Fire Forming AR 15 Brass for Single Loading Shooting

[WindSurgeon]

I searched for a string on this, but could not find an answer. Hoping someone out there has tried this and has some thoughts. In one of our local matches we have to single load each round. My question is simple. Can you use fire formed brass or has anyone tried this in an AR 15 which is single loaded?

I would not try this in semi-auto mode. For those of us that shoot AR 15's for FTR, I am hoping it improves accuracy over full length re-sized brass.

 

[jhord]

I have tried neck sized only. It may work, it may not. When it doesn't work, you'll be looking for something to pound back the charging handle with. Because that round will be STUCK in the chamber! I F/L size all mine now, phooey on it.

 

[jdfletch]

My question is simple. Can you use fire formed brass or has anyone tried this in an AR 15 which is single loaded?

I would not try this in semi-auto mode. For those of us that shoot AR 15's for FTR, I am hoping it improves accuracy over full length re-sized brass.

Maybe... But the dynamics of the gas system will over shadow any "improvements". Statistically, over a very long period of time, you may find it improves accuracy, but more than likely you'll rip the heads off several cases that get stuck and create 9mm brass. Give it a try in practice if you want, but don't shoot in a match without a LOT of testing!

Doug (creator of several pieces of 9mm brass...)

 

[DukeDuke]

I necksize for my AR, single shot mode, the 80 a-max bullets are seated kind of long. Accuracy is superb, rivaling my bolt guns.

 

[WindSurgeon]

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds dicey.

Duke, any issues with what is described on the stuck case front? anything you do special to make it work in your AR?

 

[KevinThomas]

WindSurgeon,

You're asking for trouble here, and at some point, this combination will provide it for you. Full Length size, and a S/B die is even better. This applies to those rounds that are run through the rapids, and those that are single loaded.

As for the Forward Assist and handloads, it doesn't serve the same purpose as it does with military issue ammo. Using standard, military issue or surplus ammo, the Forward Assist is there to allow the operator to ensure that the bolt is fully forward and locked into battery. In civilian usage, especially where handloads (and dare I say, neck sized handloads?) are concerned it serves an entirely purpose. It provides a fast and easy way to take a TARFU situation and turn it completely, totally and hopelessly FUBAR with just a few slams of the heel of your hand. This is most likely to occur at the most inopportune time imaginable, and WILL require the rifle to be removed from the line.

When you're handloading for an AR platform, think of the forward assist as a purley decorative item, never to be used under any circumstances. Trust me, life will be better that way.

 

[matorre]

+1 to what Kevin said.
Better to have an AR without that, as I have seen the same thing happen.

When you stick a round in the chamber ( you sound like a inveterate experimenter) ,

Hold the rifle vertical.

Put one hand on charge handle , pulling.

Other hand lifts gun and slaps it butt first to ground
muzzle vertical.

Combination loosens most "stucks".

You would be best served on having Compass Lake headspace a bolt for you. He sets it up with .001 to .002 clearance, so bolt is not sloppy in the extension when locked.

Not recommended for battle/police/defense rifle

Regards

Michael

 

[plinker625]

You are better off getting a Redding Type S FL Die and using bushings to control neck tension. Seat the bullet half way then back off and twist the round 180 degrees to finish seating the bullet. I have done well with this some sub 1/3 MOA at 300 yds with Berger 75gr VLD's. Most of the time running 1.25" at 300. Neck sizing is not a good idea in anything other then a bolt gun, but we all have to learn!

 

[WindSurgeon]

Thanks all for keeping me from a mistake. A stuck cartridge is a killer in a match. I am officially talked out of it. Getting about .4" groups at 100 yards as is with a clean barrel as is.

I think I have squeezed just about all the accuracy left with the load I am using (Berger 77 gr. BTHP over Varget). I keep working with different loads. My next is 80 g VLD's into the lands.

 

[DukeDuke]

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds dicey.

Duke, any issues with what is described on the stuck case front? anything you do special to make it work in your AR?

I haven't had any problems so far.

 

[fl3gun]

Thanks all for keeping me from a mistake. A stuck cartridge is a killer in a match. I am officially talked out of it. Getting about .4" groups at 100 yards as is with a clean barrel as is.

I think I have squeezed just about all the accuracy left with the load I am using (Berger 77 gr. BTHP over Varget). I keep working with different loads. My next is 80 g VLD's into the lands.

Trying to stick VLD's into the lands for a Highpower match rifle is also not a good idea. If you have to unload a round you will find the bullet still in the barrel and the action full of Varget, "been there done that", Follow Berger's loading test advice and find a place OFF the lands. I found they actually shoot better at .045 off.

 

[nicholst55]

When you stick a round in the chamber ( you sound like a inveterate experimenter) ,

Hold the rifle vertical.

Put one hand on charge handle , pulling.

Other hand lifts gun and slaps it butt first to ground
muzzle vertical.

Combination loosens most "stucks".

Commonly referred to as 'The Pogo.' Sometimes it works, and sometimes you rip the rim off of the case with the extractor. I would expect that performing this maneuver on the firing line of any kind of match would be considered extremely bad form.

 

[matorre]

Quote from: Michael Torre on 06:52 PM, 03/14/12
When you stick a round in the chamber ( you sound like a inveterate experimenter) ,

Hold the rifle vertical.

Put one hand on charge handle , pulling.

Other hand lifts gun and slaps it butt first to ground
muzzle vertical.

Combination loosens most "stucks".


Commonly referred to as 'The Pogo.' Sometimes it works, and sometimes you rip the rim off of the case with the extractor. I would expect that performing this maneuver on the firing line of any kind of match would be considered extremely bad form.




True, prolly bad manners , too.
Just thinking "survive and adapt" rather than " golf with guns".

I defer.

Michael

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I searched for a string on this, but could not find an answer. Hoping someone out there has tried this and has some thoughts. In one of our local matches we have to single load each round. My question is simple. Can you use fire formed brass or has anyone tried this in an AR 15 which is single loaded?

I would not try this in semi-auto mode. For those of us that shoot AR 15's for FTR, I am hoping it improves accuracy over full length re-sized brass.

I shoot an AR-15 in mid-range FTR. I use a Bobsled instead of a magazine. My barrel is a Krieger with their 5.56 Match chambering and I use a Redding full length, small base bushing die to size my cases. Because I single load, I use 80grain JLK bullets seated quite long, around 2.5 inches of COAL. I single load each cartridge and place it on the Bobsled. When I get ready to shoot, I push the cartridge into the chamber and aim. Just before shooting, I release the bolt activating a through-the-triggerguard release with trigger finger and then I refine my aim and shoot.

I never use the F/A under any circumstances.

This has worked well enough for me to achieve HM at mid-range.