Loading .224 Hornady TAP/SBR 75gr Bullets for an AR

[STORMINORMAN]

Picked up some of these from Midway, although they were listed as 80gr Spitzers.. This is my 1st time loading bullets this heavy for use in an AR.

The actual weights are around 75gr and the bullets have the identical two canellures and soft point as shown for the loaded LE ammo on the Hornady website. A drawing shows these loaded to the first canellure with an OAL of 2.235".

Most 80gr load data often shows XTRA LONG very pointed match-style bullets and OALs in the 2.550" range, obviously too long for a magazine-fed AR. Some info refers to loading to magazine length (i.e., under the 2.250 or 2.260" spec for 223 & 5.56) vs. single shot for bolt action rifles with warnings about possible increased pressures.

Would loading these to start loads (MAX -10%) and near the OAL of 2.250" for other published 77gr bullets be a good, safe bet? I have published MAX load data from the powder manufacturer (25.2gr Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR) for a SIERRA 77gr HPBT.

Cheers!

 

[SMSgt]

I have found AS stainless-steel magazines will accept a COL up to 2.295". That may be too long to fit the leade of your chamber though.

 

[Nevada Ed]

It starts with what your Magazine will swallow, then
what your chamber will accept, plus
how the bullet does with the lands and groves,
with those long heavy bullets, if your twist is correct for spin rate.

Shoving the bullet farther into a case to make it fit or work, might up pressures but you
only need to reduce your loads to make them safe.

.224 dia. bullets are a great "Little" bullet that is like the medium 6mm
that also can be a tac driver in todays new loads.

Good luck with those bullets and I hope to see a target that "Burst" your buttons !!

Here is a sample of old .224 bullets that were available to me
for your data, if needed.

Tight groups.

 

[BillBro]

Ive never seen a 75gr hornady bullet with a soft lead tip, or any tip, theyre all hollowpoints. They make a tipped 62gr barrier blind bullet they use in the LE line. There are also 2 different TAP ogives, T1 and T2, only one is used in their LE ammo.

From what Ive read.

 

[loc n load]

SBR/TAP Hornady

If your bullets are the same OAL as 75 or 77 grain bullets, then loading to mag length will not be an issue. Starting with a reduced load is always prudent.
I shoot a lot of 75,77 grain bullets in my AR’s and shoot the 80 grain ELDM’s with a VN era Okay Industries mag that will hold two of the ELDM’s with their tips hanging over the front of the mag. Or you can use a sled follower and single load the 80’s.
For those not familiar with the Hornady SBR load they do load a 75 grain Lead tipped bullet.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

After some further research it appears this bullet may also be described by Hornady as an Interlock as shown in their line of BLACK ammo: if you go to their LE site there is that image I referred to earlier, showing the bullet with the dual cannelures. Seems to be a bullet designed for either SD or, even possibly, a hunting application?

I appreciate the responses! Mayhaps I'll start with a MAX -15% load to begin with...?

Cheers!

P.S. loc n load: those are them! Thanks!

 

[TexasViking]

2.250" is usually a good OACL for AR 15s. I haven't read all of the posts, but hopefully you're aware that your barrels twist rate should be 1 in 8" or 1 in 7". Chris Kyle changed the whole dynamic with the Mk 262 Mod 0 load. I worked up a clone using the SIERRA 77 gr. HPBT-Match. I wasn't as much interested in how it performed at 300 yards so much as how it held together at closer ranges. I tested at 50 yards and it did not do well. Tried the Hornady 75 gr. BTHP-Match w/cannelure and it was vastly better. I load them for 2750 FPS from a 16" barrel @ 2.248" and borrowing another handloaders practice, I taper crimp into the cannelures. With the charge of Ramshot TAC used, 10 rounds have a standard deviation of 10 or less, and AA 2520 is another good one along with several others.
Really depends on the powder you're using and whose data your looking at. Very few data providers give true 5.56mm NATO data. Western did in their load guides and their full-length No 1 Manual. I would definitely try to find one. They loaded the Sierra 80 & 90 gr. bullets at 5.56mm NATO pressure level. Not just a heavy bullet in a .223 REM load as some do.