You Favorite .556/.223 loads

G

GunMaverick

New member
Hi all,

Random question of the day, what your favorite load? I like 75 grain Hornady A-Max, with as much powder as safely possible, because I think a rifle with virtually no kick could use some extra spice. However I want to experiment with some new loads and I was wondering what some of your favorite .556/.223 loads were.

GunMaverick
 
A favorite of mine is M855 bullet with 19.6 gr IMR 4198. Its a slightly modified load for 62gr bullets listed in my Lee manual. I use 223 brass and OAL of 2.275". Pinpoint accurate out of my Savage bolt action.

Its a blend of the high velocity of 55gr bullets, mated with higher BC of 69/75gr bullets. Unique to mild steel core bullets since steel is less dense than lead, you need more steel to get the weight up. Can't make the bullet wider, so it gets longer increasing its BC. Downside of this is its much more susceptible to wind drift because its got the profile of a 75gr but without the weight to keep it on target. Where I shoot there's rarely any wind so its not a problem for me.

The other favorite is an economy plinker made with Armscor fmjbt 62gr. Same as above but I think i used the standard 2.260 OAL. Only issue is armscor bullets are inconsistent with weight and length, so you're not gonna get phenomenal consistency load to load. It comes out being cheaper than buying tula/wolf 223, but is more accurate, non magnetic, and cleaner.
 
For a 55 grain bullet I like to run H335 at a near max load. It does so well in so many rifles I have kept using it.

For a heavier bullet I prefer Reloader 15. If I can not get the RL15 I go with Varget it is right there with RL15 in performance. I have a liking for Hornady 68 grain HPBT Match bullets. Out of my bolt action I get sub quarter MOA groups with a bench rest. On the bipod with sand bag under the rear I can still milk it for less than a dime sized hole at 100 yards for 12 to 15 shots before barrel heat becomes a factor.
 
I used the 55 gr Hornaday soft point with a max load of H335. Worked, but wasn't as accurate as I had hoped. Maybe a different 55 grain bullet would be better for a 1 in 7 twist? Not trying to be a smart arse, serious question.
 
I shoot Hornady 55 gr soft points with 27.3 of CFE223 powder, excellent accuracy. Same bullet with 24.3 of H335, excellent accuracy. Both are under 1 inch @ 100 yds
 
For my Stag model 6h which is a 24" 1/8 heavy barrel my pet load is 24.2gn of Ramshot Tac with Sierra's 69gn hpbt. Chrono's just shy of 3100fps and get .250" groups.
 
Both of my bolt rifles love IMR4198/20gr. below a 52gr BTHP either Sierra(#1410) or Hornady(#2249). This is my "go to" round for checking accuracy. If it doesn't shoot this combo accurately, there is no hope. Just my experience and opinion.
 
Post #6
"I used the 55 gr Hornaday soft point with a max load of H335. Worked, but wasn't as accurate as I had hoped. Maybe a different 55 grain bullet would be better for a 1 in 7 twist? Not trying to be a smart arse, serious question."

I would certainly try different 55gr. bullets. They don't all shoot the same, in my experience. Max or close to max has always given me the best accuracy with all powders I have tried in AR. With a 1/7 barrel you should be able to find a good accurate load with a 55gr. bullet. Good luck
 
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