Not sure if I should have posted this in reloading section but it's specific to the AR. What i have is a 16.5 bushmaster 1 in 9 barrel My question is do anyone here reload for it? I need a good starting point. I have winchester brass and will load 55 grain bullet. What do you use for powder and charge? I'm experienced with reloading I do 9mm and 308 as well as others in small amounts. But this is new to me. Please share.
Reloading for AR
- Thread starter drslav
- Start date
Aprilia Man
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Canadian "WET" Coast (Raincouver)
55 gr Hornady and 19 gr IMR 4198 is what I use.
FC, Winchester, Remington and Norinco Brass
FC, Winchester, Remington and Norinco Brass
Thank you... hornady bullets is what I just bought yesterday. Will need to look for powder once I see what options people use.
Ok than. Depends on what you want to do with the ammo. For plinking, long range 1moa, hunting, ect, you didnt say which. For plinking I use 26-27.5GR H355 55gr FMJBT FED/lake city case and cci nato primers. Its very close to M193 load.
Gunnerlove
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver Island
If you want to shoot nothing farther than 100m I have a 3 word recommendation "flat base bullets".
Phat Eagle
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Fraser Valley, BC
Flat base are usually slightly cheaper and you won't see any benefit to a boat tail till you are past 300 yards. The only advantage a boat tail has over a flat base for most reloads is that they are easier to push into the case mouth but for long range shooting the boat tail has a better BC.
The AR is not a hard rifle to reload for, look through your reloading manual (buy a couple if you don't have any), I use Hornady and Nosler manuals and I also reference Hodgdon.com for data. Take note of the powders listed and go powder shopping, powder is in short supply in Canada so your powder choice will be governed mostly by what you can get and not what is best for a particular cartridge.
You will need to do your own load development since every barrel is different, so even if I told you what works great in my rifle it probably won't be optimum for your rifle.
For plinker rounds loaded on progressive, look at ball powders such as BL-C(2) / H-336 etc
For loading heavies like the 69gr SMK ( you probably won't do...especially the 77gr which needs tighter twist than you have ) I prefer Varget but I trickle the load
I use CCI 400 ( small rifle ) primers
You should think about using a Lee factory crimp die vs using your seating die
Trim length will affect the crimp when using std crimper . You would be surprised , especially if mixing brass / range pick up etc how inconsistent the crimp is
The lee factory crimp is set by the height of the die ( shell holder squeezes collet ) so even with too short trim length you get a good crimp
Only issue you may have is one additional step.
Also buy a primer pocket reaming tool if you plan to load surplus ( like LC brass )
For loading heavies like the 69gr SMK ( you probably won't do...especially the 77gr which needs tighter twist than you have ) I prefer Varget but I trickle the load
I use CCI 400 ( small rifle ) primers
You should think about using a Lee factory crimp die vs using your seating die
Trim length will affect the crimp when using std crimper . You would be surprised , especially if mixing brass / range pick up etc how inconsistent the crimp is
The lee factory crimp is set by the height of the die ( shell holder squeezes collet ) so even with too short trim length you get a good crimp
Only issue you may have is one additional step.
Also buy a primer pocket reaming tool if you plan to load surplus ( like LC brass )
Last edited:
redshooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Central Ontario
55 gr V-Max, 24.5 gr W-748, 223 Brass, CCI 400 Primers.
Very accurate in the M&P 15 I use to own.
Very accurate in the M&P 15 I use to own.
