So I Got Me a Black Rifle

[jds holler]

I don't envision myself dumping a ton of money into this little rifle. First interest will be to see if I can get it shooting at least decent with a basic "easy bake" load. So far, I've only put about 20 rounds through it, and here are the groups on my sight in target. Conditions sucked, and it's a load that I had done for a buddies rifle years ago.


I've been sick with the crud for ummmm day three now, and it's getting worse instead of better. I figure at this rate, I'll wake up in paradise in about three more days, and won't worry about this rifle any more. jd

 

[Rocketvapor]

NOT BAD for a cheapo AR.
Should get even better.
Here's a couple upgrades.
Shop around but JoeBob (free shipping over $90)
FDE or Black available.

 

[jds holler]

Speaking about ARs, has anyone adapted one of those plastic slings the biathlon guys use? I want to take my lightweight AR along when I go jogging at daybreak every AM and not have to use a backpack.. Seems like a biathlon sling would work really well for that.

View attachment 1535395

Now that's lightweight! jd

 

[jds holler]

RV, thanks for the JoeBob site. Never been there before, and it looks good. I'm a big EBay guy, but it's not very AR friendly. jd

 

[Dimner]

I bought from joebob, I like them. fast shipping as anyone.

Let's talk about bulk loads. Stuff for shooting under 200 yards. The bullet I use for this is the Hornady 55gr BTSP. It's a great little bullet for how cheap it is. Back before 2016 I ordered a few thousand of them for something like 6.5 cents each. Anything you hit under 200 yards with this will die. A lot instantly. A proper placed shot on a Yote and it's dead. I'd never shoot deer with them, but I did my research and they are apparently deer adequate if kept at expansion velocity or going for neck shots. Again, I wanted a do all bulk load that I could depend on when the I go on the run from a biker gang/mafia/cartel/amway and live on the northern plains of Saskatchewan. For the boreal forest, I'll bring my tikka 30-06.

So making this bulk load and getting it accurate made me learn some things. I have found that, if you are one of the guys that goes for max velocity and max pressure, accuracy will be a crapshoot, leaning towards the crap side of the equation.

I have had a few different barrels on my rigs and nothing liked factory 3100fps loads or what ever they load those darn things too.

My bulk reloads while tuning I tried high velocity (above 3050fps) groups started going downhill. I found, at leas with 16" barrels, 2950fps was where I get the best accuracy. All three of mine are 1moa @100 at that speed. 10 shot group verified. That's about all I need for the good ol canadian plains.

 

[USMCsilver]

What is fascinating about an AR?

They're like Legos, but for big kids.

I've got entirely too many, with extremely too much money tied up in accoutrements. I'm about to thin the heard a little to get my "dream gun" -- a SBR HK MP5 clone (aka SP5 w/ a stock). Either that, or a SBR'd Sig MCX-Spear LT 300BO w/ a 9" barrel. I figure it'd be fun. Would it be more fun than my 8.3" 300BO AR? I dunno. Or, would the SP5 be better because 9mm is cheaper? Decisions, decisions...

I'd like to say I'm not susceptible to marketing, because most commercials don't work (especially not for prescription meds I cannot pronounce). However, I do like new and shiny & I'm a sucker for toys (and Legos).

 

[CJ6]

I have found that an adjustable gas block can help "tune " as much as load tuning.

 

[USMCsilver]

Oh, and another recommendation for a decent stock with lots of storage options is a Vltor stock. Many people won't just stumble upon them.

It's got great cheekweld, and as stated, has multiple compartments that don't take anything away from actual form/function.

Also, Palmetto State Armory often puts the CMC 3.5# flat trigger on sale for ~$100 (~$250 regular). I've bought several and they impress me more than some of the "big name" brands.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Well, the wife is leaving her AR behind (for now).
I put together a bolt gun as a Christmas present.
Still shooting my 22 Nosler supplies though.

 

[jds holler]

I've got a butt load of bullets, everything from bulk unknown brand to Speer, Hornady, Sierra, and Nosler boxes of 100. In the 55 gr. I've got probably 2000 of the various brand name target and varmint types. Should be more than enough to get me started discovering how this thing will shoot.

