AR10 - 7.62X51 Platform Guru's - Looking for Load Suggestions

[Shynloco]

Ok Guys, here's the deal. One of my son's is having a 7.62X51 AR 10 Platform (no not an Armalite) built with a 22" barrel. Of course he wants Dad to do his reloading as I do for all of my and his rifles including a couple AR15's, one of competition quality. Now he's not shooting anything but for pleasure and plinking so we're not talking super serious loads. I already have a good deal of LC Match (once fired) brass and bought 500 IMI 147 gr bullets. From what I've been able to find as recommendations (rather old info), powders such as H4895, IMR 4895, Varget, RE15 (I have these all) and a few others are my best bet. Grain load weight appears to start around 43 - 44gr and OAL is anywhere from 2.750 - 2.800 (like regular .308 recommendations in Reloading Manuals).

So I'm trying to hone in on the LATEST info available from you guys that shoot this caliber and bullet weight. Also, what is the max magazine length allowable in an AR10 platform? ALL suggestions would be appreciated as this caliber is one I've never loaded for, but am aware of the difference(s) in 7.62x51 and .308 which I also load for. Thx!

Alex

 

[JRS]

Look at the Nosler NATO load data. That will give you a good place to start.

 

[mac86951]

I think you'll be fine with the info you've found. Loading for a gas gun; expect to see case head swipe from gas system tuning, and cratered primers from enlarged firing pin hole. I'd recommend a ball powder to make life easier for the guy working the press; and accuracy can be had; however without fine tuning gas system, bolt, and other potential items; I'd recommend staying 1/2 grain under the load that shows case head swipe and be sure to test on a hot day with multiple rounds, if that is how it'll be shot.

-Mac

 

[centerlineseal]

Small Base Dies! We use RL15 behind 168 SMKs and it can achieve 1/2 moa in our DPMS with a Krieger barrel.

 

[Dans40X]

Shynloco,
Why not an ArmaLite AR-10?
not land of "fruits & nuts" compliant?
don't like steel magazines,but prefer plastic?

pick a load for a "piston gun" aka M1A & run with it.

 

[Shynloco]

Shynloco,
Why not an ArmaLite AR-10?
not land of "fruits & nuts" compliant?
don't like steel magazines,but prefer plastic?

pick a load for a "piston gun" aka M1A & run with it.

Dans40X,
That was my first choice and recommendation having had experience with an Armalite AR180 back in the early 80's and visiting their shop down in Costa Mesa, CA for fine tuning and general upkeep. But my son's wife put a kabash on the $$, plus my son's AR builder is a former Marine Recon soldier who builds his own competition rifles and has loads of experience. His son also plays football with my grandson. BIG savings plus most of the parts will be JP Enterprises, Strike Industries, Magpul and other top quality parts.

Alex

 

[cwall64]

Dans40X,
That was my first choice and recommendation having had experience with an Armalite AR180 back in the early 80's and visiting their shop down in Costa Mesa, CA for fine tuning and general upkeep. But my son's wife put a kabash on the $$, plus my son's AR builder is a former Marine Recon soldier who builds his own competition rifles and has loads of experience. His son also plays football with my grandson. BIG savings plus most of the parts will be JP Enterprises, Strike Industries, Magpul and other top quality parts.

Alex

I would also ask the builder what load he recommends, it is my experience that they can normally suggest a load to start with that takes some of the work out of finding the "perfect" load...

 

[A_Gamehog]

For less than 150 grain bullets I have had my best loads with IMR-8208 and LC brass in the .308, In 3 different semi-autos

 

[Shynloco]

I would also ask the builder what load he recommends, it is my experience that they can normally suggest a load to start with that takes some of the work out of finding the "perfect" load...

Thx. Am doing that as well, but just wanted to find out what alternatives I have and what some others have found success with. Thx to all who've replied thus far.

Alex

 

[DRNewcomb]

It probably won't help you; my generic "plinking" .308 round is 48 grains of Pat McDonald's "Special Ball" behind a 147 gn bullet. This pretty well duplicates M80 NATO ball. 44 to 45 grains of 4895 would probably do about the same.

 

[alb]

When it was hard to get powder here, for some reason AR-Comp was reasonably available, but I've been pleased enough with it to stick with it even though the drought has ended; very nice powder IMO, meters well, not temperature sensitive, seems a lot like Varget, really. For my 308 AR, I use 40.0 gr in LC cases with 168 SMKs.