Economical loads for 1:7 twist AR15?

S

Shep546

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
22   0   0
Hey guys. Just getting into reloading had a quick question.

Whats the best load for just cheap plinking with my AR15?

It's 1:7 twist 16" barrel.

I have read so many different opinions and reviews on which projectiles and powders to use I don't know where to start :confused:
 
I'd try 69 grain Sierra match kings propelled by 25 grains of varget. Seat the bullet until they just fit in the magazine. These work well in my 1:7.7 twist ar. You might be able to go 0.2 or 0.3 grains hotter than above.
 
I dont' know about the "anything under 69gr will pattern" advice. That 1 in 7 is a fast twist and is designed for heavier projectiles. About all you can do is try something lighter and cheaper and see if it meets with you satisfaction. Personally, I'd try to stay as heavy as I can afford if you want long range accuracy. Maybe someone has some bulk 62 gr or something like that. Or maybe just try Winchester white box 55 gr bulk ammo and see if it is good enough for plinking. I can shoot 45 gr white box, but the problem is inconsistency. It might show 2 or 3 touching at 100 yards, and then one way off. I don't get that with quality hand loads. You can shoot 10 in a row and not get a weird one.
 
Try Hornady traditional Match 68gr and 75gr bullets are 18.95$/100.Nosler Custom Competition 69 and 77gr bullets are in the same price range.

The cheap millitary 63gr bullet has a steel penetrator and might be very difficult to find in Canada!

Alex
 
Budget shooter supply has 62g FMJ on for $130/1000.

This seems to be the heaviest bullet I can find in my price range, what kind of powder/charge would you suggest for these guys? Plinking within 200yards.
 
Here is Sierra's 223 AR loading data
http://accurateshooter.net/Downloads/sierra223ar.pdf

Unless you have lots of experience reloading, use the powders in Sierra's loading data, use hard primers (CCI or Remington not Winchester or Federal).

An AR is strong but a good bolt action is 2 times stronger so make sure that:
  • you full length size your cases,
  • trim the them to recommend length,
  • use know powders
  • and use hard primers (the float firing pin in the AR can fire a soft primer).

You can do fancy stuff to save pennies later,
Alex
 
I appreciate the advice about the primers but I would like to use the cheaper powders if at all possible, I'm waiting on my reloading manual in the mail I doubt it would have data on the wc735. Can anybody point me in the right direction to an online reference for that powder?
 
For low-cost plinking, use 55 grain FMJs and WC 735 powder. Higginson's has WC 735 data for .223 that lists a maximum charge of 24.9 grains for 55 grain bullets. H335, BL-C(2), OR W748 are canister grade alternatives.

A 1:7 twist is, if anything, the most versatile rifling twist because it will stabilize any weight of bullet on the market.
 
Great thanks a lot guys,

I'm gonna try some 55g FMJ and the WC735 for my first reloading job, I'll let you know how they turn out.
 
My Norc M4 is devoring this very inexpensive load.

ARMSCOR or PRVI 62gr FMJ over WCC735, Win brass and CCI450 primers. under 23gr and it runs like a dream.

a buddy is all over the Lake city 55gr FMJ using the same powder, primer and brass. A bit more powder then me.

Doesn't get less expensive for components. Any 1F in good condition can be used.

PM me for prices for the bullets.

Jerry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom