75gr. AMAX Load

[Tridenttactical]

Hello,

I am looking for a load or several loads to push the Hornady 75gr AMAX for 600yd F-Class. I'm shooting an Armalite lower and just put on a White Oak Armament upper. It is 24" varmit ss Wilson barrel with 1-8" twist. I'll be using LC once fired brass trimmed at 1.75 and have some Federal Gold Match primers left that I would like to use as well.
The powder that I have is IMR 4895 that I bought 8 lbs and use to load 175gr SMKHPBT in my 700 Remington 30-06, 26" Kreiger ss build for long range shooting. I've read that Varget, Benchmark and Viht are also good powders for the .223 AR15.
Thank you in advance for the help on load development for my new endeavor.

KP

 

[Berger.Fan222]

The first decision to make is whether to load to an OAL (close to 2.25") to fit in the magazine or to load longer to get closer to the lands and increase powder capacity.

Do you know how long you can load them to be just touching the lands? I recommend getting within 0.050" of the lands. With that bullet you can go to an OAL close to 2.5" and still have some shank in the neck (not much, QL says 0.149" at that OAL). Hopefully, you can get close to the lands without being that long.

Once you know about the OAL you want, I'd start with 21.5 grains or so of IMR 4895. Load five with that charge and increase the charge by small increments (no more than 0.5 grains) until you get to the book max. Keep your eyes open for any pressure signs, but you are really looking for the powder charge that gives you the best five shot groups. If you get good groups for several sequential powder charges, pick the one in the middle.

There is no need to favor hot loads at 600 yards, unless they really give the best accuracy. Once you have the powder charge your load likes best, you might vary the seating depth +/- 0.030 or so inches (some guys like smaller steps) to see if tweaking the OAL tightens up things any more.

 

[chkunz]

I shoot the 75 A MAX at 600 yards with a WOA AR upper 1 in 8 similar to yours but with a 26 inch barrel. I get good results with Accurate 2520 and the bullets seated 10 to 20 thousandths off the lands. I use a stiff load but not MAX and I never get loose primer pockets. I get both good accuracy and velocity with this combination. Reloader 15, N140 and H4895 also give good results. Max loads are not needed and may not give as good accuracy. I shoot conventional prone (sling) so I have a much easier target than you have with F Class.

 

[MGYSGT]

I use 24.5 in my bolt gun and 23 and 23.5 in my AR's. They like different loads. As for powders RE-15 or Varget is my choice. There are many others. I have been playing with 22 and 22.5 but don't know if I will stay with that.

 

[Tridenttactical]

Thanks all,

I made up a couple of dummy rounds to see where the lands just started to leave the slightest marks on the bullet. I checked the OAL and came up with 2.45. I will try IMR 4895 as Gunny stated, also picked a lb of Varget and thinking of a load around 23-24 grs and see which holds best. At 2.45 they're past mag length, but with slow fire single loading is not an issue.
Thank you for the intel...
KP

 

[chkunz]

Thanks all,

I made up a couple of dummy rounds to see where the lands just started to leave the slightest marks on the bullet. I checked the OAL and came up with 2.45. I will try IMR 4895 as Gunny stated, also picked a lb of Varget and thinking of a load around 23-24 grs and see which holds best. At 2.45 they're past mag length, but with slow fire single loading is not an issue.
Thank you for the intel...
KP

If you measure velocity you may be disappointed with Varget. For 600 yards F/TR you will want both accuracy and velocity.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I load to an oal of 2.450" with the 75 gr. Amax. 23.2 grs. of H4895, wsr primer, 26" Benchmark bolt rifle. It Is capable of HM scores at midrange.