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Think I found my AR load
RobOz
Member Posts: 9,523 ✭✭✭
I been working on putting together a load for my AR 15 primarily for plinking. Recently I switched from a Holographic sight to a Leupold 1.5-5x20. I can still switch back to the HOLO thanks to the American Defense Recon H mount. The mount is rock solid and repeats zero just like they claim. I had been using IMR 4198 and had very acceptable results, but it does not meter worth crap. I wanted a load that I could sit down with prepped brass and knock out a couple hundred in an evening with my Rock Chucker. I settled on 25 grains of BLC2, CCI 400's, Midway FBHP Dogtown bullets and assorted NATO and commercial brass. This shoots good enough for me considering the awful trigger (8+pounds), cant even get a reading on my RCBS trigger gauge. My birthday is next month, maybe I should ask for a Geissele trigger.
3" bull, 5 shots at 100 yards.
3" bull, 5 shots at 100 yards.
Comments
Don't get me wrong- not criticizing! I have been able to mess around with mine enough to find out It was not the load that was holding back on the accuracy I wanted, it was the other little things as mentioned.
Trigger job- I bet you will cut that group in half! I got mine down to about 4+- lbs (I also played with the torque on the barrel nut) That also made a big difference.
Don't get me wrong- not criticizing! I have been able to mess around with mine enough to find out It was not the load that was holding back on the accuracy I wanted, it was the other little things as mentioned.
I've have the JP reduced power spring kit sitting on my desk for three months. I have pretty good instructions from a Shotgun News article on polishing with a stone and dremel. I read on the web if you shoot NATO ammo do not change out the hammer spring. I shoot mostly handloads, but have a nice little stock pile of XM193 and M855. Maybe after physical therapy tomorrow I'll mess with the trigger. If I get myself in trouble Brownells is but a click away.
What I would try first is the "15 minute trigger job". Nothing like spending $200 on a trigger only to find your rifle shoots no better.
http://www.sargenthome.com/15_Minute_AR_Trigger_Job.htm
Worth a read. If you don't feel comfortable trying it, DON'T attempt it. Otherwise, it's a pretty solid breakdown on how to do it. I've had friends be amazed at how good the trigger feels.
RobOZ,
What I would try first is the "15 minute trigger job". Nothing like spending $200 on a trigger only to find your rifle shoots no better.
http://www.sargenthome.com/15_Minute_AR_Trigger_Job.htm
Worth a read. If you don't feel comfortable trying it, DON'T attempt it. Otherwise, it's a pretty solid breakdown on how to do it. I've had friends be amazed at how good the trigger feels.
I did the trigger this morning. I had bought a JP trigger spring kit a couple a months ago because it was cheap. I took a trigger pull reading before I started, it read you need a trigger pull gauge that goes higher than 8 pounds. I popped the trigger and hammer out and polished per instruction that I had from Shotgun news. I installed the polished parts and put some lube on engagement areas . I then took a reading, it read 6.5-7 pounds and felt smoother. I then took the trigger and hammer out and installed a JP reduced power spring kit. I then took some more readings and the trigger is around 5-5.5 pounds and a lot smoother. I guess I'm used to 2 pound varmint triggers and can't warm up to all the trigger travel. It will work until I can afford a competition trigger. Also the JP folks said the springs may not ignite NATO primers, well I ran three 30 round mags without a hiccup. The ammo consisted of 30 S&B SS109, 30 WCC XM193, and 30 LC XM193. I would not stake my life or money on the springs with NATO ammo.
I can get about 5 shots into a 1.5" group at 100yards off of benched sandbags. I have a 10 1/2" SBR RR AR in .223 with a 4 MOA red dot sight. My load is a Sierra 50gr. SP (#1320) on top of 21gr. of IMR-4198 and a medium crimp from my Lee FCD. I get ZERO muzzle flash from this load in low light.
I got 10 pounds of IMR4198 and hate the stuff. The thing is I have a bolt gun that loves it. I just hate weighing charges. With the ball powder I weigh one every 12 or 15 rounds.