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Suggested grain weight for 5.56 reload.

Mikelove

So I have done quite a bit of research on loading 5.56 ammo. There are bullets weights I would like to try but it is really limited on what I can get. You guys have any suggestions about whether I should go with a lighter 55gr or spend a little more for a heavier bullet? I am going for Acuracy for sure so leaning toward a heavier but again am limited by availability of components. Bad time to start reloading again lol. But like these kind of projects.
Also this is not the selling section but if anyone has some powder and bullets that might work well let me know. Thanks for your help guys. HAPPY FRIDAY!!
 
So it's a PSA 1:7 16" Barrel. It's one of their MOE uppers. The 1:7 is something from what I know is better for heaver grains hense the question. I am not going over 100 yards and probably more shoot 25-50 yards as really unless I mod the crap out of it to really shoot 100 in tight groups. But do enjoy 100 yard shooting. I used to reload and shoot 30-6 and yes I know it will never be that but would still like to have fun. BTW I would also love to mag dump a bunch but can't afford too much of that lol. So just looking for a good combo that is available.
 
Don't waste money on heavy bullets if you have a 1-9 barrel. As mentioned above what's your rifle, rate of twist, yada yada. I see you'r new on here so maybe new to reloading and I'm curious what research you've done. You can type "most accurate bullet in a AR 15 1-9 barrel? What powders for a Hornady 55 FMJ and so on.

You'll soon be overloaded with good and bad information, personal experience, opinions, etc. Start simple and look up what others are using in a similar platform to yours. Reloading manuals have great information on the reloading process and of course load data.

Clean, resize/deprime, prime, drop powder, seat bullet and shoot. Information on each of these steps has volumes of information on the process, equipment, ad naseum. Sorry I'm long winded but you'll find very knowledgeable shooters on this site willing to help so do your research ask the good questions and you can learn a lot.

I posted after you put your information but the same goes for looking up information on your platform.
 
At 25 to 50 yards, you can get away with just about anything except light weight thin jacketed varmint bullets.

So for example, don't pick ones like 40 VMax since they can spin apart. Your 1:7 twist is ideal for 77 grains, but you can go down to 55 (M-193) for short range.

Your ideal range is from about 69 grains to 77 grains in magazine length rounds. It can do very well with long SMK 80 loads at distance. So in short you can shop for anything from 77 TMK down to about 60 grains in normal lead core bullets. Copper solids are longer for their weight, so you can go from the 70 on down to 40 with things like Barnes TSX.
 
Yes it is a 1-7 twist. Maybe we posted at the same time. I have reloaded before but not on this platform. The steps are clear lol. Thanks all for the input. I have seen 55g do fine but again longer range is more fun when you reload and would like them to be effective. Thanks region rat...good info. Most of my o ky options as far as places to shoot are one at a time the so it's a big trip to dump and have enough for that if I go. These are target oractice.
 

Sierra MatchKing Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 77 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail and Sierra MatchKing Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 69 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail. I settled on these because they were available at not quite eye bleeding prices haha. And they look pretty:b I tried to find bullets with a canllure because it seems to be the thing for this caliber but thats another post. Now I just have to be patient and find powder. I would love to load with IMR 4895. It seems like it's a good powder for 223 and I use a TON of it in my 30-6. Now it's just a matter of finding something, wish me luck haha​

 
Mikelove said:
So I have done quite a bit of research on loading 5.56 ammo. There are bullets weights I would like to try but it is really limited on what I can get. You guys have any suggestions about whether I should go with a lighter 55gr or spend a little more for a heavier bullet? I am going for Acuracy for sure so leaning toward a heavier but again am limited by availability of components. Bad time to start reloading again lol. But like these kind of projects.
Also this is not the selling section but if anyone has some powder and bullets that might work well let me know. Thanks for your help guys. HAPPY FRIDAY!!
Click to expand...

Check out ACCURATESHOOTER on this website. Plenty of 223 info.

.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/223rem
 
If I had no plans to shoot beyond 100 yards, I’d save my money and stick with .22 rimfire.

At 100 yards and under with a 5.56 it makes very little difference what bullet or powder you use as long as it’s a safe load.
 
Everyone is correct! The best thing about the 223, is that it shoots pretty well with a great many powders. My pet load is 25.4 Varget with 69g Nosler Comp. The Aussie military powder is IMR 8208 xbr( they call it AR2210 or Benchmark 8208.) . I havent tried it, in 223. Great in the Grendel. At one time I used Benchmark 2 to good result. ( 25.5 with 55g, 23.5 for 69g) At least the 223 is cheap enough to run to play with loads until you are happy. I'm using ADI, Aussie military cases. Loading with a Redding die with a .247 bushing.
 
8208 xbr is popular powder for CMP/NRA service rifle in the states. 23.2-23.4 grains with a 77 hammers. For 55's, 25.0 grains Hodgdon Benchmark shoots 1/2 MOA in my mossberg mvp.
 
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