Load recommendation for AR set up for long range / match.

[wolfejohne]

I am putting together a AR setup for long range / match. It has a Wilson 20" 223 Wilde barrel, 1 - 8 twist. I am new to the AR platform and wondering what Bullet weight and powders are people using?

 

[KevinThomas]

Try the 77s at mag length, with either Varget, RL-15 or N540. I've had excellent results with the Berger 82s at 600, seated out to the throat, with these same powders. Poll the line at most any Service Rifle match, and these are far and away the most popular powders. They work, they aren't too fussy, and all will give decent velocities. No point in reinventing the wheel here.

 

[Klong]

Most people shoot 75 Hornady HP or the SMK 77 grain bullet to 300 yards and switch to an 80 gr bullet at 600 yards. 24.6 grains of Varget and CCI 450, CCI 41, and Federal small rifle match primers are normally used. In Your rifle start 1 grain below this and work up.

 

[Tireguy]

As previously stated, Varget, RL15 and N540 topped off with Sierra 80's or Berger 80.5's are a winning combination.

If your going to be using N540, I would recommend using moly bullets. The only reason I say this is that in order to really get the most out of the N540 and the groups and speeds it can provide you, you need to be pushing the envelope. I have been shooting N540 in all of my service rifles and match rifles since the late 90s.

Jon

 

[wolfejohne]

Thanks for all the info. This gives me a very good starting point to work with.

 

[jonbearman]

If you can find any VV powder's. Or varget as well.

 

[navyrad8r]

Wolfe,
FWIW in MY service rifle 24.1 gr of RL15, wolf SMR, and 80.5 bergers with 15 thou jump work well for me. work your load up but as others said Varget, VV, will serve you well. I would like to add IMR 4064 to the mix as well except that it is so damn crunchy to meter and bulky in the case. I personally don't take that service beyond the 600. I run an M1 or M1a further back. good luck to you.
cheers,
Doc

 

[nfhjr62]

Have two boxes of Black Hills 223 69gr rounds will they work much past 600 yrds

 

[Bamban]

23.3 of 8208 to push the 77 class slugs, 2000MR for the 80+ at 600. This is a nice combination, you can even get away with just running the charge through a powder drop instead of weighing charges.

 

[mac86951]

Excellent, another one hooked!

77gr is the default to get you started.
I've found that AR-15s like one of the big four bullets available in the 75-77gr range so plan on some load testing. Also, I'm expecting you'll be firing from the magazine, so keep COL to 2.260" or as best fits your mags (mine likes 2.263"). I'm also assuming you know how to ladder test. Do ladder tests at 300y+ or see the long range load development at 100y thread and start reading...

77s to start with:
Sierra Match Kink
Nosler Custom Competition
Lapua Scenar

Hornady 75gr BTHP (good price drop from the above)

You can even mag-length load the 75gr JLKs, but JLK also has a 77gr CO bullet to use too.

Primers: Rem 7-1/2, Fed 205M, CCI (I'm not sure which one)

Powder: IMR-4895 is ok, but grain size is too large. H4985 is the one to use!!!
Varget is also awesome
N140,
AR-Comp,
CFE-223 (yes a ball powder on the list)
BL(c)-2 (temp Sensitive)
Reloader 15 (temp Sensitive)
H322
H335
IMR 8208 XBR
LT-32

all of the above powders kept my sub-MOA rifle sub-MOA, but my go to are:
H4895, Varget, N140 (NOT 540), AR-Comp, CFE-223.

Next up is tuning the gas port. Along with normal pressure signs, look for case-head swipe (CHS)
http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/8720/case-head-swipe/

If you get CHS before primer pressure signs, plan on an adjustable gas block.

-Mac

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

No need for an adjustable gas block. If you experience case head swipe, just install a CWS from Tubb and be done with it. I use the one with the heavy tungsten carbide insert. The added benefit is that your brass will eject with less vigor so you do not have to chase it all over. Using a CS buffer spring is also a good idea.

 

[A_Gamehog]

http://www.shootersproshop.com/nosler-products/factory-over-runs/nosler-over-run-bullets/nosler-22-77gr-custom-competition-hpbt-over-run-250ct.html

34$ for 250 bullets

Good place to start.

 

[Quinc]

My best 3 shot group with a 26" WOA 1-8 upper/barrel is 1" @ 700 yards

Nosler 80gr bullet
CCI 400
Varget 25Grains
Winchester brass
OAL 1.91" (2 thou off the lands)
FPS 2835 @ 38 degrees F


Nosler 69 grain bullets worked great for me out to 500 yards too. I liked them much more then the infamous SMK's. For 1k shooting you should be using Berger 80-82grain VLD bullets, with Winchester or Lapua brass.

 

[stool]

that has to be a TOOL/OGIVE length..and not an coal.....
80's tend to be out around 2.45........


(UNLESS this is a match rifle, i would have gone with a 24-28" bbl for long range)

OAL 1.91" (2 thou off the lands)

 

[Quinc]

that has to be a TOOL/OGIVE length..and not an coal.....
80's tend to be out around 2.45........


(UNLESS this is a match rifle, i would have gone with a 24-28" bbl for long range)

OAL 1.91" (2 thou off the lands)

haha my bad you are right. that is with the HRN tool measuring off the ogive

 

[masterblaster1]

gd info gents, tagged