Looking for a load for an ar-15 with a 24 inch barrel using H335
- Thread starter Airbus
- Start date
Above is for AR-15 in a 223 24 inch barrel
RegionRat
Gold $$ Contributor
http://accurateshooter.net/Downloads/sierra223ar.pdf
H335 is pretty easy to develop for the AR. It is best to use something like a Rem 7 1/2 in winter conditions.
Does your AR short stroke on factory ammo along the lines of XM-193?
If that type of load runs the rig okay, what type of ejection pattern do you see?
The AR platform is not too hard to debug if the problems are broken down methodically.
H335 is pretty easy to develop for the AR. It is best to use something like a Rem 7 1/2 in winter conditions.
Does your AR short stroke on factory ammo along the lines of XM-193?
If that type of load runs the rig okay, what type of ejection pattern do you see?
The AR platform is not too hard to debug if the problems are broken down methodically.
What length is your gas tube. If your gas tube is rifle length, rifle +1 or rifle +2, consider going to a shorter gas tube (And gas port). The higher pressure will make for more energetic cycling.
Have you tried a different buffer spring?
If it has a 5.56 nato chamber I run 24.5gr to 24.9gr H335 with a 55FMJ, this is NOT a starting load.
Just keep in mind that if your rifle has a .223 chamber it will typically be tighter and this load
may be on the hot side for it.
Just keep in mind that if your rifle has a .223 chamber it will typically be tighter and this load
may be on the hot side for it.
Thx for the info .T
RegionRat
Gold $$ Contributor
High pressure loads in an AR can pop primers and beat up brass. Allowing a bullet to jump in the leade is a method for accommodating higher pressure in otherwise equal context.
The major difference between the 223 SAAMI standard and the 556 NATO Spec, is in the leade. The extended leade in the 556 was to allow for higher pressure loads in the NATO spec.
In reality, many modern 223 reamers do not stick with the traditional dimensions of the SAAMI standard with the trends to heavier longer bullets and faster twist. Many chambers marked 223 have modified leade dimensions to the point where the two designs largely overlap. That isn't advice to put high pressure ammo into a 223, just pointing out the differences in the two designs and the concept that gunsmiths get reamers to their own prescriptions so you have to be careful starting up any AR or bolt gun marked 223.
My advice is to always check your distance to lands and study your brass for signs of pressure regardless of the chamber markings, especially if the chamber is marked 223 to begin with. YMMV
garandman
Bolt Gun Bodacious
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Fast14riot
Gold $$ Contributor
25gr under a 55 has been a standard plinking load for a long time. I use it for sighting in new builds.
jepp2
Gold $$ Contributor
So many other potential causes:
- what buffer are you running?
- gas key tight?
- gas ring condition? (how many rounds since you changed them)
- gas block aligned with gas port?
- what bolt carrier weight (design) are you running?
- how often do your thoroughly clean your upper and BCG and properly lube them?
I just dealt with this on another rifle. Assuming you have a normal setup and not running with a suppressor, your short stroke is most likely the result of either (1) insufficient gas to properly cycle the BCG or (2) excessive buffer/spring setup. Excessive friction between parts (clean and lube your gun).
Inspect your spent cases to see if you are getting any form of a ridge/bulge just above the case web or does the surface of the cases look scuffed up (not shiny smooth)? These would be indications that your rifle is having extended lock-up time causing pressure to build inside the case. The case is staying in the chamber too long.
Confirm the alignment of the gas block and gas port. Check the size of the gas port in barrel and make sure it is clear of any obstruction. If the gas port and gas block are not perfectly aligned then this may result in insufficient amount of gas being captured/redirected to cycle the BCG. Chicken & Egg - If there isn't enough gas then it will create the issue of increased lock-up time (spent case stays longer in the chamber) causing increased pressure inside the case that results in the case sticking harder to chamber's walls further exacerbating the issue of reduced force moving the BCG rearward. If there is inadequate gas, the BCG doesn't get sent rearward with enough force to eject spent case and then to continue back beyond the rear of the magazine in order to either pick up the next round or lock open on empty magazine.
Also, you don't need an adjustable gas block on rifle length gas system. If you already have one installed then simply open it all the way.
I am assuming your AR15 has a Rifle Length Gas System (or something longer). For this setup you only need a normal buffer spring (not a super heavy) and a standard buffer (2.5oz-3oz). Make sure you have the correct length spring and buffer that match your buffer tube length.
Other potential culprit is mechanical interference between your parts, such as:
1) Upper and Lower Receivers are not aligned causing the BCG to hit or rub against a portion of the lower receiver (buffer tube connection area).
