Ammo Results

[Ganderite]

When loading ammo for an Ar-15, I like to test a range of powder charges to see what groups the best, in case it makes a big difference.

For CQB (short range) we don't need a lot of power to punch a hole in the paper, and bug hole accuracy is not needed either. What is important is reliability. If you down load too far, the bolt may not lock open and maybe the rifle won't cycle.

Today I ran a test on a NEA 14.5", using Hornady 55gr FMJ bullets over 4895. (19 to 24 gr)

As a control, I shot a group with Norinco yellow box ammo. It was terrible. Cycled just fine, but a huge group. I do not know if this is indicative of all lots of this ammo. I also shot some Norinco 45ACP today. It shot very well.

 

[cr5]

What distance were those shot at?
I usually use Varget with 223 but am always open to other options since I have way too many different types of powder and need to use some up so I can streamline the powder drawer.

 

[diananike]

Anytime I'm thinking of picking up acrate of Norinco 5.56 I see a thread like this!!

Those are all pretty weak loads of H4895
I use almost 25gr under a 65gr bullet for good results.
You can tell it's tightening up by 24gr probably due to the more consistent ignition in the better load density....

Looks greeat for CQB though!

 

[Ganderite]

Anytime I'm thinking of picking up acrate of Norinco 5.56 I see a thread like this!!

Those are all pretty weak loads of H4895
I use almost 25gr under a 65gr bullet for good results.
You can tell it's tightening up by 24gr probably due to the more consistent ignition in the better load density....

Looks great for CQB though!

Yes, they are weak loads. That was the objective of the test - find a good mild load for CQB. I have two extra of each load to be chronographed. That will tell me where I am on the power scale. I think I will go with 22 gr for CQB.

Note: I just chronographed the ammo.

55gr FMJ IMR4895 (non-cannister) 14.5" NEA M4

19 2120 did not lock bolt open
20 2205 " " " " "
21 2188
22 2327
23 2281
24 2441

Norinco - 3055

 

[Matty308]

I too just made up a ladder testing for my new ammo. I have IMR 4895 under Amax 75gr, I made up some at 22.5, 23, 23.5 and the groups got tighter as the powder charge went up. I didnt make any up to or above 24 gr as that was the max load in the book and I didnt want to be pulling bullets, but I am going to make up some at 24 gr now that I have seen how it works and maybe a few a little above 24. I was getting slightly under MOA with 23.5gr in my 16" AR.