Decided on a 375 Raptor AR-10 build and I will be doing my own load development for the most part.
The intent of this thread is to post information on this Wildcat since there isn't much out there. I will capture what I did for my build and post the results from known loads and what I develop.
Aero Precision everything except listed below:
-18" X-caliber barrel, 1-10 twist, carbine length gas system
-Superlative Arms adjustable gas block
-10rd Pmags
-Advanced Armament Severe Duty Brake 5/8-24
The build is straight forward as far as AR-10s go. DPMS pattern build with minor modifications.
-Drilled the gas port on the barrel out to .110 since I'm using an adjustable gas block. This was done on a recommendation to help with cycling sub-sonic rounds. I can go as big as .125.
-Opened up the muzzle brake from 30 cal to 375 size to accommodate the larger projectile. I plan on using this rifle suppressed and will be using a direct thread suppressor.
-Pmags have to be filed down on the inside where the case is blown out. The mags swell and get stuck in the mag well. You know its good when they insert and fall out without resistance.
Factory brass doesn't exist and converting brass is pretty simple with the right tools. The steps are on the 375 Raptor website; but this turned out to be easier for me.
The attached picture shows from left to right:
-LC 7.62x51 I found that all head stamp years had the same water capacity of 54gr. Winchester, Remington, Hornady and Federal were between 53.2gr and 55.8gr.
-1.885" Used my cut off saw to take the majority of length off the brass and it left a rough edge at the case mouth.
-1.875" Trimming tool used to cut down the final length and give a smooth clean cut on the case mouth.
-Chamfer and deburr.
-1.865" Lube the case and full length size. This will blow out the neck, set the shoulder and shorten the brass.
- The brass fits the chamber and will fire form to its final dimensions.
*issues with brass*
I destroyed about a dozen brass in the process of setting everything up and realizing that it was better to get brass trimmed to length with the 30cal pilot than after it was full length sized. I had no split necks and it was a lot easier running the brass through the dies with the extra brass already cut off.
Water Capacity
Next iteration I will discuss reloading dies and bullet cannelure.
The intent of this thread is to post information on this Wildcat since there isn't much out there. I will capture what I did for my build and post the results from known loads and what I develop.
Aero Precision everything except listed below:
-18" X-caliber barrel, 1-10 twist, carbine length gas system
-Superlative Arms adjustable gas block
-10rd Pmags
-Advanced Armament Severe Duty Brake 5/8-24
The build is straight forward as far as AR-10s go. DPMS pattern build with minor modifications.
-Drilled the gas port on the barrel out to .110 since I'm using an adjustable gas block. This was done on a recommendation to help with cycling sub-sonic rounds. I can go as big as .125.
-Opened up the muzzle brake from 30 cal to 375 size to accommodate the larger projectile. I plan on using this rifle suppressed and will be using a direct thread suppressor.
-Pmags have to be filed down on the inside where the case is blown out. The mags swell and get stuck in the mag well. You know its good when they insert and fall out without resistance.
Factory brass doesn't exist and converting brass is pretty simple with the right tools. The steps are on the 375 Raptor website; but this turned out to be easier for me.
The attached picture shows from left to right:
-LC 7.62x51 I found that all head stamp years had the same water capacity of 54gr. Winchester, Remington, Hornady and Federal were between 53.2gr and 55.8gr.
-1.885" Used my cut off saw to take the majority of length off the brass and it left a rough edge at the case mouth.
-1.875" Trimming tool used to cut down the final length and give a smooth clean cut on the case mouth.
-Chamfer and deburr.
-1.865" Lube the case and full length size. This will blow out the neck, set the shoulder and shorten the brass.
- The brass fits the chamber and will fire form to its final dimensions.
*issues with brass*
I destroyed about a dozen brass in the process of setting everything up and realizing that it was better to get brass trimmed to length with the 30cal pilot than after it was full length sized. I had no split necks and it was a lot easier running the brass through the dies with the extra brass already cut off.
Water Capacity
Next iteration I will discuss reloading dies and bullet cannelure.
