Loading for an AR15

[Brad in Idaho]

I'm going to start loading for my Colt H-Bar. It has a 20" barrel, with 1 in 9 twist. I have Winchester 55gr FMJBT bullets, A2230 powder, TZZ brass, and CCI SR primers. Basically just looking to make some ammo for the range, not necessarily match grade stuff (that comes later). Any advice for using this combo of components? I also have some 62gr IMI FMJBT bullets, some Speer 52gr HPBT match bullets, and for later use some Sierra 69gr HPBT match bullets. Any thoughts on using these bullets with the other components listed? This is my first try at reloading, have had this stuff for quite some time, with availability and prices I think it's time to assemble it...

Information

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[Bayou]

I use 25.6 gr AA2230 powder with 55 gr FMJ bullets (Hornady and Winchester). But the rest of my components are different. I use RP brass and WSR primers. I shoot these out of an AR15 with a RRA NM lower and Stag 16" upper w/ 1:9 twist. They chrony out at about 3250 fps and give me 2 " groups at 100 yds with the carbine bagged and scoped. BTW I like the Hornady pills better than the Winchester.

[Larry Gibson]

Brad

i use 26 gr of AA2230 in LC cases under M193 bullets (55 gr FMJBTs) with WSR primers to duplicate M193 ammuntion out of my ARs including my HBAR with 9" twist. I recommend RCBS X-Dies (regular not SB) because they will extend case life and you will not have to trim the cases. I also recommend a Lee factory crimp die to put a military type crimp on the bullet.

I use 26.5 gr AA2460 to duplicate M855 ammo with 62 gr bullets at 3000 fps. I also load 69 gr MKs over AA2460 for 2950 fps as my long range match load.

Work up the loads as usual in your rifle.

Larry Gibson

[Former Cav]

your match grade stuff for later is going to be more of a challenge with a 1 in 9 twist barrel.
I had a 1 in 9 and sometimes it would shoot 75 grain hornady's and other times it would NOT group. 68 grain hornady's and 69 grain sierra worked well but I wanted to go to 77 grain for OTC for the 200 and 300 yard line and 80 grain (all Sierra Match kings) for the 600 yard line.
for both the 77 and 80 grain, I used LC or NEW winchester brass with winchester brand standard small rifle primers, and 24.5 grains of Varget very successfully. Incidently, I have some good loads using Varget in .243 and .308 as well.
As Always... ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY... reduce your loads 10% and work up from there. Remember, my rifle and chamber is different then yours!
HTH
Bob

[snell]

try here:

NJ Hipower Rifle

under reloading stuph.. Lots of good info on reloading for the 223 gas gun.

[Litt'le Lee]

for that powder

[Sunray]

Your rifle will prefer the 69 grain bullets. The rifling twist will stabilize 'em better. You'll have to work up the load anyway, but the only essential thing for any semi-auto is you must full length resize every time. You'll have no end of feeding issues if you don't.
"...YA NEED mAG PRIMERS..." Accurate calls for a Rem 7 1/2 primer with A2230. That's a bench rest primer, not a magnum primer.

[limazulu]

I think the AA2230 works better for the lighter bullets, 52 to 62 grains. I think for the heavier 69 grain bullet AA2520 or Varget or even better RE15 works best.

Accurate says you should use a mag primer with AA2520 but regular CCI SR primers work fine. Just remember with Accurate powders they can vary from lot to lot so when you get another batch of AA2230 reduce the charge and work it up again.

[harley08]

I use 25.5 gr AA2230 with 55gr. heads
This is my plinking round.

[Hunter]

69 SMK with 24.3 Varget in a LC case, WSR primer. Shoots GREAT (in my rifle) at 200 & 300.... HTH, H.