I've got powders suitable, although old school stuff -- H335, BLC, 4895, 4220, 4064.

Best case scenario in my thinking is that I get this rifle shooting 1 MOA, and pretty much leave it alone and enjoy it. jd

 

[perazziguy]

I must be about the last guy to get an AR. It's pretty much entry level economy type - Anderson Arms AM 15. Flat top, 1/8" twist, no sights, except the honking big squirrel scope I latched on with a Primary Arms cantilever base.

I took it out for sight in, and of course the design seems to suck for putting it on bags. But I got er done, and I believe it will shoot with a little load development. I picked up a few five round mags for this, and found a Harris Bipod laying around here I thought I'd try. I've never used a bipod before, and thought I'd ask opinions. Would it be best to try a rear bag under the grip, or clear back under the collapsable stock? The barrel is completely free floating within the hand guard.

If I seem stupid about these rifles, it's because I am. jd

View attachment 1535125

No, I don't have one yet.

 

[USMCsilver]

Well, the wife is leaving her AR behind (for now).
I put together a bolt gun as a Christmas present.
Still shooting my 22 Nosler supplies though.

Forgive my ignorance, but what's up with the duck billed platypi (platypus, plural???)?

I'm guessing it cuts mirage? Never seen such critters atop barrels.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Crimp testing can be important with reloads, at minimum make sure your loads don't move bullets in or out during cycles. I like an adjustable front rest and leather ear bag for the stock(I have A2, carbine 6 position and an ultralight) for me it's better than a squeezable no matter the stock. I run more headspace, especially in the winter/hunting, and to avoid having to mortor(unload) at the range. I setup the sizing die for a drop fit to the lower step of a Lyman ammo checker.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Yes, barrel heat from long strings of fire (think F-Class) does produce mirage.
Google Rifle Mirage Shield.

I set my body die for for feel during a chamber check of a few rounds.
Then size another 0.001" and chamber check.
Maybe another 0.001".
Takes a few minutes to get it just right.
Looking for about 0.002" with the AR,
about 0.001" with the Savage.

 

[jmm03]

I am more of a bolt gun guy, but I had to try my hand at building a mouse gun off an 80%.

 

[Mojomfg]

You can clean up the trigger creep with a 75 cent set screw from home Depot

 

[Knotwild]

When I shoot mine for groups I use a Bald Eagle rest. I found that most hand guards are "grippy" so I put a piece of thin card board around the fore arm so it will recoil more consistently off the rest. It has always shrunk my groups.

 

[SecondsCount]

I've got a butt load of bullets, everything from bulk unknown brand to Speer, Hornady, Sierra, and Nosler boxes of 100. In the 55 gr. I've got probably 2000 of the various brand name target and varmint types. Should be more than enough to get me started discovering how this thing will shoot.

I've got powders suitable, although old school stuff -- H335, BLC, 4895, 4220, 4064.

Best case scenario in my thinking is that I get this rifle shooting 1 MOA, and pretty much leave it alone and enjoy it. jd

They are a lot of fun if you can find a range with steel targets at various distances.

Shooting the heavier 68-77 grain bullets will buck the wind better than the 55 grain ammo, and may give you good accuracy on paper.

 

[boltfluter]

I must be about the last guy to get an AR. It's pretty much entry level economy type - Anderson Arms AM 15. Flat top, 1/8" twist, no sights, except the honking big squirrel scope I latched on with a Primary Arms cantilever base.

I took it out for sight in, and of course the design seems to suck for putting it on bags. But I got er done, and I believe it will shoot with a little load development. I picked up a few five round mags for this, and found a Harris Bipod laying around here I thought I'd try. I've never used a bipod before, and thought I'd ask opinions. Would it be best to try a rear bag under the grip, or clear back under the collapsable stock? The barrel is completely free floating within the hand guard.

If I seem stupid about these rifles, it's because I am. jd

View attachment 1535125

I have shot many good groups from a bipod and rear bag. You want to preload the legs by firmly pushing the rifle forward. Be sure the bipod is attached so the legs fold forward. Hard to preload them when they fold up like a lawn chair!! Have fun and keep us posted.
Paul

 

[itchyTF]

ARs are capable. Old target, 1/4” grid.
20P