloading for accuracy in the book Metallic Cartridge Reloading.
Regards,
Dave
Accuracy is relative to a lot of things, including trigger, barrel, loads, etc. No one here can give you any kind of an idea of what you can expect from your particular rifle.
That said, the typical AR15 with standard military rounds usually will do 3" or less easily at a hundred yards in the hands of a competent rifleman. Some will do better. Note the competent rifleman part.
For loads, I suggest you start at the bullet manufacturer's low recommended in and work yourself up a load. Suggested loads you get on the internet may very likely be above or below the ideal load for your rifle. The only sure and safe way to get a good load for your rifle is to work your way up from the low end of your reloading manual's low suggested end for the powder you have.
Doing this, along with doing solid case prep and having a good trigger job on your rifle will get a good bit of the accuracy out of your rifle. BTW, there's a good treatise on reloading for accuracy in the book Metallic Cartridge Reloading.
Regards,
Dave
In MY AR, with MY 1:8 barrel, Sierra 60gr Varminters atop 25.0gr H4895 are tack drivers out to 300 yards.
I can't clean a target at 200 yds offhand but my rifle can and that ammo can. I shoot high 90's in RF prone with that ammo on calm days. If there's wind, I'll shoot 69 gr Matchkings with the same 25.0gr H4895.
But that's in MY gun. YMMV.
I can't clean a target at 200 yds offhand but my rifle can and that ammo can. I shoot high 90's in RF prone with that ammo on calm days. If there's wind, I'll shoot 69 gr Matchkings with the same 25.0gr H4895.
But that's in MY gun. YMMV.
jaholder1971
Member
With a 1:9 twist I doubt the 77's will shoot well for you, especially with a 20" barrel. It should shoot those 60's like a house afire.
If you're looking for long range, I'd try Hornady's 75 grain AMax or their 75 grain match bullet. They seem to favor 1:9 better than any 77 grain bullet will. Otherwise any bullet from 50-69 should shoot well, just avoid some of the thinner skinned bullets designed for explosive expansion and any bullet designed for the .22 Hornet.
If you're looking for long range, I'd try Hornady's 75 grain AMax or their 75 grain match bullet. They seem to favor 1:9 better than any 77 grain bullet will. Otherwise any bullet from 50-69 should shoot well, just avoid some of the thinner skinned bullets designed for explosive expansion and any bullet designed for the .22 Hornet.
ocabj
Member
I've been using 24.0gr of RL15, CCI BR4, and LC brass with the Nosler 77gr BTHP for the past year in my service rifle (White Oak 1:7).
38 Super Auto
Member
I use 25 gr of AA 2520 with a 55 grain BT Jacketed Remington. I have had good results with AA 2230 (developed for 5.56mm) and AA data powder 2200 (surplus) in .223 as well.
MarshallDodge
Member
Mine likes the 60 grain VMax or the Sierra 60 grain HPBT. It has a 1x9 twist.
I use Vihtavuori N135 powder. Very clean!
I use Vihtavuori N135 powder. Very clean!
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