2) BCG is binding within Upper Receiver. Out of spec parts.
3) Make sure Gas Key on BCG is properly secured (screws tight and staked).
Inspect your spent cases to see if you are getting any form of a ridge/bulge just above the case web or does the surface of the cases look scuffed up (not shiny smooth)? These would be indications that your rifle is having extended lock-up time causing pressure to build inside the case. The case is staying in the chamber too long.
Confirm the alignment of the gas block and gas port. Check the size of the gas port in barrel and make sure it is clear of any obstruction. If the gas port and gas block are not perfectly aligned then this may result in insufficient amount of gas being captured/redirected to cycle the BCG. Chicken & Egg - If there isn't enough gas then it will create the issue of increased lock-up time (spent case stays longer in the chamber) causing increased pressure inside the case that results in the case sticking harder to chamber's walls further exacerbating the issue of reduced force moving the BCG rearward. If there is inadequate gas, the BCG doesn't get sent rearward with enough force to eject spent case and then to continue back beyond the rear of the magazine in order to either pick up the next round or lock open on empty magazine.
Also, you don't need an adjustable gas block on rifle length gas system. If you already have one installed then simply open it all the way.
I am assuming your AR15 has a Rifle Length Gas System (or something longer). For this setup you only need a normal buffer spring (not a super heavy) and a standard buffer (2.5oz-3oz). Make sure you have the correct length spring and buffer that match your buffer tube length.
Other potential culprit is mechanical interference between your parts, such as:
1) Upper and Lower Receivers are not aligned causing the BCG to hit or rub against a portion of the lower receiver (buffer tube connection area).
2) BCG is binding within Upper Receiver. Out of spec parts.
3) Make sure Gas Key on BCG is properly secured (screws tight and staked).
Last edited:
Is it short stroking with factory loads?
You are running a 24" barrel so your rifle has a longer dwell time than a standard 20"
rifle (longer gas pressure time)so either gas is being restricted or bleeding off somewhere in the gas system or there is some part mismatch.
Do you have the correct recoil spring and buffer and if you have an adjustable gas block
make sure it is correctly installed and properly adjusted ESPECIALLY if it is a bleed off gas block.
You are running a 24" barrel so your rifle has a longer dwell time than a standard 20"
rifle (longer gas pressure time)so either gas is being restricted or bleeding off somewhere in the gas system or there is some part mismatch.
Do you have the correct recoil spring and buffer and if you have an adjustable gas block
make sure it is correctly installed and properly adjusted ESPECIALLY if it is a bleed off gas block.
Your load should cycle . 24.5gr is not a hot load . 26.5gr get me to xm193 velocities. I run 25 & 25.5 grain with out issue , 25gr gets me right to 3000fps from a 16” barrel .
Your issue is the gas system somewhere as the last few post suggest .
Are you using an adjustable gas block ? Where is it set ? Start closed and open it in 1/2 or full turn increments while firing a few rounds in between. This allows you to keep track of where you are at from closed for later Reference.
Once it starts cycling correctly you are pretty much done . I usually do an extra 1/4 or 1/2 turn to be safe with any ammo . If it never cycle correctly all the way to full open . Then you have a leak of buffer/spring issue . .
If you have a long dwell time 10” + and don’t have an adjustable gas block you could be over gassed and the case is hanging up in the chamber do to the timing being off . The case may be staying under pressure and fully expanded/stuck to the chamber wall at the same time the bolt is trying to pull it out . As gass bleeds off the case may let go of the chamber but theres not enough gas left to cycle the BCG .
Your issue is the gas system somewhere as the last few post suggest .
Are you using an adjustable gas block ? Where is it set ? Start closed and open it in 1/2 or full turn increments while firing a few rounds in between. This allows you to keep track of where you are at from closed for later Reference.
Once it starts cycling correctly you are pretty much done . I usually do an extra 1/4 or 1/2 turn to be safe with any ammo . If it never cycle correctly all the way to full open . Then you have a leak of buffer/spring issue . .
If you have a long dwell time 10” + and don’t have an adjustable gas block you could be over gassed and the case is hanging up in the chamber do to the timing being off . The case may be staying under pressure and fully expanded/stuck to the chamber wall at the same time the bolt is trying to pull it out . As gass bleeds off the case may let go of the chamber but theres not enough gas left to cycle the BCG .
Thx so much for the reply most all have checked, cleaning was a factor. Another problem I found was powder, this rifle really finicky! What runs in most gun doesn’t in this one. T
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
Gas block not aligned perfectly over the gas port is often the cause of function issues.
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