New .223 reloader

[Daddydavex2]

I am new to reloading. Just finished my first batch and took to the range. I had mostly 55gr fmj with 1.3cc of powder. And for the most part, couldn't keep them within 5 inches of each other at 100 yrds. I also made up some 69gr Sierra MK with the same charge. And this thing stacked em on top of each other. I am actually shooting an AR with a 16" barrel, not exactly the best option for target shooting. But my question is, why the difference? Is it the quality of the MK round or is it just than my gun likes the 69gr better? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jonbearman]

Most of the 55fmj bullets are only rated to perform according to dod specs to hold 3 inchs at 100 yds approimately. Most fmj bullets are for plinking.If you barrel likes the 69 grain match bullet then stick with it.There are many other fine hunting bullets that will hold 1/2 moa,you have to try some,I suggest the berger 75 grain vld and I personally really like the 69 grainers for target or varmints.

 

[markm87]

Hornady 55 gr FMJBT bullets will get down to 2-2.5" groups usually. But that's about as good as it usually gets in that bullet weight.

69 SMKs are our favorites for sure. We run them on a 550b with H322 and get really accurate bulk loaded ammo.

 

[necchi]

mostly 55gr fmj with 1.3cc of powder,,,,,,,,,. I also made up some 69gr Sierra MK with the same charge.

Welcome to loading davex2, ???

Could be as simple as the charge. The 55's probably don't like that amount of powder and experimentation is due.
You say 1.3cc of powder, that hints your using dippers which is fine, but to really get a known amount of measured powder try an step up to a scale as soon as you can.
The powder charge variable is one of the easiest to change and has a huge impact on group size.
Good luck, keep on trying. That's either half the fun or half the misery of loading,, constant experimentation.
Even when they find a sweet load, alot of guy's just keep on looking for something better, a new powder, a different bullet,,,

 

[Daddydavex2]

thanks for the info....i have a lee turrett loader that came with a powder measure set up for the press.....i be danged...could not figure out how that thing was supposed to mount on the press..i put the riser on but could not figure out how to attach it to the flow thru die. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...i hate having something that should be much more accurate but not smart enough to figure it out. Thanks.

 

[Daddydavex2]

also, i am using some WC ball powder my local range guy suggested....over all, considering my lack of experience, not unpleased at all...shot around 150 various rounds with this powder, only had 2 misfires that im pretty sure were primer failures and not due to the powder. this powder was very cheap by the 8lb jug...only about 9.50 a lb. will i get better results with a better powder? from what i have read, this WC ball powder is military grade..as are the cci primers im using. should i consider buying a better grade powder and primers or will this combo be sufficient (?) for med range shooting? thanks.

 

[short range]

My AR has a 1/9 twist, you might want to try Hornady 55 gr V-Max bullets with 23.5 gr of H335 I'm getting 10 shot groups at about 3/4 inch. at 100 yards. A consistant powder charge in very important for consistant group size, so as mentioned above, a digital scale will really help you with that.